Uttarakhand Temples

Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 8, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Chandi Devi Temple is present atop the Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi. The temple is one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar.

Devotees also believe that the Chandi Devi Temple is a Siddha Peetha, which translates to a place where desires get fulfilled. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations in northern India.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Char Dham Yatra Tour Package.

Chandi Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Chandi (Goddess Shakti)
Location	Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Significance	Siddha Peetha
Tours	Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings	7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Rope-way Timings	7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Rope-way Charges	Rs. 95 per person (to and fro)
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Festivals	Navratri, Chandi Chaudas, Kumbha Mela

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar.

What are the timings of the Chandi Devi Temple?

The temple opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. The morning aarti starts at 5:30 am.

Timings	From	To
Morning	7 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	7 PM

How to cover the route to the Chandi Devi Temple?

Routes to the Chandi Devi Temple — The Udan Khatola is a very popular mode of transport to the Chandi Devi Temple.

The Udan Khatola is a very famous tourist attraction of the city of temples, Haridwar. It offers a picturesque view of not only the river Ganga but of the entire city. Situated on the Neel Parvath at the height of 2900 meters, the distance to the temple is 4 km.

Udan Khatola saves you the climb on the steep hill and takes only 5-10 minutes to reach the temple. This facility is highly beneficial for the specially-abled, senior citizens, and expecting mothers. The Neel Parvath is an ideal place for the purpose of trekking, and the ascend to the temple takes approximately 45 minutes on foot.

The Udan Khatola service starts at 8:30 am and closes at 6 pm.

The pricing for the Udan Khatola are as follows:

*Ticket Type*	*Price*
Chandi Devi Rope-way	INR 95
Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi combined	INR 263
Concession ticket (for Chandi Devi only)	INR 65
Concession ticket (for combined)	INR 122

Please note:

All the tickets are inclusive of the return journey as well and should be kept until the end of the trip.
The combined ticket is valid for three days.
For children below the height of 110 cm, tickets are not required, the ride is free.
Concessional tickets are for the specially-abled and widows of Indian Defense soldiers. The proof of the same needs to be shown at the ticket counter.

What is the significance of Chandi Devi Temple?

The significance of the Chandi Devi Temple is that it is one of the most ancient temples of India. Apart from being one of the Panch Teerth of Haridwar, it is also a Siddha Peeth. This sacred temple is highly revered by pilgrims, especially during festivals such as Navratri.

Pilgrims can reach via a rope-way, popular as the Chandi-Devi Udankhatola which also carries pilgrims to the Mansa Devi Temple. Please note that leather accessories, non-vegetarian food, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited inside the temple.

What is the history of the Chandi Devi Temple?

Goddess Chandi destroyed Chanda and Munda.

According to the history of the temple, Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir, built the Chandi Devi Temple in 1929. But it is a popular belief that the main idol of the temple was instated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

The story behind the temple, as mentioned in the Devi Mahatmyam, describes the existence of two demon kings, Shumbha and Nishumbha. The Asuras had held Lord Indra (the king of gods) hostage and wanted to rule Indraloka. The Devas prayed to Goddess Parvati and sought her intervention. She transformed into a beautiful yet fierce warrior goddess, Chandi. Charmed by her beauty, Shumbha wished to marry her, and the divine goddess refused. Enraged, he sent his warriors Chanda and Munda to defeat her.

Goddess Chamunda, the destroyer of the Chanda and Munda, was born out of Goddess Chandi’s anger. Upon learning of the fate of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha and Nishumbha went onto battle Goddess Chandika themselves. She destroyed them and then rested atop the Neel Parvath where the Chandi Devi Temple is now present.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Chandi Devi Temple?

Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘Nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘Ratri’, which means ‘night’.

The major festivals celebrated in the temple are:

Chandi Chaudas: According to the mahant of Chandi Devi Temple, it is the day when all the other forms of Goddess Bhagwati come to meet Goddess Chandi in the temple. After providing special prayers and offerings, they return to their respective abodes. Women prepare prasad at home and present it to Goddess Chandi as Bhog.
Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri, a festival celebrated across India for nine days is dedicated to Maa Durga. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 40 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 8 km from the temple.
Road: Buses for Haridwar are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi, and the bus station is only 2.5 km from the temple.

