Choura Devi Temple, Hamirpur

The Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, located in the Bundelkhand region, has always been recognized for its rich religious and cultural heritage. The villages and towns here are deeply connected to age-old beliefs and the worship of various deities. Among the renowned temples of this region, “Choura Devi Temple” holds a special place. Situated a few kilometers away from Hamirpur city, this temple attracts not only local devotees but also visitors from far-off places. People believe that Maa Choura Devi fulfills every sincere wish of her devotees.

The history of the temple is closely connected to local beliefs and religious traditions. It is said that centuries ago, a sacred Peepal tree stood at this spot. One day, the idol of the Goddess was found inside the trunk of the tree. Locals referred to the place as “Choura.” Gradually, people began experiencing divine miracles at the site—some saw the Goddess in their dreams, many found their wishes fulfilled after praying here, and several devotees were freed from suffering. Because of these miraculous events, regular worship began here, and eventually, a grand temple was built. Maa Choura Devi is also worshipped as the village deity (Gram Devi). According to elders, whenever a new family settled in the region in ancient times, they would first worship Choura Devi before beginning their life in the village. She is believed to be the protector of the region. During the freedom struggle, this temple was also used as a site for several secret meetings. This historical and social background has further increased the temple’s importance.

The temple is designed in the traditional Hindu architectural style. After entering through the main gate, devotees reach a large courtyard where lamps are lit during worship. The temple is surrounded by small pillars, giving it a peaceful and divine ambience. The sanctum (garbhagriha) houses the idol of Maa Choura Devi, carved from black stone. The idol appears extremely ancient, with a calm and radiant expression. The Goddess is depicted wearing a crown, adorned with garlands, and holding scriptures and a blessing posture in her hands. The ceilings of the temple are beautifully decorated with colorful paintings depicting the tales of the Goddess and various religious symbols. Hymns, mantras, and folk songs dedicated to the deity are inscribed on the walls. The entire premises are clean and well-maintained, offering spiritual serenity to every visitor.

Choura Devi Temple opens at 5:00 AM and remains accessible till 9:00 PM. The day begins with the Goddess’s Aarti at 5:30 AM. A special offering (bhog) is made at 12:00 noon, and an evening Aarti is performed at 7:00 PM. During festivals and Navratri, the temple timings are extended to accommodate the large number of devotees. Throughout Navratri, the temple hosts night-long devotional songs, jagrans, and elaborate decorations of the Goddess. Thousands of devotees visit during these nine days, and long queues are seen for darshan.

The prasad offered here is considered sacred and highly revered by devotees. The main offerings include besan laddoo, chana-jaggery, and panchamrit. Made with pure ghee, the prasad is distributed among visitors, who often take some home for their families. During Navratri, special offerings of kheer, puri, halwa, and fruits are made to the Goddess. Some devotees also offer 1.25 kg laddoo or coconuts upon fulfillment of their wishes. It is believed that the prasad here is miraculous, bringing peace, good health, and prosperity.

Reaching the temple is quite easy, as Hamirpur district is well connected by road, rail, and air. By Train The nearest railway station is Hamirpur Road Railway Station, well connected with major cities like Kanpur, Jhansi, and Lucknow. The temple is about 6–8 km from the station, and autos, e-rickshaws, and taxis are easily available. Visitors coming from distant cities can reach Kanpur Central Railway Station and take a local train or bus to Hamirpur.

By Bus Regular buses of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) operate to Hamirpur from cities such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Banda, Orai, and Jhansi. The temple is around 4 km from the Hamirpur Bus Stand. Autos and tempos are easily available. During festivals, additional bus services are arranged.

By Air The nearest airport is Kanpur Airport, about 90 km away. From there, visitors can take a taxi to Hamirpur. Lucknow Airport is another option, located around 150 km from the temple.