Maa Chandi Devi Mandir Haridwar: A Miraculous Temple of Goddess Shakti

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, a form of Shakti, in Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated on the Neel Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple is one of the three Siddh Peethas (places where wishes are fulfilled) in Haridwar, along with Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is also one of the Panch Tirthas (five sacred places) in Haridwar, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to seek the blessings of the goddess and witness the grand festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi . One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab

Location of Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is located about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri, the main ghat on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 41 km away. The temple can be reached by road or by ropeway from various parts of Haridwar.

Timing / Entry Fees of Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm every day, except for a lunch break from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The temple also performs a daily aarti at 5:30 am and 7:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple or offering prayers to the goddess. However, there may be charges for some services or facilities such as lockers, changing rooms, prasad (sacred food), etc. The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours, when the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is spiritual.

How to Reach at Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir can be easily reached by various modes of transport from different parts of Haridwar and nearby cities. Some of the options are:

• By Bus: There are frequent buses that ply between Haridwar bus stand and Chandi Devi Temple. The bus fare is nominal and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
• By Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are another convenient and affordable way to reach Chandi Devi Temple from anywhere in Haridwar. The fare depends on the distance and bargaining skills of the passengers.
• By Cycle-Rickshaw: Cycle-rickshaws are also available for short distances within Haridwar. They are eco-friendly and cheap, but may take longer time than other modes.
• By Taxi: Taxis can be hired from Haridwar railway station, bus stand or airport to reach Chandi Devi Temple. They are comfortable and fast, but may charge higher than other modes.
• By Ropeway: One can also take a ropeway ride from Mansa Devi Temple or Upper Road to reach Chandi Devi Temple. The ropeway service known as “Chandi Devi Udankhatola” was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and tourists who want to avoid the steep climb to the temple. The ropeway ride offers a scenic view of the river Ganga and the city of Haridwar. The ropeway fare is INR 100- INR 333 per person depending on the package.

Things to Do / Must See at Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and must see at Chandi Devi Temple are:

• Offer Prayers to the Goddess: Offering prayers to Goddess Chandi Devi is the main purpose of visiting the temple for most devotees. The goddess is believed to have miraculous powers and fulfill all the wishes of her devotees who worship her with sincerity and devotion. The devotees offer coconuts, fruits, flowers and incense sticks to the goddess as a mark of respect.
• Receive Prasad from the Temple: Receiving prasad from the temple is another way of seeking the blessings of the goddess. Prasad is a sacred food that is offered to the deity and then distributed to the devotees. The prasad at Chandi Devi Temple consists of coconut, ladoo (sweet balls), chunri (scarf) and sindoor (vermilion). The devotees can either buy the prasad from the temple or bring their own.
• Enjoy the Panoramic View of Haridwar: Enjoying the panoramic view of Haridwar from the temple is a bonus for the visitors. The temple is situated on a hilltop and offers a splendid view of the river Ganga, the Har Ki Pauri ghat, the city skyline and the surrounding hills. The view is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset, when the sky and the water are painted with different hues.
• Visit the Nearby Attractions: Visiting the nearby attractions is another option for the visitors who want to explore more of Haridwar. Some of the nearby attractions are:
  • Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is another Siddh Peetha in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti. The temple is located on the Bilwa Parvat on the opposite side of Chandi Devi Temple. The temple can be reached by road or by ropeway from Chandi Devi Temple. The temple is famous for its wish-fulfilling powers and its scenic location.
  • Maya Devi Temple: Maya Devi Temple is another Siddh Peetha in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, a form of Shakti. The temple is located on the Birla Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. The temple is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar, dating back to the 11th century. The temple is also one of the Shakti Peethas, where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. The temple has idols of Goddess Maya Devi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Kamakhya.
  • Har Ki Pauri: Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar, where thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather to take a dip in the sacred river, witness the evening Ganga Aarti, and participate in the festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi. Har Ki Pauri means “the steps of Lord Vishnu (Hari)”, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu visited this place in the Vedic times. It is also considered to be the spot where the drops of Amrit fell from the sky during the Samudra Manthan .

Significance of Maa Chandi Devi Mandir

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir holds immense significance for Hindus as well as other faiths. Some of the reasons why Chandi Devi Temple is important are:

• It is one of the three Siddh Peethas in Haridwar, where Goddess Chandi Devi fulfills all the wishes of her devotees who worship her with sincerity and devotion .
• It is one of the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to seek the blessings of the goddess and witness the grand festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi .
• It is one of the places where Goddess Chandi Devi emerged from Lord Shiva’s anger as a form of Shakti, who is worshipped as the destroyer of evil and protector of good .
• It is one of the places where Goddess Chandi Devi killed two powerful demons, Chanda and Munda, who were sent by Shumbha and Nishumbha to capture her .

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Conclusion

Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is a miraculous temple of Goddess Shakti in Haridwar, where one can experience the essence of Hinduism and spirituality. It is a place where history, mythology, culture and nature converge to create a sublime and sublime atmosphere. Whether one wants to offer prayers to the goddess, receive prasad from the temple, enjoy the panoramic view of Haridwar, or visit the nearby attractions, Chandi Devi Temple has something for everyone. It is a place that can inspire, enlighten and transform anyone who visits it. Maa Chandi Devi Mandir is not just a temple, but a gateway to the divine.