MATA ASHAPURI TEMPLE : Pleasure to eyes and peace to heart

                                       

                                                                       Ashapuri Mata commonly known as the 'wish-fulfilling goddess' is the famous deity of the Palampur region. Away from the hustle-bustle, this hilltop temple premises amaze the eyes with picturesque natural views and the divine environment tranquil the soul. The temple remains pilgrim laden throughout the year. Its religious significance and impeccable beauty makes devotees visit this temple again and again.

A glance at the history

According to mythology, the temple was built in the dwapra era.  Pandavas found Mata Ashapuri here in Pindi form during their incognito exile and built this temple. While some locals tell that this temple was built by the Katoch dynasty.                  

                                                                                                               

How to reach Mata Ashapuri temple

One can reach there by cab, bike and even by bus. The buses are limited and one needs to confirm the bus timings. Ashapuri temple is 31 km away from Palampur and 51 km from Sujanpur bus station. A train trip can also be preferred up to the Panchrukhi railway station.

                                                                                        People who hail from the Panchrukhi region must remembered many walking routes to reach the temple.  Up to 90's, it was very common to visit the temple on foot. Once the road facility to Ashapuri temple came into existence then the trend of on foot traveling to the temple become the neglected one. For now, there is well-established roads from Panchrukhi as well as from Sujanpur.

Fair and festivals

Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and show in this place. A festival is being organized and devotees from all across the region come here to be a part of fair and take blessings.

The heartwarming people of Ashapuri temple:

The people of Ashapuri village are very simple, happy, talkative and helpful. Water is always available in the small distance in the stairs. I must say it’s a neat and tidy village, the homes and lifestyles are old but completely traditional. Women can be seen knitting and gossiping at the same time.

About my experience

I visited this holy shrine in October 2019. It took almost one hour from Panchrukhi to the Ashapuri temple. The road condition was good except for a few patches. The whole way from Panchrukhi to Ashapuri temple is a complete nature getaway. The view of farthest hilltops, lush valleys, dense forest of Pinus and synchronization of villages in the middle of forest soothes the eyes.

I divided my journey into two parts one is safely reaching the base of the Ashapuri temple without getting nostalgic about the view. And the other is a small track of almost half an hour to reach the temple premises. So, Jor se bolo Jai Mata Di is necessary to chant out loudly. There are stairs which lead from shops to someone's home and even fields. Whole travel remained cheerful by walking, resting and even talking with fellow devotees.

Some travel tips:

- Keep your spirit high to climb steep accent stairs. It may take half an hour if you don't take rest ( chanting Jai Mata Di always help here).

- Keep cash with you.  I haven't seen any ATM service available here.

- Water, snacks and Indian food is available throughout the stairs. Toys, temple pics, and other small items are easily available and that too in cost-effective prices.

- Roads are worn and torn in some places otherwise they are good enough to drive { be caution during the rainy season). The maximum distance covered is through the dense forest so you may not get a car service station if stuck in a middle way.

- There is one pwd guest house near the temple. Locals also provide rooms for night stay just in minimal charges.

Picture sources: Internet