The journey uphill from the sprawling plains of Haridwar to the top of the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills ends at the holy shrine of Chandika Devi, celebrating the manifestation of Goddess Shakti. The idol of the temple is believed to have been  installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh during his reign as the King of Kashmir. The shrine is believed to be one of the three Siddhapeetha in Haridwar, where the Devi is believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees.

Location Uttarakhand , Haridwar, Dehradun

Legend

Legends regarding the Chandi devi temple, revolve around the demons of Shumba and Nishumba who wrecked havoc on the God's. Parvathi devi took the form of Chandi in answer to the prayers of the Gods. Shumba was smitten by the breathtaking beauty of Chandi. Angry that she refused to marry him, Shumbha sent his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were annihilated by Goddess Chamunda who originated out of Chandika's wrath. Shumbha and Nishumbha then tried to kill Chandika but were killed by the goddess. Thereafter, Chandika is said to have rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat  where a temple was built tho celebrate the divinity of Chandi Devi.

This Temple is part of famous Saptapuri Yatra, Haridwar Rishikesh Yatra.and Maha Kumbh Mela

Architecture

Atop the Neel Parvati, with the sprawling vista of Haridwar beneath is the Chandi devi temple. The white towers stand tall, visible form afar. The temple is decorated with red flags and red flowers. A flight of stairs lead to the shrine where the deity of Chandika Devi is centrally placed. There is a Hawan Kund where ghee lamps are lit by the devotees. Very near to the Chandi devi temple, there is the shrine for Anjana, mother of Hanuman.

Culture

Haridwar is famous for its many temples, religious occurrences and spirituality. It is one of the seven holiest places of Hindus and one of the four places where Kumbamela is conducted. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.

Darsan Info

Chandi Devi Temple timings : 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM  .Tickets to Mansa devi and Chandi devi can be taken together as a combination ticket. During peak season and festival days, it is advisable to go as early as possible because of the long wait for the cable car

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

October - Navratri

Temple Rituals

The priests perform puja with the offerings bought by the devotees and give prasad. Regular pujas are also conducted in the Chandi Devi Temple.

Special Rituals

Devotees can light their incense sticks and ghee lamps near the hawan kunda. Chandi Chad's fair last for 14 days and is celebrated with lots of festivities

Additional Info

  

Small eateries and restaurants are available on the roads leading to the ropeway to the Chandi Devi temple

 

 Supermarket : Available