Kunjapuri Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Kunjapuri Temple is situated in Hindolakhal Village, Tehri Garhwal. Devotees with deep faith in the goddess often visit the site from far and wide. The temple is one of the 52 Shakti Peeth and one of the three Shakti Peeths located in Tehri Garhwal. It is believed the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya. To reach the temple from its entrance, visitors need to climb 80 steep stairs.
 

Apart from its spiritual significance, the temple also attracts nature lovers who come to experience the majestic view of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day, one can spot some renowned Himalayan peaks from the temple; including Gangotri, Bandarpunch, Swarga Rohini, and Chaukhamba.
 

Shakti Peeth

Kunjapuri Temple is peacefully located on a hilltop near Hindolakhal Village, around 27 km from Rishikesh Bus Terminal and 10 km from Narendra Nagar. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, where the celestial body parts of Goddess Sati are believed to have fallen. In Tehri Garhwal District, it forms a holy triangle with the other two Shakti Peethas called Surkanda Temple and Chandrabadni Mandir.
 

Dedicated to Goddess Sati, the temple is frequented by many devotees round the year. During Navratri, the temple's devotional atmosphere is of next level, when people wistfully chant the name of Kunjapuri Mata. Painted white with shades of red, the temple is easily visible from afar.
 

Nature Spectacle (Sunrise and Sunset)

Kunjapuri temple is prominent for its splendid sunrise and sunset views. Many visitors across the area visit in the wee hours to witness the first light of day. Nature enthusiasts and shutterbugs often capture this magnificent view which they can cherish for the rest of their life.
 

Standing at an height of more than 5,000 feet, the first ray of sunlight piercing through the mountains create a scintillating atmosphere. Apart from the sunrise, its sunset is equally awe-inspiring, creating a golden hue across the landscape.
 

Kunjapuri Temple Trek

Situated at an height of more than 5000 feet, the Kunjapuri Temple is also renowned for its scenic trek. Its 4 km moderate trails begins from the Hindolakhal Village market area, which is surrounded with lush green mountains. Several points during the trail provide a panoramic view of the Doon Valley and Rishikesh.
 

Things to Do

If you are visiting Kunjapuri Temple in Rishikesh, do not forget to indulge in any of the activity given below : -

Entry Fees

Visiting the shrine is absolutely free and requires no entry fees.
 

Prasad Shops

Several prasad shops are located at the last motorable point and within the temple premises.
 

Food Stalls

In the temple courtyard, there is a shop selling tea, coffee, Maggie, pakoras, sandwiches and other items. For a proper meal, you can visit Hindolakhal Village, where multiple restaurants are waiting for sumptuous delicacies.
 

Accommodation

Various accommodation options are available at some distance from the temple, including in Agarkhal and Narendra Nagar. For luxurious stays, visitors can book renowned resorts such as Ananda in the Himalayas or The Westing Resort. Apart from these, budget friendly homestays and hotels are available along the route. There is a guest house withing the temple premises, which can be booked by the visitors for their overnight stays.
 

History

As a Shakti Peeth, the history of Kunjapuri Temple is more and often aligned to other Shakti Peeth like Surkanda Temple, Chandrabadni Mandir in Tehri, and Naina Devi Temple in Nainital. As per the Hindu scriptures, King Daksha, the father of Goddess Sati, organised a grand yajna. He intentionally didn't invite his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. Despite this, in fatherly love, Sati attended the Yajna without Shiva. There, King Daksha started hurling callous remarks and insulted Lord Shiva in front of all attendants. Sati, unable to digest such rhetorical remarks, leaped into the Yajna Kund fire.
 

Devastated by her death, Lord Shiva reached the King Daksha palace and carried her charred body and wandered all around in grief. It is said that during this event, Sati body parts fell at 52 different locations, and each place is now known as Shakti Peeth.
 

On the other hand, some scriptures suggest that Shiva refused to perform the final rites, which prevented her soul from liberation. Seeking this, Lord Vishnu commanded his Sudarshan Chakra to cut the body of Sati into 52 pieces, which then fell at 52 different locations and was known as Shakti Peeths. It is believed that, during the course of the event, the chest part of Goddess fell at Kunjapuri Temple.
 

Important Tips for Travellers

• It is recommended to visit by driving yourself or hiring a taxi, as direct public transport to the temple is unavailable.
• Free roadside parking facility is available at the last motorable point.
• Various prasad shops are located at the temple entrance and some within the temple courtyard.
• On special occasion like Navratri and other festive season, devotees may feel the area crowded.
• A free shoe rack stand is also available outside the temple gate.
• It is recommended to visit early in the morning for a blissful view of the surroundings.
• If planning to visit the temple by trek, wear comfortable shoes and carry enough water.
• Avoid wearing or carrying leather items like belts, purses, bags and others. If you have any, remove the same before entering the temple.
• Hold your handbags and prasad tightly, as the temple premises are surrounded with many monkeys.
• Caution is required while driving to the temple, the road is not wide and has sharp turns.
• The stairs leading to the temple are steep and high, watch your footstep carefully.
• Use the iron railing while ascending or descending the stairs, losing balance may cause dangerous roll down to the road.

Nearby Attraction

•   After taking blessings from the deity, visitors can also explore nearby attractions; such as : -
  • Chamba.
  • Agarkhal Market (known for Pahadi Pulses, Spices, Flour etc.)
  • Tehri Lake.
  • Neer Waterfall.
  • Beatles Ashram.
  • Laxman and Ram Jhula.
  • Devprayag.
  • Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat (especially for Ganga Aarti)