Chandi Devi Temple is located on the hill top named Neel Parvat near Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The temple is around 4 kms away from the city of Haridwar. It is believed that the shrine of the Goddess was established by Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankaracharya Ji in the 8th century A.D. And the temple was developed by the King Suchan Singh of Kashmir.
Legend:
The temple is one of the oldest temples of North India and is among one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. There is a small legend that supports the existence of the temple. Once there were two demons named Shumbh and Nishumbh. They had created mayhem in heaven and succeeded in conquering the heaven, the kingdom of the devtas. Lord Indra was their leader. When Shumbh saw goddess Parvati in heaven, he was awestruck by her beauty. He immediately wished to marry her. He made a marriage proposal to goddess Parvati. Being refused by the goddess on proposal of the marriage, the demon Shumbh sent their chiefs Chand and Mund to fight with Goddess Parvati and take revenge of his insult.
Goddess Parvati on seeing Chanda-Munda and knowing about the revenge of Shumbh got more furious and created a new form of avatar from herself named “Chandika” or “Chandi”, a powerful Goddess to assassinate the demons. It is said that Goddess Chandi was the most furious avatar of Goddess Parvati. There was a battle between the demons and Goddess Chandi. She destroyed Chanda and Munda firstly and then the two demon brothers, Shumbh-Nishumbh. This furious battle had taken place on the Neel Parvat and hence, to mark the presence of Goddess Chandi, this temple was established. The Neel Parvat is believed to be blessed by the husband of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva.
Near By Attractions:
The place is also a Siddhpeeth which means it is a place where wishes are fulfilled. There are other two temples around named Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple; together these three temples make the trio of the Siddhipeeth. There is also a temple of goddess Anjani Devi, mother of Lord Hanuman near the Chandi Devi Temple.
The temple is located on the hill and surrounded by a beautiful backdrop. If you want to enjoy the scenic beauty around, you can reach the temple through treks or can even use a ropeway cab called “Chandi Devi Udankhatola” that offers some spectacular views around for you to see.Timing:The temple opens at 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. However, the morning aarti is performed at 5:30 a.m. The aarti is one of the spectacular scenes in the morning of the temple. Thousands of devotees visit this temple every day. Being in Haridwar, this temple attracts lots of tourists too.
How to reach:
By Air: Devotee can hire Taxis from Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport
By Rail: Haridware Railway station is well connected with all parts of India.
By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from Dehradun, Delhi.
Accommodation:
All types of accommodations are available in Haridwar.