Chandi Devi Temple had located on top of Neel Mountain in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presiding deity, Chandika or Chandi, is a form of Goddess Parvati and is closely associated with Goddess Manasa. Chandi Devi Temple opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm.
This temple is one of the Panch Theerthas in Haridwar. Devotees believe the Devi Temple is the Siddha Peetha, which translates to a place of fulfilment of wishes. It is one of the Char Dham Yathra destinations in North India.
What is the importance of Chandi Devi Temple?
Contents
- 1 What is the importance of Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.0.1 What is the history of Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.0.2 Chandi Devi Temple Timings:
- 1.0.3 Which festivals had celebrated in Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.0.4 Udan Khatola or Rope Way at Chandi Devi Temple:
- 1.0.5 Please note:
- 1.0.6 What are some temples near Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.0.7 Hotels near Chandi Devi Temple:
- 1.0.8 Chandi Temple Address:
- 1.0.9 How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.0.10 FAQs:
- 1.1 Is Chandi Devi Temple open throughout the year?
- 1.2 How much is the entry fee?
- 1.3 What is the preferred time to visit Chandi Devi Temple?
- 1.4 Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?
The significance of the Devi Temple is that it is one of the oldest mandirs in India. Apart from being one of the Panch Theerthas of Haridwar, it is also a Siddha Peetha. This holy temple is highly revered by pilgrims, especially during festivals like Navratri.
Pilgrims can reach via a ropeway, popularly known as Chandi-Devi Udankhatola, which also takes pilgrims to Manasa Devi Temple. Please note that leather utensils, meat and alcoholic beverages had prohibited inside the temple.
What is the history of Chandi Devi Temple?
According to the temple’s history, King Suchat Singh of Kashmir built Chandi Devi Temple in 1929. But it is a widespread belief that Adi Shankaracharya enshrined the main idol of this temple in the 8th century.
The story behind the temple, as mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya, describes the existence of two demon kings named Shumbha and Nishumbha.
Asuras held Indra (King of Gods) captive and wanted to rule Indraloka. The gods prayed to Goddess Parvati and sought her intervention. She transforms into the beautiful yet fierce warrior goddess Chandi.
Struck by her beauty, Shumbha wanted to marry her, and the divine goddess refused. Enraged, he sent his warriors Chanda and Munda to defeat her.
Goddess Chamunda, the destroyer of Chanda and Munda, was born from the anger of Goddess Chandi. Learning about Chanda and Mundala’s fate, Shumbha and Nishumbha went to war with Chandika Devi.
She destroyed them and rested on Mount Neel, where the temple of Chandi Devi had now located.
Chandi Devi Temple Timings:
The temple opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. The morning aarti starts at 5:30 am.
| Day | Timings |
| Monday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Friday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am to 7 pm |
Which festivals had celebrated in Chandi Devi Temple?
Navratri combines two Sanskrit words – ‘nava’, meaning ‘nine’ and ‘Ratri’, meaning ‘night’. Major Festivals Celebrated in the Temple:
Chandi Chaudas:
According to the Mahant of Chandi Devi Temple, it is the day when all other forms of Goddess Bhagwati come to meet Chandi Devi in the temple.
After offering special pujas and offerings, they return to their respective residences. Women prepare Prasad at home and show it to Chandi Devi as Bhog.
It is a famous festival celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. According to mythology, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasuraa to save the world and restore dharma.
Navratri, a nine-day festival celebrated across India, is dedicated to Maa Durga. Celebrations at the temple include stage decorations, recitation of Puranas, katha making and recitation of Hindu scriptures.
Udan Khatola or Rope Way at Chandi Devi Temple:
Udan Khatola is the most popular mode of transport to Chandi Devi. The Udan Khatola is a top-rated tourist attraction in Haridwar, the city of temples. It offers a beautiful view of the river Ganga and the entire city.
The distance to this temple is 4 km on the Neel mountain at 2900 meters. Udan Khatola saves you from the steep hill climb, and it takes only 5-10 minutes to reach the temple.
This facility is very beneficial for specially disabled, older people and mothers. Mount Neel is an ideal place for trekking, and it takes about 45 minutes on foot to climb the temple.
The pricing for the Udan Khatola is as follows:
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Chandi Devi Ropeway | INR 95 |
| Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi combined | INR 263 |
| Concession ticket (for Chandi Devi only) | INR 65 |
| Concession ticket (for combined) | INR 122 |
Please note:
- All tickets include a return journey and must be held until the end of the trip.
- The combined ticket is valid for three days.
- No tickets had required for children below 110 cm in height, and the ride is free.
- Concessional tickets only for widows of Indian Defense Forces and Extraordinary capacity
- Proof of the same has to show at the ticket counter.
What are some temples near Chandi Devi Temple?
Haridwar is one of the Sapta Puris, the seven holy places for Hindus. S me famous temples nearby are:
Har Ki Pauri:
Har Ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. Translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is located on the banks of the Ganges, where it leaves the mountains and enters the plains. B thing in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri is said to wash away their sins.
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar:
The Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu mandir dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. M ya Devi is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and the city’s ruler. Temple is one of the three prominent Siddha Peethas in Haridwar.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar:
Mansa Devi mandir is a Hindu mandir dedicated to Goddess Manasa atop Mount Bilwa in Haridwar. Also popularly known as ‘Bilva Theertham’, this temple is one of the Panch Theerthams in Haridwar. ‘ anasa’ means ‘desire’, and it is a widespread belief among devotees that Amma fulfils their desires.
Neelakanta Mahadev Temple:
It is a Hindu mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Pauri Garhwal dist of Uttarakhand. The presiding deity of this temple is ‘Neelakanthu’, a form of Lord Shiva, and he has a blue voice due to the effect of consuming poison.
It also contains various texts describing ‘Samudramanthan’ by Devas and Asuras, a mythological connection to the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar:
It is a mandir dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’ or ‘Bharat Mata’. Mata Mandir is situated on the banks of the Ganges, next to the Hohod Ashram. It is eight storeys tall, each storey depicting an era in Indian history from the Ramayana period to India’s independence.
Hotels near Chandi Devi Temple:
- Madhuban Guest House
- Hotel Himalaya
- Patnimal Guesthouse
- Hotel Vishwanath
- Hotel Trimurti Haridwar
- Hotel Thakur Ji
Chandi Temple Address:
Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408
Chandi Temple: Official Website
How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?
By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, 40 km from the temple.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is Haridwar, 8 km from the temple.
By Road:
Buses to Haridwar are available from ISBT Kashmir Gate, Delhi, and the bus station is just 2.5 km from the temple.
FAQs:
Is Chandi Devi Temple open throughout the year?
Yes, Chandi Devi Temple is open 365 days a year.
How much is the entry fee?
Entry to Chandi Devi Temple at 10 am is free.
What is the preferred time to visit Chandi Devi Temple?
The best time to see Chandi Devi Temple is from 8 to 10 am.
Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?
Mansa Devi Temple is 2.4 km from Chandi Devi Temple and takes about 11 minutes to travel via Haridwar Industrial Area.