Chamunda Mata Temple Devi Tekri

Known locally by names such as Chamunda Mata Temple, Choti Mata, Dewas Tekri, Mata Ki Tekri, Devi Vaishini Hill, and Dewas Mata Mandir, this ancient hill temple is a significant Shakti Peetha with a rich spiritual atmosphere.

The temple complex is distinguished by its rock-cut architecture and is formally associated with the Puar (Pawar) Maratha royal family of Dewas state, though the original cave shrine predates written records.

The primary deity worshipped here is Goddess Shakti, with sanctums dedicated to Tulja Bhavani Mata, Kalika Mata, Hanuman, Bhairav Baba, Kho Kho Mata, and Annapurna Mata, making it a vibrant centre for spiritual seekers.

The temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 8:00/9:00 PM, with extended timings till midnight during Navratri. Devotees can participate in the Morning Aarti at 6:00 AM and Evening Aarti at 7:00 PM, as well as individual ritual offerings such as archana and hawan, conducted in Sanskrit and Hindi.

Darshan at Chamunda Mata Temple is free for all visitors. The best times to visit include early mornings (5–8 AM), during evening aarti, in the winter months (November to February), and during the vibrant festival season.

Major festivals celebrated here are Navaratri (both Chaitra and Sharad), Durga Puja, Vasant Panchami, and the annual brahmotsavam, drawing large numbers of pilgrims.

Reaching the temple is convenient: arrive in Dewas city via the Agra-Mumbai National Highway (NH 52) or by train at Dewas Junction, which is only 2 km away. From the city, local auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, or taxis can take you to the base of Mata Tekri hill.

Pilgrims can then ascend the 300–350 stone steps, take the sloped motorable road, or opt for the ropeway (cable car) to reach the hilltop temple.

Parking is available at the foothill, and partial wheelchair accessibility is provided at the base and ropeway terminals, though the ancient terrain atop the hill has uneven stone flooring.

Visitors are advised to follow the dress code: men should wear traditional or modest Indian attire, while women are encouraged to dress in saree, salwar kameez, or modest kurtis.

Photography is permitted in the outer premises and hilltop areas for panoramic city views, but strictly prohibited inside the main inner sanctum.

Devotees can enjoy traditional prasad such as laddoos and misri, and a community food service (bhojan prasadi thali) is available near the temple for a nominal price.

Accommodation options are plentiful within 1 km of the temple, including hotels like Shri Khedapati International and Hotel Sagar, while Indore city, 35 km away, offers additional choices.

Nearby attractions include Jay Maa Tulja Bhavani Badi Mata Mandir, Meetha Talab, Sayaji Gate Dewas, Royal Chhatris Of Dewas, Ujjain, and Kheoni Wildlife Sanctuary, making Chamunda Mata Temple Devi Tekri an essential stop for pilgrims and tourists alike.