Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as the King of Kashmir. However, the main idol of Chandi Devi at the temple is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple, also known as Neel Parvat Teerth, is one of the Panch Tirth located within Haridwar.

According to legend, the kingdom of Lord Indra was taken over by two demon kings named Shumbh and Nishumbh. These demons had begun to throw away gods from heaven. After intense prayers by the gods, Parvati assumed the form of Chandi, an exceptionally beautiful woman and amazed by her beauty, Shumbh desired to marry her. On being refused, Shumbh sent his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by goddess Chamundi who originated out of Chandi's anger. Shumbh and Nishumbh then collectively tried to kill Chandi but were instead slain by the goddess. Thereafter, Goddess Chandi is said to have rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat and later a temple was built here to testify the legend. Also, the two peaks located in the mountain range are called Shumbh and Nishumbh.

Thousands of devotees flock to the temple, especially during the festivals of Chandi Chaudas, Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar, to seek the blessings of the goddesses. Very near to the Chandi Devi Temple, the temple of Anjana, mother of the monkey-god Hanuman is located. Neeleshwar Temple is also situated at the foot of the Neel Parvat. To reach the temple one has to either trek for 3 km from Chandighat or take a recently introduced rope-way service. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station located near Gauri Shankar Temple on the Nazibabad Road directly to the Chandi Devi Temple.

Things to do in chandi Devi Temple
Devotees who visit the temple usually like to take some Parasad (offerings) for the Goddess. There's no shortage of sellers, either where you board the cable car or outside the temple. Bags containing a coconut and flowers sell for around 50 rupees, and it's possible to buy plates of flowers for around 20 rupees. The entry to the temple is also lined with vendors peddling everything from jewelry to music. Navaratri festival is celebrated here. People came here for full fill their requirement.

Places to Visit near Chandi Devi Temple
There's another temple near chandi devi temple, Gauri shankar Temple, Kali temple, Neeleswar temple, Mansa Devi Temple and Daksha Temple that can also be visited car or bus from Chandi Devi Temple. It's possible to buy combination tickets for both. You can also visit Har ki Pauri by walk or by Rickshaw.

How to Reach Chandi devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Though it is a wonderful experience to trek up to the temple, visitors also have the option of using the ropeway to reach there. If you enjoy steep climbs, you will take 45 minutes to reach the temple of Chandi Devi in Haridwar. However, you can cut the travelling time short as you choose the ropeway; reaching the temple by ropeway takes up just 5-10 minutes. Its only 06 km far from Haridwar, 30 km from Rishikesh, 215 km from Delhi, 60 km from Dehradun, 35 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 95 km from Mussoorie.

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.