Jind town derives its name from Jayanti, the goddess known for victory. This temple was constructed by Pandavas to goddess Jayanti Devi which then developed to Jaintpuri town. The name of this town later modified to Jind. Goddess Jayanti Devi is known to be highly sensitive and compassionate who lovingly listens to prayers of her beloved devotees. Jayanti Devi is one among the seven sisters, seven goddess of Kangra valley-Jwalaji, Naina devi, Chintpurni, Brajeshwari, Mansa Devi, Jayanti Devi and Chamunda Devi. The villagers in Jayanti majri confined the construction of their houses to single storey as a sign of their reverence to Goddess Jayanti Devi.  There is a very old well at the temple base which provides sweet water to quench the thirst round the year. The goddess is situated in a huge complex with a park and Jayanti Archeological Museum inside.

Legend of Temple

The story around the Mata Jayanti Devi temple is considered to be the story of valuable gift. The story of this temple rolls back to approximately 550 years at the time of Mughal reign. During this period, there was a small estate in the name of Hathnaur , located at the northern direction of the current Chandigarh city. The king of this estate was having 22 siblings. One among his brothers got married to daughter of Kangra King in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The bride was a big devotee of goddess Mata Jayanti Devi, mother goddess of clan right from her childhood. Every morning her first priority is to worship goddess and later followed her other activities.

When the elders fixed her marriage, she was very nervous in moving far from her favorite deity and missing the opportunity to have the darshan of her goddess every morning. She performed sincere prayers and conveyed her heart felt grief and repentance to her goddess Jayanti Devi. Goddess Jayanti Devi was greatly moved by the devotion of her devotee. The goddess appeared in the girls dream and promised that she will definitely accompany her to all places.

After marriage, when the bridegroom and his team started moving back from Hathnaur along with bride’s doli, there happened a miracle. At that moment, the doli turned out to be very heavy. Either of the king’s men or the traditional kahars could able to move the doli. At that moment, the bride conveyed about her dream to her father. The king respected divine’s will and ordered for alternate doli, placed the idol on it and sent the holy goddess along with his lovable daughter. Following this, the pujari along with his family also moved along with goddess.

Hathnaur king later established a shrine for this goddess on a hillock, situated in his estate. Initially the bride and then followed by her generations worshiped this Mata Jayanti Devi for more than 200 years.

During this period, there was a robber named Garibu or Garibdas established his power over part of this region including the Mullanpur (currently in Ropar). Slowly, Garibu invaded Hathnaur estate and established his rule. This Garibu was a good friend to poor and also a big devotee of goddess Mata. It was him who renovated Goddess Jayanti Devi temple and also extended the temple which currently exists.

Architecture of Temple

One can enter into this temple through a gigantic gate located at the foot of hillock. The temple premise is about 100 steps from this gate. Once we reach the peak of the steps, there is a huge water tank, which is a traditional structure of our Indian temples.

The tank was used by people during olden days. The tank is concrete construction and there are steps which lead downwards from both the sides. Whereas the other two sides of the tank comprise the rocky wall of mound. Few shops are located along the steps trading small items like red net chitnies, fancy jewelry, coconut, devotional songs cassettes, photos of the goddess and also toys etc…Jayanti Devi temple is situated at the peak of this hillock firmly supported by huge pillars. This site provides a complete sight of the evergreen surroundings, serpentine Jayanti Rao and further settlements. Lying inside the santorum is the stone idol of goddess Jayanti Devi. Lying outside the niches are the idols of Ganesha, Shiva, Laxmi and various other local Gods like Balasudari and Lokda Dev in their folk forms.

Attraction in Temple

Lot of devotees throng this temple at the time of grand fair held during full moon day in the month of February and also a small fair held during the month of August. During this period more than 1.5 lakh devotees throng this temple from distant and close places.

Navratri is also one of the auspicious occasions focused by devotees and also Sundays. There are two committees who maintain this temple. One among them is the family of the priest and also the villagers of Jayanti Majri. They take care of the construction and the extension work of this temple. Another committee comprise of Mullanpur residents. They hold frequent meetings on Sunday and also at the time of fair. The temple is not supported by government but it is wholly run by donations from the devotees. Currently there is limited accommodation facility for devotees. The temple committee is working on this issue with the construction of Dharamshala to accommodate the pilgrims. The pujari who is performing the sacred duties presently belong to 11th generation of pujari who came from Kangra along with the deity. He resides inside the temple premises.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal time to visit this temple is during the months of February and August. During this period, a grand fair is organized at the time of navratri by the temple committee. A grand fair is held during Poornima in the month of February and a small fair is held during poornima of August month.

How to Reach

There is a single bus service from Chandigarh city to this temple. The condition of this bus is erratic. The Chandigarh administration make bus facilities at the time of February fair to transport village devotees and also visitors, there is a necessity for regular bus service specifically during holidays and Sundays.

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