Sui Mata Mandir, suii maataa mNdir - Hindu temple in Chamba - Chamba, India

Sui mata or chamundi devi temple. The views from this temple is breathtaking. It is a steep climb to this place but is totally worth it

Sui Mata Temple stands as an honour to the sacrifice of Queen Sui- the wife of King Sahil Varman. The temple is situated in the Saho village of Chamba district and is a paradigm of sacrifice. It's decorated with beautiful painting that depicts the life of Sui. A fair is organized every year at this place which begins on 15th March and continues till the first of April. Married women and girls flock to this place with offerings to pay respect to the great queen. Hence, a visit to this holy place will offer you great insight into the numerous traditions and culture of Chamba. There is a hidden story behind the foundation of the temple. Long ago, there was a heavy rainfall in the region and due to this issue, King Sahil Varman tried various ways to impress gods and so he started giving offerings to the gods. After suffering from great pain and stress, he left his throne to fulfil the requirement but there was no water for years. Then, he consulted Brahmins and religious advisors who advised the king would have to sacrifice his son or wife to bring water in the region. Though, it was very difficult for him to do so but with a heavy heart the king decided to sacrifice his son. But her wife could not see his son giving sacrifice and so she sacrificed herself instead of his son. After she died, her body and her close maidens were buried around the premises of temple. Very soon, water began to flow in the village and from that day the scarcity of water is never seen in the region. The temple is constructed on Shah Madar Hill and has three parts. The first one is the main temple steps which were made by Rani Sarda, the wife of the king Raja Jit Singh who leads to the Sarota stream. Second is a passage and third is the memorial of Queen Sui. However, the shrine has been built as a temple and people make offerings in this temple.

Jai Mata Di Sui Mata Temple is located at upper terrace in Chamba town in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Queen Sunayana, a queen of Shaila Varman. Over 1,000-year-old, Suhi Mata temple at Chamba is an inseparable part of its cultural heritage. Sui Mata Mela 2022 date is April 10 to April 13. Sui Mata, as she was popularly called, was buried alive, having willingly agreed to sacrifice her life to propitiate the gods and thus bring water to the newly formed capital. The temple, approached by a series of stone steps constructed later, marks the spot where the queen stopped to rest on the way to her death. During the 10th century CE, the Chamba area in Himachal Pradesh had no rain for years and King Sahil Varman tried to please the gods in almost all possible ways but nothing worked. He finally consulted the oracles and sorcerers who told him that he needed to sacrifice either his wife or his son to bring water to his kingdom. With a heavy heart, the king decided to sacrifice his son but his wife, Queen Sunayana, could not bear the son getting sacrificed so she sacrificed herself.

Located on Shah Madar Hill in the scenic village of Saho, Sui Mata Temple is dedicated to the queen of Sahil Varman, Sui, and is divided into three parts. Legend has it that long ago, the area had no rain for years and king Sahil Varman tried to please the gods in almost all possible ways but nothing worked. He finally consulted a few brahmins who told him that he needed to sacrifice either his wife or his son to bring water to his kingdom. With a heavy heart, the king decided to sacrifice his son but his wife could not bear the son getting sacrificed so she sacrificed herself. After her death, her body and her maidens were buried around the temple's premises. Soon, water started flowing in the kingdom and from then on, there has never been a shortage of water in the region. Every year, beginning March 15, a fair is organised that continues till April 1. A large number of married women and girls arrive to pay respects to the queen who laid down her life for the welfare of her people. They also sing songs in her praise. Colourful paintings that depict the life of the queen dot the walls of the temple. One gets great insights into the culture and traditions of Chamba after a visit to the Sui Mata Temple.

Amazing .... And best of all is the real story of the goddess ... One should go when the fair is organized. Himalayan orchard huts homestay's owner is very well versed with all the history of chamba and temples.

Must visit place if u r in Chamba, Sui Mata temple situated at the heights of CHAMBA town from where u can enjoy the panoramic view of CHAMBA Valley......

Sui Mata... beautiful temple on height ... it's because of her water cane in Chamba ...in summer season Sui Mela also happens here once in a year

One has to climb some stairs to reach the temple but worth it.