Maa Chandi Devi Temple

Haridwar is home to various deities, which are renowned among devotees. One of them is Chandi Devi Temple which is situated in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Chandi or Chandrika, this temple is located just 4 km from Haridwar’s Har ki Pauri. Situated atop Neel Parvat in the Shivalik Hills, Chandi Devi temple is highly regarded and one of the Panch Tirth (five sacred pilgrimages) of Haridwar. It was built by the Kashmir King Suchat Singh in 1929. However, it is said that the main idol of goddess Chandi was installed by Hindu revered guru, Adi Shankaracharya.

Along with Mansa devi, Chandi devi is also renowned to fulfills worshippers' wishes. Chandi Devi is highly regarded among devotees and thronged with devotees round the year especially during Navratri. Chandi Chaudas and Navratri are celebrated at the temple with great pomp, attracting a large number of flocks. The temple can be easily accessed by the visitor through road, with various transportation modes available. However, to reach the shrine, devotees can either take a 3 km trekking route, starting from Chandighat bridge, which includes many steps to climb, or they can opt for recently introduced ropeway services. The ropeway offers a scenic view of the lush green Shivalik mountains and part of Ganges.

The shrine opens at 5:30 AM for the morning aarti and remains open until 8 PM for pilgrims. People on a visit to Haridwar often visit this holy shrine, along with others that are major nearby attractions. Some notable attractions are Mansa Devi, Anjana Temple, Neeleshwar temple, Har Ki Pauri, and others. Chandi the presiding deity is the form of Durga, who worshipped primarily in three forms; Mahagauri, Chandika and Aparajita. However, Chandika devi further revered in two forms namely; Chandi and Chamunda, they both are created by the Goddess Kaushiki to slay demons Chanda and Munda.

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 gods and offer prayer. 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 the Chandrika’s anger.

Later, Shumbha and Nishumbha tried to kill her but eventually they both were slayed 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. Pilgrims offer various items to the deity in the form of Parsad such as Sweets, coconut, fruits, red chunri, Shringar Daan, and others.

However, there are some items that have been prohibited in the temple sanctorum like leather belts or accessories made of it, non-veg items, liquor etc. One can visit the shrine round the year, but the most preferable time to visit the shrine is from September to April.