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