Chandi Devi Temple - Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple is one of the ancient temples of Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi (a ferocious form of Adi Parashakti). The temple is located atop the steep mountain called Neel Parvat, of the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. Chandi Devi temple is one of the Siddha Peethas of Haridwar, where desires get fulfilled. It is said that the temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. And the present structure was constructed in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh.

Chandi Devi Temple is located at Haridwar at a distance of 4 km from Har Ki Pauri. The shrine can be reached in two ways, either by climbing the steep mountain stretch of about 3 km or ropeway trolley car service. The ropeway service is known locally as Chandi Devi Udan Khatola. The trolley car can be hired at the base of the hill near Gauri Shankar Temple. The total length of the Udan khatola is about 2430 ft and the height is about 680 ft from the base. The ropeway ride offers breathtaking scenic views of Haridwar city and river Ganga. Children would especially love the adventurous ride.

Chandi Devi temple is located near another important temple, Mansa Devi temple. It is generally believed that both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are two forms of Goddess Shakti, and they stay together. Along with Mansa Devi and Maya Devi Temples, Chandi Devi completes the formation of a triangle within Haridwar.

About Goddess Chandi Devi

According to mythology, once demon kings Shumbha & Nishumbha conquered heaven and defeated the King Indra. Indra and other Gods are thrown out of heaven. All the Gods went to Goddess Parvati for help. Parvati took the form of a beautiful woman. When demon king Shumbha saw her, he desired to marry her but got refused by the Goddess. Enraged Asura then sent a demon army led by Chanda & Munda to kill her. However, Goddess killed both of them. Subsequently, she killed Shumbha and Nishumbha also. Because of this, she got the name of Chandi and Chamundi. After the battle, Goddess Chandi is said to have rested for a while at the top of Neel Parvat. Also, the two mountain peaks located in the mountain range are called Shumbha and Nishumbha.

Ticket to the Temple

As Chandi Devi temple is situated on top of the hill, one can reach the temple either by climbing the mountain or using a cable car ride (Udan Khatola). Ticket for the ropeway car ride to reach the temple will cost Rs 170 and a combo ticket for both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples would cost around Rs 330 (including transportation between two temples). During peak season, the temple will be crowded and you may have to wait for more than an hour for the cable car. Generally, there will be fewer crowds in the mornings.

Also Read: Top 20 places to visit in Haridwar

Temple Information

Entrance Fee - No fees for the temple. However, if you are opting for a ropeway car, the charges are applicable.
Timings - 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM;
Time Required - Approx 2 Hours
Photography - Allowed

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi temple is located around 4 km from Har Ki Pauri, in Haridwar. You can reach the base of the Chandi Devi temple by auto-rickshaw. Haridwar is well connected with other Indian cities.

The nearest bus station is Haridwar station, which is 5 km away, and the railway station is also 5 km in distance. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, at a distance of around 35 km from the temple.