Kamna Devi Temple

The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm daily, throughout the week. Two formal aartis (ritual worship ceremonies) structure the day: the morning aarti begins at 6:00 am, and the evening aarti takes place at 6:00 pm. These are the principal times when the deity receives formal ceremonial worship. Visitors are welcome to attend these aartis or to visit at other times during the open hours.

Morning hours are noted as the best time to visit, offering both a quieter atmosphere and clearer views of the surrounding landscape. The temple imposes no entry fee, making it accessible to all visitors regardless of means.

Navratri and Durga Puja Observances

The temple celebrates both Navratri and Durga Puja annually, festivals central to the worship of Goddess Durga and her various forms, including Kali. These festivals draw increased numbers of devotees to the shrine. The exact dates of these observances follow the lunar calendar and vary from year to year; visitors planning their trip around these festivals should confirm current dates before travelling.

These festival periods represent the most significant times in the temple's annual cycle and offer visitors the opportunity to experience the shrine during heightened spiritual activity and communal celebration.

Visiting the Temple: Practical Information

The temple is located at Prospect Hill, Boileauganj, Chakkar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171005, approximately 5 kilometres from Shimla's city centre. The address and coordinates (31.09611111111111, 77.13416666666667) can be used for navigation. For inquiries, the temple's phone number is 01772 830568.

No entry fee is required. Visitors should wear modest, respectful clothing appropriate to a Hindu place of worship—typically this means covering shoulders and knees. The steep road to the hilltop may be challenging for those with mobility difficulties; sturdy footwear is advisable. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras to capture the scenic views of southern Shimla and the surrounding valleys that the hilltop location affords.

Nearby Attractions

The temple's location places it within reach of several other sites of interest. Manorville Mansion, a British-era building associated with Mahatma Gandhi's residence from 1935 to 1946, lies only 0.2 kilometres away near the University of Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, notable for its architecture and historical significance, is 0.4 kilometres distant. Summer Hill, offering views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and a quieter atmosphere than central Shimla, is approximately 1.2 kilometres away. These nearby locations allow visitors to structure a broader exploration of the Boileauganj and surrounding hill areas.

Getting There

The temple sits 5 kilometres from Shimla's city centre, making it readily accessible for those visiting the hill station. Visitors can reach the temple by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or private vehicle from central Shimla. The steep road leading up to the hilltop shrine should be navigated carefully, particularly in poor weather conditions. Those arriving by public transport should confirm current local options with their accommodation or the Shimla tourism office.