Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: चण्डी देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar (Hindi: चण्डी देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas.
The temple is located at a distance of four km from “Har Ki Pauri.” The temple is located atop of the Nile mountain on the eastern mountains of southern range of Himalaya mountains. The idol of Goddess Chandi was established in this temple by Saint Shankaracharya in the eighth century. The temple is among 53 shakteepetha and also among five holy places of haridwar.
According to mythology the two demons named Shumbha and Nishumbha captured the heaven from Lord Indra. Then Lord Indra requested Goddess Parvati for help and then Goddess Parvati incarnated as Chandika Devi. The devil Shumbha got attracted towards the beauty of the Goddess and wished to marry Her but The Goddess rejected his request.
Then the demon Shumbha sent his two main demons Chanda and Munda for the war. The devi Chandika killed both the demons Chanda and Munda. After the death of Chanda-Munda, the two demons Shumbha and Nishumbha together fought with Chandi Devi but got killed by the Devi in the war. After killing the demons, the Goddess rested on the Nile mountain for some time. Later on a temple dedicated to Chandi Devi was built at that place.
Chandi Devi is one of the three Shakti peetha in Haridwar. The other two being are Mansa Devi and Maya Devi. These three temple together make a triangle. It is believed that both Chandi devi amd Mansa Deviare two forms of Goddess Parvati and are very close to each other.
A 3 km trek connects to the temple however, for the convenience of devotees, ropeways (also known as udan khatola) and trolley service plies along the way. Adventure seekers can take the trek and experience the best of sights. Trekkers can expect to be greeted by monkeys as well as some locals dressed as Lord Hanuman who’d try to get some cash in the name of God.
Hindu worshippers come from near and far to seek blessings of the goddess and also to get their wishes fulfilled. A number of vendors sell prasaad and related stuff like diya and agarbattis outside the temple. Haridwar is known for its holiness and every step in this beautiful land will definitely make you feel closer to God.
