Chandi Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in the holy city of Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated on the Neel Parvat hill, which is a part of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred shrines in the region, and it is believed that visiting the temple can bestow blessings and good fortune. The temple is also popular among tourists and pilgrims, who visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Story of Chandi Devi
Chandi Devi is a Hindu goddess who is revered and worshipped in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. According to Hindu mythology, she is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. The legend of Chandi Devi is linked to the story of the demon king, Shumbha and Nishumbha.
According to the legend, the demon brothers, Shumbha and Nishumbha, had conquered the three worlds and became invincible. They were so powerful that even the gods could not defeat them. The gods then sought the help of Goddess Parvati, who agreed to help them defeat the demon brothers.
Goddess Parvati took on the form of Chandi Devi and went to fight the demon brothers. After a fierce battle, Chandi Devi was able to defeat the demon brothers and restore order to the three worlds. In honor of her victory, a temple was built on the top of the Neel Parvat, a hill in the holy city of Haridwar.
The temple of Chandi Devi is considered to be one of the most important shrines in Haridwar and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is believed that worshipping Chandi Devi can bring blessings, protection, and prosperity to the devotees.
Chandi Devi Temple Aarti Timing
| Day of the week | Morning Aarti Timing | Evening Aarti Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 5:30 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 5:00 AM | 6:30 PM |
| Sunday | 5:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
Please note that the timings may be subject to change based on the season and other factors, so it’s always a good idea to check with the temple authorities before planning your visit.
Things to do in Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. Here are some things to do at the temple:
Seek blessings: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. Seek blessings of the deity and offer prayers for the fulfillment of your wishes.
Trek to the temple: Chandi Devi Temple can be reached by a cable car or by trekking up the hill. The trek is about 3 km long and takes around 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Enjoy the scenic views of Haridwar and the Ganges river on your way up.
Attend the aarti: The temple holds morning and evening aarti every day. Attend the aarti and witness the beautiful rituals and prayers offered to the goddess.
Enjoy local food: There are several food stalls and restaurants near the temple where you can enjoy local delicacies such as chaat, samosas, and lassi.
Places to Visit Near Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. It is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. There are several places to visit near Chandi Devi Temple, some of which are:
Mansa Devi Temple: This temple is located on the top of the Bilwa Parvat and is one of the most visited temples in Haridwar.
Har Ki Pauri: This is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges, which is known for its spiritual significance and the Ganga Aarti that takes place here every evening.
Maya Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is believed to be the Shakti or power of Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar.
Sapt Rishi Ashram: This ashram is located on the banks of the Ganges and is believed to be the place where the seven sages or Sapt Rishis meditated.
Rajaji National Park: This is a national park located about 25 km from Haridwar and is home to a variety of flora and fauna including tigers, leopards, elephants, and many bird species.
Chandi Devi Temple Festivals
Chandi Devi Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, which are celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated at Chandi Devi Temple:
Navratri: Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, of which Chandi Devi is an incarnation. The festival is celebrated twice a year – in the months of March-April and September-October. The temple is beautifully decorated during this time and devotees flock here to seek the blessings of the goddess.
Diwali: Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated in October-November every year. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with the lighting of diyas and firecrackers. Devotees visit the temple during this time to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Holi: Holi is a festival of colors celebrated in March every year. The festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with the throwing of colored powder and water. Devotees visit the temple during this time to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Janmashtami: Janmashtami is a festival celebrated in August-September every year to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with the singing of bhajans and the decoration of temples. Devotees visit the temple during this time to offer prayers and seek blessings.
Shivratri: Shivratri is a festival celebrated in February-March every year to honor Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated with the chanting of mantras and the offering of prayers to Lord Shiva. Devotees visit the temple during this time to seek blessings from the goddess and offer prayers
History of Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar
The history of Chandi Devi Temple dates back to the 8th century, when it is believed that the Adi Shankaracharya established the temple. However, the present structure of the temple was built in the year 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. The temple is situated on top of the Neel Parvat, which is one of the peaks of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas.
According to Hindu mythology, the goddess Chandi Devi is said to have defeated the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha at this very spot. It is also believed that the chest of the goddess Sati fell at the location where the temple now stands. Sati was the first wife of Lord Shiva, and her self-immolation at the Daksha Yagna led to the formation of the Shakti Peethas.
The Chandi Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The temple can be reached by a cable car, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. The temple complex also has several other smaller shrines dedicated to different deities, and a visit to the temple is considered to be a spiritually fulfilling experience.
How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. It is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. Here are the different ways to reach the Chandi Devi Temple:
By Cable Car: The easiest way to reach Chandi Devi Temple is by taking a cable car from the base station located near the Gauri Shankar Temple in Haridwar. The cable car ride takes about 5-10 minutes to reach the temple.
Trekking: Another way to reach the temple is by trekking up the hill from the base station. The trek takes around 45-60 minutes and is a popular option for those who enjoy hiking.
By Road: One can also reach Chandi Devi Temple by road. Haridwar is well-connected by road to major cities in India. Private taxis, buses, and shared jeeps are available for hire to reach the base station of the cable car.
By Rail: Haridwar Junction is the nearest railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach the base station of the cable car.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 40 km from Haridwar. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach the base station of the cable car.
FAQs about Chandi Devi
What is Chandi the goddess of?
Chandi is a Hindu goddess of power and energy, who is also known as Chandika, Ambika, and Durga. She is often depicted as a fierce warrior goddess who battles demons and evil forces.
Why Chandi Devi is famous?
Chandi Devi is famous for her temple, which is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is dedicated to the goddess Chandi, who is believed to have defeated the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha at this location.
Is Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi same?
No, Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi are not the same goddesses. They are two separate deities who are both worshipped in the state of Uttarakhand, India. While Chandi Devi is associated with power and strength, Mansa Devi is associated with fertility and prosperity.
Is Chandi Devi a Shakti Peeth?
No, Chandi Devi is not a Shakti Peeth, which refers to a group of 51 temples in India and neighboring countries that are believed to be associated with the goddess Shakti. However, Chandi Devi is an important temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi, who is also a form of Shakti.
Which part of Sati fell in Chandi Devi Temple?
There are different versions of the legend, but according to some, Sati’s chest fell at the location where the Chandi Devi Temple now stands. This is believed to be one of the places where the goddess Chandi manifested herself, and the temple was built to honor her.
Is Chandi and Durga same?
Chandi and Durga are both forms of the Hindu goddess Shakti and are closely related. In many traditions, they are considered to be the same goddess, with Chandi being a more localized manifestation of Durga.