Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar is not just a temple, but a shrine of immense mythological importance. This is where Chandi Devi rested for a short while after slaying Shumbha and Nishumbha, the fierce demons. This temple will be a major pilgrimage site during the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. You can plan travel for this major religious event and include Chandi Devi Temple in the Haridwar tour plan. There is no doubt that Chandi Devi Temple is among the famous places in Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple – History and Legends
Chandi Mata Mandir in Haridwar has a rich history and a mythological connection. Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir, built the Chandi Devi Temple in 1929. But the temple existed for centuries, and animal sacrifices were common in this temple. Chandi Devi, a fierce incarnation of Goddess Durga, is the main deity of this temple. She is the one who killed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and rested on Neel Parvat. Adi Shankaracharya established the main idol in this temple in the 8th century.
Panch Tirth and Siddha Peeth
Most people are aware of the Chandi Devi Temple as one of the best places to visit in Haridwar. But Chandi Mata Mandir is also a Siddha Peeth. It is one of the three Siddha Peeths along with Maya Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple. A Siddha Peeth is a sacred shrine that has the power of fulfilling the wishes of devotees. This temple is also one of the Panch Tirth in Haridwar. It is part of the five most sacred pilgrimage spots in Haridwar where ancient rituals and religious practices are still performed.
Chandi Devi Udankhatola – an aerial route to the temple
The traditional way to reach Chandi Devi Temple is by walking on the trekking route, which is 3 km long. But the Chandi Devi Udankhatola has eased the walk and offers an aerial ride to the temple. This is a cable car ride where tourists can reach the temple within just 8 minutes. However, during the peak tourist season in Haridwar, you will have to stand in long queues for this cable car ride.
Things to do at Chandi Devi Temple
Apart from darshan at Chandi Devi Temple, you can do several other things.
- Enjoy the ride on the Chandi Devi Udankhatola, the aerial ropeway.
- Trek the Neel Parvat and marvel at the scenic views of Ganga and Haridwar.
- Explore the temple complex and sit for some time to experience it in peace.
- Visit Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.
Places to Visit near Chandi Devi Temple
You can combine other places along with the visit to Chandi Devi Temple.
- Mansa Devi Temple – One of the major temples to visit in Haridwar, and a temple of Goddess Mansa Devi.
- Har ki Pauri – The sacred river ghat on the Ganga, where Haridwar Ganga Aarti takes place.
- Maya Devi Temple – The temple of Maya Devi, who is the guardian deity of Haridwar and after whose name the city of Haridwar was known as Mayapuri in olden days.
- Bharat Mata Mandir – The temple of Bharat Mata, or Mother India, where there are eight storeys of different gods, goddesses, spiritual figures, and ancient personalities.
- Daksh Mahadev Temple, Kankhal – The temple named after Daksh Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma, and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Rajaji National Park – A place to spot wildlife and go on a jungle safari, where you can view tigers, sambar deer, monkeys, elephants, and other creatures.
Timings
Chandi Devi Temple is open daily from 6 AM to 8 PM. There is a break from 12 noon to 2 PM for cleaning and bhog. The Chandi Devi Udankhatola timings are 7 AM to 6 PM.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to Chandi Devi Temple, but tourists have to pay Rs.154–Rs.164 per person for one-way ropeway ride, and Rs.220–Rs.250 per person for round-trip ropeway ride.
Location
Chandi Devi Temple is located on Neel Parvat, which is on the banks of the Ganga. It is 4 km from Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is open at all times of the year. But October to March is the best time to visit this temple. Char Dham Yatra season (April to October) and Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar (January to April) are also the best times to visit the temple.
How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple?
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can take a cab or bus from the airport and reach Haridwar.
- By Train: Board trains to Haridwar Junction Railway Station from Delhi, Dehradun, Chandigarh, or any other major city.
- By Road: You can travel by road from major cities of India and reach Haridwar. From Haridwar, you can take a cab or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
Upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar
The upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela in 2027 offers the best chance to visit the Chandi Devi Temple. You can plan Haridwar tour itinerary with The Kumbh Yatra and visit this temple. Direct passes for the ropeway are available at the ticket counter. Combo tickets for Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple are also available, with which you get shuttle service between both these temples.
