| Location: | Neel Parvat, Haridwar |
| Constructed In: | 1929 |
| Constructed By: | Suchat Singh |
Situated on the top of Neel Parvat, in Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples of India. Considered to be one of the Shaktipeeths of North India, this place is of great religious significance. It is said to have the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees and this is why it is also known as Siddhpeetha. As per a legend associated with the temple, Goddess Chandika Devi rested on at Neel Parvat, for a short while, after slayings Demon kings - Shumbh and Nishumbha. The temple was built to welcome her back. The presiding deity of this temple is 'Chandi Devi', a form of Shakti.Chandi Devi Temple was built by the reigning king of Kashmir - Suchat Singh, in 1929. However, the main idol at the temple is said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu priests, in the 8th century. The temple is open throughout the year for the devotees, from 6 am to 8 pm, on a normal day. The morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 in the morning. Right now, Chandi Devi Temple is managed by the Mahants. However, it is in the process of forming a trust for its management.
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नील पर्वत के चोटी पर बना चण्डी देवी का मंदिर यहां आने वाले तीर्थ यात्रियों को अपनी और खींचता है। 1929 कश्मीर के राजा शुचात सिंह द्वारा निर्मित यह मन्दिर चण्डी घाट से तीन किलोमीटर की दूरी पर है। स्कन्द पुराण के अनुसार असुर राज शुंभ-अशुंभ के सेनापति चण्ड-मुण्ड को मारने के बाद देवी का नाम चण्डी देवी पड़ा। इस मन्दिर की स्थापना आदि गुरू शंकराचार्य द्वारा आठवीं शताब्दी में की गई थी। यहां जाने के लिए पहले चण्डी घाट जाना पड़ता है उसके बाद पैदल या रोप -वे द्वारा यहां पहुंचा जा सकता है। जंगली जानवरो के डर के कारण देवी के दर्शन सुबाह आठ बजे से शाम छह बजे तक ही किये जा सकते हैं।
You can get auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, tongas and taxis for reaching Chandi Devi temple, from any part of Haridwar. You can also opt for the trekking-route, of about 3 km, from Chandighat. Another mode of reaching the main shrine is through the cable car, which is less time taking as well as adventurous. It hardly takes 20-25 minutes to reach the holy shrine this way. Pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year to seek the holy blessings of Goddess Chandi. The temple of Anjana Devi, the mother of Lord Hanuman is merely 200 meter from this temple.
