Chandi Devi Mandir, Haridwar, Uttaranchal, IN

Deity: Chandi Devi
Location: At the top of Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Built in: 1929 A.D
Significance: One of the Siddha Peethas
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 0133

Located atop Neel Parvat, Chandidevi temple is one of the most ancient temples of north India. This is a Siddhapeeth (holy places where one's wishes are fulfilled). Chandidevi along with Mansadevi and Mayadevi temple form a Siddhapeeth triangle in the holy city of Haridwar.

The main deity is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adishankaracharya.Goddess Chandidevi has been fulfilling wishes of millions of devotees for thousands of years. In the earlier days, people used to reach the shrine by trekking through the steep path, which incorporates bit difficulties. With the passage of time, a ropeway has been made for the convenience of the pilgrims. This ropeway takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the temple complex. In this manner, people can also enjoy the panoramic view of the natural beauty. Every year, this temple receives millions of people from far and near. Pilgrims come to this holy shrine to seek blessings from the Goddess.

Legend:
Demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh had captured the kingdom of Lord Indra and thrown out gods from heaven. After intense prayers to gods, incarnation of power and strength, Chandika Devi appeared from the cells of the body of Goddess Parvati. She assumed the form of an exceptionally beautiful woman and Shumbh desired to marry her. On being refused, Shumbh sent his demon chief Chanda and Munda to kill her. Kalika Devi born out of Chandika Devi’s anger killed them. Shumbh and Nishumbh then tried to kill Chandika Devi but were slain by the Goddess. Thereafter Chandika Devi is said to have rested for a short while at the temple location. Surprisingly, the two peaks near the Neelkanth mahadev temple in this mountain range are called shumbha and nishumbha. 200 metres from Goddess Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjanadevi, mother of Hanuman is located. The temple of Mansa Devi is exactly on the other side of the hilltop. It is said that Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of Devi Parvati always reside close to each other.

Other important places in Haridwar:
Har-ki-Pairi: The most important and sacred bathing ghat of Haridwar, is also the site of Kumbh festivals. Ganga Aarti performed every evening is worth attending.

Bhimgoda Tank: Associated with the Pandavas, of Mahabharata, the tank is said to have been created by a blow of Bhima's knee.

Gurukul Kangri University: An old institution known for following the traditional Indian system of imparting education. The university precincts also house Ved Mandir Museum with many archaeological exhibits.

Beauty Point: 2 km. On the way to Mansa Devi Temple, it is a vantage point with wonderful views of Haridwar and its forested surroundings. Temples and Ashrams There are a large number of temples and ashrams in Haridwar.

Mansa Devi Temple: on top of Vilwa Parvat, accessible also by ropeway carriage.

Manav Kalyan Ashram: the temple here depicts all the 24 avatars with Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna in ardhnarishwar form.

Bharat Mata Mandir: 6 km, devoted to Bharat Mata or Mother India. Its eight floors are decorated with scenes and images of events and people associated with the country.
Pawan Dham: has Hanuman temple made of pieces of glass.

How to reach:
by Air: Jolly Grant Airstrip, is located at Dehradun, which is 35 kms away.
by Rail: It is connected to all the major cities of India by trains.
by Road: Haridwar on highway No. 45 is connected to all major centres in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach Chandi Devi Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.