Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar Perched on the top of the Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage centre of Haridwar. It is believed that the principal deity of the temple was established by Saint Adi Shankarcharaya in the 8th century. Chandi Devi Temple is four km away from Haridwar and can be reached by trekking uphill or through a cable car. The current structure of the temple was constructed in 1929 by Suchan Singh, who was then the reigning King of Kashmir. Chandi Devi Temple is one of the Siddhpeeth, along with Maya Devi and Mansa Devi. Commonly known as Neel Parvat Teerth, the temple is also one of the Panch Tirth, five pilgrimage sites located in Haridwar. According to legends, the temple is situated at the same place where Chandi, the goddess born from the energies of the male divinities, killed Chand- Mund, and then Shumbha and Nishumbha.

After the divine darshan of the deity, tourist can further visit the dense forest on the other side of the Neel Parvat. Close to the main temple is another shrine scared to Anjana, mother of Lord Hanuman. If tourists are planning to trek on Neel Parvat, can visit the Neeleshwar Temple, which is located in the foothills of the Neel Parvat. Chandi Devi Temple bustles with devotees during the festival of Chandi Chaudas, Navratri, and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar to seek the blessings of the divinity. Leather accessories, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited in the temple.

History Of Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar
The story behind the goddess Chandrika is as follows. A long time ago two demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha had captured the lord Indra and thrown the gods from heaven. After prayers by the gods, a goddess emerged from Parvati.A beautiful woman sent to Shumbha. Shumbha desired to marry her and being refuse Shumbha sent his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill that beautiful woman.

Both are killed by goddess Chamunda who originated out of Chandika’s anger. Thereafter Chandika takes a rest for a while at the top of the Neel Parvat and later a temple was build here to remember the legend. Also, the two peaks of the mountain range are called Shumbha and Nishumbha. Chandi Devi temple is built in 1929 by the king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. However, it is believed that the main murti of Chandi Devi was installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Architecture of Temple
A rich architecture of the temple is built atop of the hill, from where one can have an astonishing view of the Haridwar. A stunning trek of the hill leads the devotees to Temple. Rope-way is also available for devotees if it is not possible for them to climb the Hill they can have rope-way which will drop them to top of the hill. During the rope-way ride on can see the surprising view of the valley.