Shri Ghati Chandikamba Devasthana perches atop Balebare Ghat, also called Hulikal Ghat, at an elevation of around 600 m, this site is in Hosanagara taluk, Shimoga district, Karnataka, surrounded by dense forests and frequently drenched during monsoons.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandikamba (also known as Chandikeshwari), a fierce form of Durga/Chandi revered for protecting travelers along the ghat road. She is believed to ward off accidents, wild animals, and negative energies. Many motorists pause here to offer kumkum and donations, trusting in her guardianship.
A modest structure blends into the hillside, featuring a simple tiled roof, a small sanctum, and an open hall for devotees.
Long ago, travellers crossing the dense Western Ghats at Balebare, now called Hulikal Ghat, often faced accidents, wild animals, and sudden storms. Their journey was fraught with fear and hardship, especially during the heavy monsoon season when the hills came alive with rain and mist.
One night, a traveling sage stopped at the ghat and had a vivid dream: a powerful goddess, Chandikamba, stood at the highest curve of the ghats, her many arms holding weapons and blessing those who came to her. She told the sage, “I am here to protect everyone who crosses this mountain. Build a temple at the ghat’s highest point, and I will shield travellers from harm.”
When the sage awoke, he climbed to the top of Balebare Ghat and found an unexplainable spring of water gushing from the rocky ground. Interpreting this as her divine presence, he rallied devotees, local villagers, and forest dwellers to build a small stone shrine dedicated to her.
Soon after the temple was built, pilgrims began stopping by and offering kumkum, oil, and money for “kanike” (votive offerings).
A well-known story tells of buses stopping as they passed by, with conductors collecting offerings and returning blessed kumkum—signifying that even the goddess’ influence extended to moving vehicles.
Over time, the temple gained a reputation: whenever storms hit the ghat, the temple bells would be rung, and devotees believed accidents were averted. The hidden spring remained, and prasadam (blessed food) began to be served daily at noon, offering both nourishment and divine protection to travellers.
Locals share that during Navaratri, the goddess becomes especially active. Stories abound of her appearing in dreams to guide lost travellers or protect forest animals.
At Shri Ghati Chandikamba Devasthana, the main festival celebrated is Navaratri, during which the temple becomes vibrant with special pujas, homas (fire rituals), and devotional singing dedicated to Goddess Chandikamba. Devotees from nearby villages and travellers participate in the aarti and annadanam (free food offering). Apart from Navaratri, Amavasya (New Moon) and Pournami (Full Moon) days are also considered auspicious, attracting regular worshippers who seek blessings for safe journeys and personal well-being.
