Maa Chandi Devi Temple

Situated on the top of Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi Mandir is one of the most revered and ancient temples in Northern India. Located on the Haridwar-Nazibabad Highway, the temple is just 3 km away from Har ki Pauri. Regarded as one of the panch tirth (five sacred places) of Haridwar, Chandi Devi Mandir is visited by several devotees throughout the year. Built by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929, the original idol of the Chandi Devi was installed by the revered guru, Shri Adi Shankaracharya Ji in the eighth century..

The Presiding Deity

Goddess Chandi, the presiding deity of the temple, is just another form of Goddess Durga, who is worshipped primarily in three forms: Mahagauri, Chandika, and Aparajita. However, Chandika Devi is further revered in two forms, namely, Chandi and Chamunda. Both were created by the Goddess Kaushiki to slay demons Chanda and Munda.

Fulfilment of Wishes

Along with Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi is also renowned for fulfilling worshippers' wishes, which is why the temple is surrounded by devotees round the year. On special occasions, a huge number of pilgrims visited the shrine, especially during the Navratri and Chandi Chaudas.

Inside the Sanctum

Inside the main sanctum, a large idol of Maa Chandi Devi is enshrined at the centre. Devotees offer their prayers and seek the blessing of the goddess. Within the complex, it also houses the idols of other deities, including Annapurna Mata, Maa Bhadrkali, Lord Hanuman Ji, and the protector Kaal Bhairav Naath. Pilgrims offer various items to the deity in the form of prasad, such as sweets, coconut, fruits, red chunni, shringar daan, and others. Like many temples, this temple too is surrounded by monkeys, who are ready to snatch bags and food items.

Maata Anjana Mandir

Besides Chandi Devi Mandir, there is another temple which is dedicated to Mata Anjani, the mother of Lord Hanuman. Devotees often visit here after offering prayers at Chandi Devi. A few prasad shops are also available near the Mata Anjani Temple. In addition to it, another idol of Sankatmochan Hanuman Ji in a different form is also installed here.

Facilities

Several shops are available within the premises, selling prasad and other offerings. Apart from this, toilets and drinking water facilities are also available.

How to access the Shrine?

Situated just a couple of kilometres away from the main city, the base of the Chandi Devi Temple is easily accessible using the local transportation. To access the main shrine of the Chandi Mandir, visitors need to trek from Chandi Ghat Bridge, which takes about one hour to reach. However, the temple also offers a ropeway service which covers the entire journey in 5 minutes. The ropeway ride offers an exhilarating experience, providing a panoramic view of Haridwar City.

Opening and Closing Time

Chandi Devi shrine is open daily for the pilgrims at 5:30 AM and closes around 8:00 PM. Devotees can also participate in the morning and evening prayers held daily.

Ropeway Service

Apart from the traditional trekking route, Chandi Devi Mandir is also accessible by ropeway services. For this, visitors can purchase a round-trip ticket from the ticket booking counter or online from its official website.
 

Ropeway ticket will be checked at both entry and exit points, marking a hole each time. Before boarding the return ropeway ride, staff will click your picture and issue a receipt. You can purchase the printed photograph from the base point by paying its nominal charge (only if you want).

Chandi Mandir Ropeway Timing

Chandi Mandir ropeway and ticket counter timing are given below: -

Ropeway Charges

Note:

• The validity of the combined ticket is for two days.
• Children above 110 cm will be charged a full ticket.
• In each cabin, only 4 people are allowed.
• Identification proof is a must for those who booked their ticket online.

Mythology

As per the mythologist, once two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha, seized control of Heaven (Swarg) and threw out the king of heaven, Indra and their counterparts. After this, they seek the gods and offer prayers. Praying intensely, a goddess emerged from Parvati. After seeing such a beautiful woman, both the demons were amazed, and Shumbha desired to marry her. After being rejected, Shumbha sent his chiefs, Chanda and Munda, to kill her. However, both were killed by the goddess, who had emerged from Chandrika's anger.
 

Later, Shumbha and Nishumbha tried to kill her, but eventually they both were slain by the deity. It is said that after slaying the demons, the deity rested at the top of Neel Parvat. The peaks adjacent to the temple are named Shumbha and Nishumbha in their memory.

Location and Accessibility

Maa Chandi Devi Temple is situated in Haridwar District, situated about 3 km away from Har ki Pauri and its bus stand. Haridwar is easily accessible by road and rail transportation.

Accommodation

Haridwar offers a variety of stay options, such as Hotels, homestays, Airbnb, and Dharmshala, which can be booked online and offline, subject to availability. Here are some options that are available close to Chandi Devi Temple.

• Hotel Ganga Gaurav
• Hotel Ganga Dhara
• Antarman Ganges
• Hotel Ganga Exotica
• Hotel Namay Inn
• Hotel Trishul
• Hotel La Casa
• Hotel City Heritage
• Hotel Himalaya

Important Tips for Travellers

• To reach the temple, pilgrims can either take the short trekking route or use the ropeway services.
• Local transportation facilities like tempo, rickshaw are easily available from the bus stand, railway station and other major points.
• Ropeway tickets can be booked online and offline.
• To keep your footwear, a shoe stand is available outside the main entrance.
• Various prasad shops are available near the temple.
• During weekends, Navratri, and other festivals, the temple attracts a large crowd, which sometimes increases the risk of a stampede.
• Temple is surrounded by many monkeys; it is advisable to keep your purse, handbag and prasad safely.
• Keep the ropeway tickets safe until the journey is completed.
• Photography and videography inside the sanctum is not allowed.
• Accessories made of leather are not allowed inside the sanctum, like Belts and purses.
• Though network coverage near the premises is good, it is still advisable to carry sufficient cash.
• Paid parking facilities are available both near the trekking and ropeway points.

Nearby Attraction

After seeking the blessings of Maa Chandi Devi, devotees can also visit other popular sacred places in Haridwar. We have suggested some places that you must not forget to visit during your pilgrimage.

• Maa Mansa Devi Mandir.
• Har Ki Pauri
• Maya Devi Temple.
• Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir.
• Anand Bhairav Mandir