Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika situated on the Neel Parvat in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas in Haridwar. Chandi Devi Mandir is a Siddha Peeth and this temple is one of the three Siddha Peeth located in Haridwar. The other two Siddha Peeth are Mansa Devi Mandir and Maya Devi Mandir. This temple is also one of the five pilgrimages located at Haridwar.
Chandi Devi is considered to be a form of Shakti and she is also considered to be one of the many forms of Goddess Parvati.
Stories related to Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar
This temple of Chandi Devi is dedicated to the Chandika form of Shakti. There is a mythological story related to Goddess Chandi. It is believed that a long time ago in a war between the devas and the asuras, the asur named Shumbha and Nishumbha almost defeated the devas and captured the king Indra, the king of the devas. Then Goddess Chandi killed Shumbha and Nishumbha and gave back their kingdom to the deities. According to this story, Shumbha and Nishumbha were deeply impressed by the beauty of Goddess Chandika and Shumbha wanted to marry her but Goddess Chandi rejected the proposal and killed her companions Chand and Munda. Later Goddess Chandi killed Shumbha and Nishumbha as well.
After this war, Goddess Chandika spent some time on Neel Parvat. Based on this story, this temple dedicated to Chandi Devi was established by Adi Guru Shankaracharya about 1200 years ago. The names of two peaks in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas are Shumbh and Nishumbh.
Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar Worship timings
The Chandi Devi Mandir remains open for devotees from 6 in the morning till 8 in the night for darshan and worship. There are some shops just outside the Chandi Devi mandir to buy prasad and flowers.
Like the Mansa Devi Mandir, devotees can reach the Chandi Devi mandir either by ropeway or by trekking for 3 kms.
Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar Trek
Chandi Devi Mandir can be reached by trekking about 3 kms. This route can also be taken on foot or can be covered by a motorbike, although this route is a bit difficult for bike or scooter because there is a lot of climbing on the trek. This path passes through the lush green forest and takes about 1 hour to cover. This route till Chandi Mandir is very peaceful and beautiful. On the way there are points from where panoramic views of the mighty Ganga river and Haridwar can be seen.
Chandi Devi Mandir haridwar Ropeway
The ropeway leading to the Chandi Devi mandir is also known as Udankhatola. This ropeway comes to Chandi Devi mandir via Mansa Devi mandir. Often devotees come by ropeway to Mansa Devi mandir and after having darshan there, come by ropeway to Chandi Devi mandir.
Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar Festivals
The Chandi Devi Mandir is dedicated to the goddess recognized as Shakti in Hinduism. Devotees from all over the country visit here in large numbers during Navratri, the nine days of Navratri which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti in the Hindu calendar. Even during the Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela, the devotees coming to Haridwar visit the Chandi Devi mandir and at that time also there is a large number of devotees.
Chandi Mandir Haridwar - nearby Places
Haridwar is an ancient historical city. Chandi Devi Mandir is one of the many places of religious importance located in this city of gods. The Yoga Ashram and Vedashram located here are known for providing the education of Yoga and Vedas. Anjani temple is also situated near Chandi Devi mandir in Haridwar. Mansa Devi Mandir and Maya Devi Mandir Siddha Peeth are also located here.
Har ki Pauri is a world famous tourist attraction of Haridwar, which is known for the huge ghat and the Maha Ganga Aarti that takes place in the morning and evening. Neel Dhara Bird Sanctuary, Bada Bazar, Swami Vivekananda Park and Raja Ji National Park introduce the tourists coming here to the local environment and nature.
How to reach Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar
To reach Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar, one can reach Domestic and International Airport located in Delhi. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Haridwar city, which is only 50 kilometers away from Haridwar. On reaching Haridwar, take a local auto till the ropeway to reach Chandi Devi mandir. If you want, you can also trek to the temple.
Haridwar is a well connected city to the rail network of the country. From the main railway stations of the country, Haridwar can be reached by direct or by connected train. From Haridwar railway station one can reach by local auto, ropeway or track to Chandi Devi mandir.
Haridwar is well connected by road network. One can also reach here by state transport bus, by private tourist bus or by driving in the own car.