Where to stay near Chandi Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay nearby while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It provides spacious rooms, excellent food, high speed wireless internet, a steam room and a gym. It is at a distance of 13 km from the temple.
Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. It also provides a peaceful and aesthetically appeasing interior along with a great view of Ganga.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel at a 7.6 km drive from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel boasts off excellent service in food as well as cleanliness. Moreover, guests can also avail massage therapies at the in-house massage centre.

Chandi Devi Temple — Goddess Chandi is said to be the presiding deity of this siddha peetha.

What are some temples near Chandi Devi?

Explore Haridwar — Haridwar is one of the Sapta Puris, which are the seven holiest places for the Hindus.

Some of the famous temples nearby are:

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar: Har ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. Literally translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is on the banks of Ganga, at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains. It is said that a dip in the Ganges at Har ki Pauri absolves one of his/ her sins.
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar: Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Goddess Maya is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is the Adhisthatri of the city. The temple is one among the three prominent Siddha Peetha in Haridwar.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar. Also, popular as ‘Bilwa Teerth’, this temple is among the panch teerth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat due to the effect of consuming poison. It also contains various scriptures depicting ‘Samudramanthan’ by Devas and Asuras, which is mythologically relevant to the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar: It is a temple dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’ or ‘Mother India’. The temple is present alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of Ganga. It is 8 storeys tall, with each storey depicting an era in Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Indian Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chandi Devi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Chandi Devi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fees?

The entry to the Chandi Devi Temple is free.

What is the preferred time to visit the Chandi Devi Temple?

The best timing to visit the Chandi Devi Temple is from 8 am to 10 am in the morning.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Chandi Devi Temple?

Although you can visit the temple any time of the year, ideally, February, March, August, September and October are the best times to visit the Chandi Devi Temple.

Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?

Mansa Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Chandi Devi Temple and it takes approximately 11 minutes to travel via Haridwar Industrial Area.

Is Maya Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?

Chandi Devi Temple is very close to the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 3 minutes to cover the distance via NH34.

When is the Chandi Devi Temple most crowded?

Chandi Devi Temple is the most crowded during the Navratri and Kumbhmela season.

What is the weather like during summers?

The temperature during summers is mild and ranges from 35º C to 45º C. It is advisable to carry cotton clothing in summers.

What are winters like in Haridwar?

Weather in winter is very unpredictable. The temperature varies from 10º C to 30º C. It is therefore advised to carry warm, woolen clothing as winters can get very cold here.

Which is the nearest airport to Haridwar?

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is 36 km away.

Which is the nearest railway station to Haridwar?

The Haridwar railway station is the closest to the main city. The railway station is just 600 meters away from the Maya Devi Temple and takes only 3 minutes to travel.

If you have any questions about the Chandi Devi Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Kedar, Shiva Temples

Madhyamaheshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple. Also, it comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple.

Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath temples are to be visited before Madhyamaheshwar temple. Also, Gaundhar and Kalimath are two important places on the route to Madhyamaheshwar. It is because Kalimath is a ‘Siddha Peeth’ and is of great spiritual significance to pilgrims. The temple has North Indian style of architecture and a smaller shrine popular as ‘Vriddha maheshwar’ is also present near the temple. It is a part of the 4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Madhyamaheshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.

What is the significance of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Significance of Madhyamaheshwar temple is that water from the precincts of the temple is so sacred that even a few drops are enough for purification. When the precinct of the temple is not available during winters due to extreme weather conditions, the symbolic idol of God is shifted to Ukhimath.

Inside the sanctum of the temple, there is a navel-shaped Shiva Lingam made of black stone. There are two other smaller shrines, one for Parvati and the other for Ardhanarishwara. Moreover, the temple priests are from Southern India and the priests of Madhyamaheshwar are popular as Jangamas.

What are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

Timings	From
Open	6 AM
Close	7 PM
Morning Aarti	6 AM
Evening Aarti	6:30 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Madhyamaheshwar Temple are:

Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Madhyamaheshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 198 km.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh at a distance of 174 km.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. Then one has to travel by buses or taxis to Ukhimath.

