Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
Chandi Devi temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the
Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of
the Himalayas.The temple has the privilege of being counted among the
popular Shaktipeethas (Hindu sites of special mythological
significance) in the Northern India.
Due to the belief that whoever pays a visit to the temple
gets his/ her wishes fulfilled by the blessings of Goddess Chandi Devi, the
temple is considered as Siddhapitha.
LEGENDS :
According
to Hindu mythology, the kingdom over which Lord Indra reigned was taken over by
two demon kings named Shumbh and Nishumbh. These demons had begun to throw
away gods from heaven. It was therefore time to create a powerful goddess.
Finally, from the cells of goddess Parvati was created a goddess
- Chandika Devi. Since the goddess was very beautiful, demon king Shumbh
wished to marry her but was refused. This denial led to an enraged combat. The
goddess first killed Chand Munda, the demon's army chief and then were slain
the demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh. Since the battle took place on the Neel
Parvat, the temple is a tribute to the whole incident.
Temple :
The temple is one of the most ancient temples of India. Thousands
of devotees flock to the temple, especially during the festivals of Chandi
Chaudas and Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar,
to seek the blessings of the goddesses who is believed to fulfill their wishes.
The temple is a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar.
The main image at Chandidevi temple is said to have been installed
by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D. .Chandidevi alongwith Mansadevi and
Mayadevi temple form a Siddhapeeth triangle in the holy city of Hardwar. The
temple is situated at the hilltop near Haridwar. The pilgrims can visit the
temple by the ropeway in around 5 minutes while the steep climb by steps takes
over 45 minutes.
Very near to the Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjana,
mother of the monkey-god Hanuman is located and devotees visiting
Chandi Devi temple also visit this temple. Neeleshwar Temple is also situated
at the foot of the Neel Parvat. It is saidthat Mansa and Chandi, the
two forms of goddess Parvati always reside close to each other. The
temple of Mansa is exactly on the other side of the hilltop on the Bilwa Parvat
on the opposite bank of River Ganges. This belief can also be found true in
other case since near to Mata Mansa Devi
Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, there is a Chandi
Mandir located nearby in Chandigarh.
Timings : 8am TO
5pm
How to get here :
By Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which
is a domestic airport located at about just 20 km away from city center.
By Train : Haridwar railway
station is a major station well connected to all major cities in India.
By Road : Hardwar is connected by
road to many places. Some of these are:Delhi 194 km ,Dehradun 67 km,Mussoorie
101 km,Ambala 167 km,Rishikesh 25,Yamunotri 240 km
Post a Comment