Chandi Devi Temple is a Siddha Peetha Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi, located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is perched atop the Neer Garh Hill and is considered one of the sacred shrines of the city. This temple is also known as Neel Parvat Tirth, it is also one among the panch tirth (five pilgrimages) of Haridwar.

Legend behind the Chandi Devi Temple

Shumbha and Nishumbha’s Terror

Shumbh and Nishumbh were two demon brothers who were granted boon from Brahma that they will be protected against all Gods and demons. They started causing terror and suffering all around, and became very strong and arrogant. The Gods approached Goddess Parvati for help.

Goddess Parvati took form of Chandi Devi

Goddess took the form of an exceptionally beautiful Goddess Chandi or Chandrika. Demon king Shumbh was overwhelmed with her beauty and wished to marry her. He sent a demon Sugriya with his proposal but denial of the proposal enraged him. He then sent Dhumralochan to abduct Chandi devi, but Chandi took the form of Durga and slayed the entire army. Next Chanda and Munda were sent but they too were killed by Chamunda devi, another form of Devi Parvati. Finally Raktabija was sent but he too was slain by the goddess.

Killing of Shumbha and Nishumbha

Now, Shumbha and Nishumbha were left with no choice but to meet the Goddess directly. They both were killed by Chandi devi and after that devi rested for a short while on the top of Neel Parvata. This is the place where a temple was built. The temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh in his reign as a king of Kashmir. The murti is said to be installed in the 8th century by Adu Shanakaracharya. The 2 peaks located in the mountain range are called Shumbh and Nishumbh.
It is believed that the temple has the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees. This concludes the Chandi Devi story.

It is believed that the temple was built in the 8th century by King Suchat Singh of Kashmir and was later reconstructed in 1929 by King Jagat Singh of Kashmir. The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year and is considered one of the important pilgrimage sites in the country.

This temple is one of the Shakti Trikona in Haridwar, other two are Mansa Devi and Maya Devi.

Unknown Facts about Chandi Devi or Chandi Mata Temple

Legend says that the main idol of the temple was established by the Hindu sage Markandeya and is said to have miraculous powers.

It is also believed that the temple was originally located in the ancient city of Tezpur in Assam and was later shifted to its current location by the warrior king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh.

The temple complex also houses a small shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as “Chandi-Hanuman Mandir”.

The temple is easily accessible by a ropeway, which offers scenic views of the surrounding areas and the river Ganges.

The temple is one of the Siddha Peeths, which are believed to be the locations where the body parts of the Hindu goddess Sati fell after her death.

The temple hosts a grand celebration of Navratri, a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga, during which thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer their prayers.

The temple complex also has a library and an auditorium, where religious discourses and cultural programs are held regularly.