Where to stay near Madhyamaheshwar Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Madhyamaheshwar Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar Temples are:

Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
Rudranath Temple:It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
Kalpeshwar Temple:It comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple. It is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath

September 25, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Omkareshwar Temple or Omkareshwar Pith is an ancient Hindu temple in Ukhimath, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Moreover, it’s home to Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar deities during peak winters. Hence, during the season of heavy snowfall both of these deities are worshipped here in Omkareshwar temple. It is elevated to a height of 1300 metres.

Omkareshwar Pith is 41 km away from the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini that is Rudraprayag.

Ukhimath or Okhimath extends it land to many more centuries-old temples dedicated to Gods and Goddesses such as Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati and Mandhata. However, mainly the head priests of Kedarnath known as Rawals live in the town. Also, it is a part of the Char Dham Yatra tour destinations within Uttarakhand

Facts About Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath

Temple Timings	5 am – 12 pm 2 pm – 9 pm
Time required for Darshan	30 – 40 minutes
Entry Fee	No Fee
Best Time to Visit	March – June
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand

What are the timings of the Temple?

Devotees can avail darshan during these hours-

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 am	12 pm
Evening	2 pm	9 pm

What is the significance of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Omkareshwar Temple holds significant importance as the winter home for Lord Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar as the pathway to these remains shut during winters. Hence, the idols of the deities are carried to Omkareshwar Temple past Diwali and worshipped here for the next six months.

Eventually, these deities travel back to their own abodes in a procession that is organized in the mid of May. Furthermore, the idol of Mandhata, a king and an ancestor of Lord Rama also sit inside this temple.

Ukhimath is also a doorway to different places such as Madhmaheshwar (Second Kedar), Tungnath Ji (Third Kedar) and Deoria Tal (a natural freshwater lake).

What is the history of Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Mythology says that Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath was the venue for the wedding of Usha (Vanasur’s daughter) and Anirudh (Lord Krishna’s grandson).

Moreover, earlier Ukhimath was popular by the name Ushamath that was inspired by Vanasur’s daughter Usha. Furthermore, legends state that Mandhata worshipped Lord Shiva here for 12 years, standing upright on one leg.

Significance of Omkareshwar Temple — King Mandhata stood on one leg and worshipped Lord Shiva at this place for 12 years.

Hence, wooed by his worship Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of Omkar. That’s how the temple got its name.

What are the festivals celebrated at Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Following festivals call for a celebration at Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath like –

Madmaheshwar Mela: It is a festival that extends to a period of three days. Moreover, it is the celebration followed by the arrival of Lord Madmaheshwar’s idol at Omkareshwar temple. Also, school students of Uttarakhand partake in the festivities by giving performances. Hereafter they also set up stalls during the meal.

Festivals celebrated in Omkareshwar Ukhimath — Madhmeshwar Mela in Ukhimath calls for a huge celebration.

How to reach Omkareshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, a destination of the Char Dham Yatra-

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It stands 195 km away from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 175 km away from Omkareshwar temple.
Road: Omkareshwar temple is present on the Gopeshwar-Mandal road. Hence, it is at a distance of 2 km from Ukhimath taxi stand where devotees can reach via bus or taxi from Rishikesh.

Where to stay near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Some of the places where one can stay near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath are:

Shri Hanumant Inn and Resorts: The resort offers a luxurious stay in its well built comfortable accommodation. Moreover, the resort is situated between Ukhimath & Chopta. And is quite budget-friendly.
Hotel Snow View: The resort is popular as the blend of pristine environment and basic and semi-deluxe facilities such as comfortable and stylish accommodation. Moreover, the place offers great hospitality to the tourists.
GMVN Tourist Rest House: The hotel is an ideal choice for all classes of tourists who wish to find a budget hotel with decent facilities and good service. Moreover, warm hospitality is their speciality.

What are some places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath?

Some of the places to visit near Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimatha are:

Madhyamaheshwar: The temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva. Moreover, it is surrounded by Himalayan ranges on all sides. Also, the architecture of the temple is of Northern Indian style. Moreover, it contains a navel-shaped shiva lingam made of black stone in the sanctum.
Kedarnath Temple: It is a Hindu temple built to house Lord Shiva. It is present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand near Mandakini river. This temple is open from April-November. Moreover, it remains closed during winters due to harsh weather.

Madhyamaheshwar temple and Kedarnath Temple are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.