Viratra Vankal Mata Temple

Viratra Vankal Mata Temple is a 900-year-old Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Vankal, an aspect of Durga, situated atop Viratra Hill near Chohtan in Barmer district, Rajasthan. The temple is renowned as a mobile Shaktipeeth and serves as a spiritual surrogate for devotees unable to visit Hinglaj Mata in Pakistan. Perched on a red sandstone hill, it offers panoramic desert views and features traditional Rajasthani architecture with a white marble sanctum.

Visitors can expect a spiritually significant pilgrimage experience involving a climb of approximately 1250 steps up a rocky hill to reach the main temple. The site features two main temples—one at the base and one at the summit—with a Shiva temple located midway. Devotees engage in prayer rituals, attend aartis, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The atmosphere is particularly vibrant during festivals like Navratri and the Viratra Mela.

The temple is believed to be approximately 900 years old, dating back to the 12th century CE. According to legend, King Vikramaditya of Ujjain prayed to bring Hinglaj Mata from Balochistan. The idol stopped on Viratra Hill when the king looked back, establishing the shrine. The current temple structure was completed in 2013.

Viratra Vankal Mata Temple is considered a mobile Shaktipeeth and serves as a vital spiritual surrogate for devotees unable to visit the inaccessible Hinglaj Mata shrine in Pakistan. It is the Kuldevi (family deity) of the Nandwana community and holds significant importance in Shakta tradition. The temple hosts major festivals including the Four Day Theerth Yatra in April and Navratri celebrations.