Cholita Chamunda Mata Temple is located in Chotila, a small village near Rajkot.
To know the Darshan and Aarti timings of Chotila Temple, you can read further. You will also find answers to why there is a twin idol of Chamunda Maa at the temple, why entry is not allowed after the evening Aarti, how to reach Chotila Temple, and details about its special Aarti.
Chotila was called Chotgadh in ancient times. The temple actually belonged to the Sodha Parmars and was later conquered by the Khachar Kathis, who made it one of their principal seats.
Most of the Khachar Khatis have their origins in this temple. The Chamund or Chotila hill is surmounted by the temple of Chamunda Maa.
You need to climb 620 steps to reach the temple. The town is administered by the Nagarpalika.
Chotila Temple Timings
Chotila Temple Opening and Closing Timings
| Temple Timings | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening | 5:00 AM |
| Closing | 7:30 PM |
During Navratri, the Chamunda Mata Mandir in Chotila remains open 24 hours, allowing devotees to have darshan at any time easily.
Chotila Temple Aarti Timings
| Days | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti Monday to Saturday | 6:00 AM |
| Evening Aarti Monday to Sunday | 6:00 PM |
| Morning Aarti Sunday | 5:30 AM |
| During Purnima Morning Aarti | 4:00 AM |
| During Purnima Evening Aarti | 6:00 PM |
Bhojanalay Prasad Timings at Chotila Temple
The Chotila Temple Trust provides free lunch and dinner to the devotees from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
History of Chotila Chamunda Temple
The idol of the Chotila Temple is self-manifested. Mata once came in a dream of his bhakt. He ordered him to dig a certain place and unveil her idol. He did so and found the idol of Chamunda Maa. At the same place, the temple was built.
Today, the temple is also in the same place, yet there are many changes, including an extended hall and steps with carpet for the convenience of the pilgrims.
The story behind the temple is that the demons Chand and Munda came to fight with Goddess Mahakali. The goddess cut their heads and gave them to Mother Ambika, who then asked Mahakali to give permission for them to worship Chamunda Devi, a goddess of the Chotila temple who presents herself.
No one is allowed to stay near the temple after the evening Aarti, not even the pujaris. This can be stated in the story of a man who slept outside the temple during the night. When he woke up in the morning, he found himself at the bottom of the hill. It’s believed there’s a lion who protects the Maa. So, there’s an idol of a lion near the Chamunda Maa Temple.
Chotila Temple Ropeway
The Chotila Temple Ropeway is not available at the moment. You need to climb 620 steps to reach the temple. We will update this post as soon as the service is available.
How to Reach Chotila Temple
There are 620 steps to climb, and you can reach the temple. Yet, there’s no cable car or ropeway available to reach the Chamunda temple. You need to climb the steps.
From the top of Chamunda Mata Temple in Chotila, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings.
By Train
Rajkot is just 47.5 km from the Chotila temple. So, to reach Chotila by rail route, you need to get down at Rajkot Railway Station. Then, travel to Chotila by cab or any public transport.
By Road
Travelling to Chotila by bus is the most convenient way to reach the temple. GSRTC buses are easily available from major cities in Gujarat. The Chotila bus stand is just 650 meters from the temple.
By Air
Rajkot Airport is the nearest airport to Chotila Temple. Chotila is located 50 km from the temple. Get down to the airport and hire a cab to reach the temple.
Accommodation at Chotila
If you are planning a trip to Chotila and looking for the best stay, visit YatraDham.Org for comfortable and affordable bookings of hotels, dharamshalas, and homestays.
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WELL SUMMARISED.
INDEED THE PLACE IS ATTRACTIVE & DIVINE WITH GRACE OF SAKTHI.
NO WONDER THAT THE CROWDS THRONG THIS TEMPLE.
FOR THE TYPE OF CROWDS WHICH VISIT, PARKING IS LACKING.