Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar
The Chandi Devi Temple, perched on the top of the Neel Parvat, is an important pilgrimage site in Haridwar. Saint Adi Shankarcharaya is credited with establishing the temple’s main deity in the eighth century. The Chandi Devi Temple is four kilometers from Haridwar and can be reached by hiking uphill or by cable car.
The current temple structure was built in 1929 by Suchan Singh, the reigning King of Kashmir at the time. Chandi Devi Temple, along with Maya Devi and Mansa Devi, is a Siddhpeeth. The temple, also known as Neel Parvat Teerth, is one of Haridwar’s Panch Tirth, or five pilgrimage sites.
According to legend, the temple is located where Chandi, the goddess created from the energies of the male divinities, killed Chand- Mund, followed by Shumbha and Nishumbha. Following the divine darshan of the deity, visitors can explore the dense forest on the other side of the Neel Parvat.
Another shrine dedicated to Anjana, Lord Hanuman’s mother, is located near the main temple. If tourists plan to trek on Neel Parvat, they can stop by the Neeleshwar Temple, which is located in the foothills of the mountain. During the festivals of Chandi Chaudas, Navratri, and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar, devotees flock to Chandi Devi Temple to seek the divinity’s blessings. Leather accessories, alcoholic beverages, and non-vegetarian food are prohibited.
