Haridwar, one of the holiest places for Hindus, is nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The city is a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra - a pilgrimage to four holy sites - Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Every year, millions of devotees from all over the world come to Haridwar to seek the blessings of the gods and goddesses.  

One of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Haridwar is the Chandi Devi Temple. Perched atop the Neel Parvat, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chandi. In this article, we will explore the history, significance, and travel information about the Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar.  

History of Chandi Devi Temple  

The Chandi Devi Temple is said to have been built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Indian philosopher, and theologian. According to legend, Chandi Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, killed the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha at this very spot. The temple was built in honor of her victory.  

In the 1920s, the temple was renovated by the King of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh. The temple's current structure was built in the 20th century and is a beautiful amalgamation of modern and ancient architecture.  

Significance of Chandi Devi Temple  

The Chandi Devi Temple is considered to be one of the Shakti Peeths, where the body parts of the Hindu goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her body on his shoulder. It is believed that by visiting this temple, one can attain Moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death.  

The temple is also associated with the legend of Chandi and her victory over the demon kings. It is believed that by worshipping Chandi Devi, one can overcome all obstacles in life and be blessed with good health, wealth, and prosperity.  

How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple  

The Chandi Devi Temple is located on the top of the Neel Parvat, which can be reached by a cable car ride or a steep trek. The cable car ride starts from the Chandi Ghat, which is located on the banks of the river Ganga. The trek to the temple is a 3-kilometer long steep climb and takes about an hour to reach the top.  

The cable car ride is a popular option for tourists who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas and the river Ganga. The cable car operates from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and costs around INR 375 for a round trip.  

Things to Do in Chandi Devi Temple  

Apart from offering prayers and seeking blessings at the temple, there are several other activities that visitors can do in and around the temple. The Neel Parvat offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and the city of Haridwar. Visitors can enjoy the panoramic view from the temple premises or take a stroll around the hill.  

The Chandi Devi Temple is also a popular spot for trekking enthusiasts. The trek to the temple is steep and challenging, but the scenic beauty and the spiritual aura make it a fulfilling experience.  

Best Time to Visit Chandi Devi Temple  

The best time to visit the Chandi Devi Temple is during the months of March to June and September to December. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the views of the Himalayas are breathtaking. During the monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, the trek to the temple becomes difficult due to heavy rainfall and landslides. The winter months of January and February witness very low temperatures, and the temple remains closed during this period.  

Accommodation and Food Options  

There are several hotels and lodges in Haridwar that offer accommodation options for tourists of all budgets. Visitors can choose to stay near the temple or in the city center, which is about 4 kilometers away from the temple.  

Haridwar is known for its delicious street food and local cuisine. The city is dotted with several food stalls and restaurants that serve mouth-watering dishes such as chaat, kachori, lassi, and thandai.  

Hidden facts about Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar:-

Chandi Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the holy city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Here are some lesser-known facts about the temple:

Legend has it that Chandi Devi Temple was built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher and reformer.

The temple is located atop the Neel Parvat (Blue Mountain) and can be reached by a steep climb of around 3 km from the Chandi Ghat.

The main deity of the temple is Goddess Chandi, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

The temple is also associated with the legend of Mansa Devi, another popular temple in Haridwar. According to the legend, Mansa Devi was born out of the powers of Chandi Devi to kill the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha.

The temple was destroyed several times in history, and the present structure was rebuilt in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Maharaja Hari Singh.

Chandi Devi Temple is one of the Siddh Peeths in India, which are believed to be places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva's Tandav dance.

The temple offers a panoramic view of the holy city of Haridwar and the Ganges river. It is also a popular spot for trekking and nature walks.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated twice a year in the months of March-April and September-October.

The temple is also famous for its cable car ride, which offers a scenic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Visitors to the temple are advised to dress modestly and remove their footwear before entering the sanctum sanctorum.

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar by air and nearest airport?  

The nearest airport to Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located about 35 km away.  

To reach Chandi Devi Temple from the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haridwar. From Haridwar, you can either trek up to the temple or take a cable car ride. The trek starts from Chandighat, which is located near Har Ki Pauri, and takes about 45 minutes to reach the temple. Alternatively, a cable car ride is also available from the base of the hill to the temple.  

It is important to note that the Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport and is well-connected to major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.  

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar by train and nearest railway station?  

Closure  

The Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar is not just a pilgrimage destination but a complete spiritual experience. The temple's rich history, significance, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the Ganga make it a must-visit place for every spiritual seeker.  

Visitors can choose to take the cable car ride or the trek to the temple, both of which offer a unique experience. The temple's surroundings and the city of Haridwar offer several other tourist attractions, making it a perfect destination for a weekend getaway.  

FAQs  

Where is Chandi Devi Temple located?   

Chandi Devi Temple is located on the top of Neel Parvat, a hill in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at a distance of about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri, the famous ghat in Haridwar.  

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?   

One can reach Chandi Devi Temple by trekking or taking a cable car ride. The trek starts from Chandighat and takes about 45 minutes to reach the temple. Alternatively, a cable car ride is also available from the base of the hill to the temple.  

What is the history of Chandi Devi Temple?   

Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who is believed to have killed the demon Chanda-Munda. According to legend, the temple was built by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in the 1920s.  

What is the significance of Chandi Devi Temple?   

Chandi Devi Temple is considered a Shakti Peetha, which is a place where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell. It is believed that worshipping at the temple can help devotees overcome their fears and obstacles in life.  

What is the best time to visit Chandi Devi Temple?   

The best time to visit Chandi Devi Temple is during the months of February to April and August to November when the weather is pleasant and the temple is less crowded.  

What are the opening and closing timings of Chandi Devi Temple?   

The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm. However, the timings may vary on special occasions and festivals.  

What are the entry fees for Chandi Devi Temple?   

There are no entry fees for Chandi Devi Temple. However, visitors need to purchase a cable car ticket if they wish to take the cable car ride.  

What are the festivals celebrated at Chandi Devi Temple?   

Navratri and Diwali are the major festivals celebrated at Chandi Devi Temple. During Navratri, the temple witnesses a huge influx of devotees who come to seek the blessings of the goddess.