Kunjapuri Devi Temple is situated in Tehri Garhwal district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Its distance from Rishikesh is only 31 kilometers, so tourists visiting Rishikesh Haridwar do not forget to include Kunjapuri Devi Temple in their plans. Situated at an altitude of 1670 meters above sea level, this Devi temple is situated on the Kunjapuri hill. Kunjapuri Devi Temple, one of the most famous tourist places in Tehri Garhwal district, attracts devotees throughout the year.
About Kunjapuri Devi Mandir
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is a holy temple of utmost importance in Hinduism. Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeths of Uttarakhand. Devotees can worship in the temple by purchasing the articles of worship from outside the temple itself. There are about 300 steps to reach the temple. These stairs are covered with mesh on both sides so that the devotees can be safe from wild animals. While climbing the stairs, platforms have also been made for resting at various places.
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This temple is also a beautiful view point where tourists often come to watch sunrise and sunset. Snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas can also be seen from here. On coming to such a height, the clouds start revolving around themselves. Clouds seem to cover the peaks of the mountains all around.
Why Name Kunjapuri ?
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is dedicated to the Sati form of the adorable Goddess Durga. Goddess Shakti is worshiped here in the form of a pindi. According to the related popular mythological story, the chest of the burnt dead body of Goddess Sati had fallen here and hence the hill on which this temple is situated is called Kunjapuri hill. Being situated on the Kunjapuri hill, this Devi temple is called Kunjapuri Devi temple.
Where is Kunjapuri Devi Mandir located ?
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is at a distance of 31 km from Rishikesh. This place falls in Tehri Garhwal district but pilgrims visiting Rishikesh and Haridwar often make it a part of their pilgrimage. Kunjapuri Devi Temple can be reached from Rishikesh via Narendra Nagar.
Kunjapuri Devi Mandir Related Mythology and Stories
The legend of Kunjapuri is related to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati. It is said that Goddess Sati married Lord Shiva despite her father's refusal and much persuasion. His father, King Daksha, once organized a Yajna in his kingdom and invited all the Gods and Goddesses but did not invite his daughter Sati. Even after not being invited, Sati stubbornly went to participate in the Yagya and there she burnt herself in the Yagya Kund after being insulted by her father.
When Lord Shiva came to know about all this, he put the burnt body of Sati on his shoulder and refused to perform the last rites and went into deep mourning. Seeing this, Lord Vishnu tried to pacify him but did not get success. Then he cut Sati's burnt body into pieces with his chakra which fell at 52 different places. It is believed that the chest had fallen on the Kunjapuri hill. These 52 places are known as Shaktipeeth.
In the 12th century, when Adi Guru Shankaracharya was visiting India for the upliftment and organization of Hinduism, he also visited these places. During that visit he established the confirmed temples of these places. Kunjapuri Devi Temple was established at that time by Adi Guru Shankaracharya. Later in 1960, the temple established by him was renovated by the Birla family.
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Worship in Kanyakumari Devi Mandir
Kunjapuri Devi Temple remains open for devotees throughout the year. This temple remains open for devotees from 5 in the morning till 5.30 in the evening. There are many shops outside the temple where devotees buy material for worship and then go to the temple to worship. Special worship is organized here during Navratri.
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Festivals at Kunjapuri Devi Mandir
Being a Goddess Shaktipeeth, Kunjapuri Devi Temple organizes special pujas and festivals on the occasion of Navratri and Dussehra. At that time a fair is also organized here which is called Vikas Mela. A large number of devotees visit this place during Navratri festival.
Kunjapuri Devi Mandir and Nearby
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is established as a famous pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. This temple is situated on top of a hill and the way to reach the temple is very beautiful and full of natural scenery. One can see the Himalayan peaks from far away from the premises of the temple. Clouds often surround the temple and it is a soothing sight for nature lovers.
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One can spend a full day here peacefully after visiting the temple. There are also camping sites near the temple where tourists often come for camping.
Best time to Visit Kunjapuri Devi Mandir
The season from October to May is favorable for coming here. Land slides happen here during the rainy or monsoon season, so it is better to avoid coming here in such weather. For the rest of the year, the weather here is pleasant, but a bit cold. While coming here, you should keep warm clothes with you.
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How to reach Kunjapuri Devi Mandir / Temple
By Flight
If you want to come here by flight, then the nearest airport to reach Kunjapuri Devi Temple is Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The distance from Dehradun to Rishikesh is around 35 kms which can be covered by taxi or by bus. It is good to take a taxi or rent a bike from Rishikesh to reach the temple.
By Train
The nearest railway station to reach the temple here by train is the city of Rishikesh, which is well connected to India's rail network. Taxis can be taken from Rishikesh station to Kunjapuri temple.
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By Road
It is very easy to reach here by road. If you want to come here by driving your car, then you can come in your car till the gate of the temple. Rishikesh is one of the main sightseeing places in India and Uttarakhand and is well connected by road network.