Chandi Devi Temple
चण्डी देवी मंदिर
Devi (Chandi) temple · Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Photo: Ssriram mt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Chandi Devi Temple is a hilltop shrine of the goddess Chandi in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It stands on top of Neel Parvat, on the far (eastern) bank of the Ganga from the main town and Har Ki Pauri, and is one of Haridwar's best-known temples.
The present temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, described by the Haridwar district administration as a king of Kashmir. Pilgrims reach it by a trek of about 3 km from Chandi Ghat or by a ropeway.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Chandi Devi Temple
According to local legend recorded by the Haridwar district administration, the goddess Chandi killed Chanda and Munda, the army chiefs of the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha, at this spot, and the place took its name from her.
Tradition also holds that the main image of the goddess was installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. This is a matter of belief rather than documented history.
Heritage
History of Chandi Devi Temple
Both the Haridwar district administration and The Times of India date the present temple structure to 1929, when it was built by Suchat Singh, a ruler from Kashmir. The site is believed to be much older as a place of worship.
The temple's chief priest told The Times of India in 2015 that, according to temple tradition, the Mughal emperor Akbar granted land to the temple, and that the shrine has been associated with ascetics such as Kamraj Baba and Totapuri, the teacher of Sri Ramakrishna. These are the temple's own accounts and have not been independently confirmed.
In October 2015 the chief priest announced that animal sacrifice, a long-standing practice at the temple, had been discontinued, The Times of India reported.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Ropeway operating hours and fares are set by the operator and may change; confirm current arrangements with the ropeway operator or the Haridwar district administration before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Location
How to Reach Chandi Devi Temple
The Haridwar district administration names Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, as the nearest airport, about 72 km from Haridwar, and Haridwar railway station as the nearest railhead. It lists the temple as about 15 km from the district headquarters by road.
From the foot of the hill the temple can be reached on foot by a trek of about 3 km from Chandi Ghat, or by ropeway (Udan Khatola). A Zee News travel feature places the start of the ropeway near the Gauri Shankar temple.
Location: Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 72 km from Haridwar, per district administration)
Nearest railway station: Haridwar
More in Hindu temples in Uttarakhand · Devi (Chandi) temples · Temples in Hardwar Tehsil · Temples in Haridwar District
Questions
Chandi Devi Temple: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar?
It is on top of Neel Parvat, on the eastern bank of the Ganga opposite the main town of Haridwar. It is not at Har Ki Pauri itself.
Who built the Chandi Devi Temple?
The present temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, a ruler from Kashmir, according to the Haridwar district administration.
What is the legend of Chandi Devi Temple?
According to legend, the goddess Chandi killed the demon generals Chanda and Munda here, and the place is named after her.
Is there a ropeway to Chandi Devi Temple?
Yes. Besides the trek of about 3 km from Chandi Ghat, the temple can be reached by a ropeway known as Udan Khatola. Check current timings and fares with the operator.
Did Adi Shankaracharya install the image at Chandi Devi?
Tradition holds that Adi Shankaracharya installed the main image in the 8th century CE. This is a belief recorded by the district administration, not a documented historical fact.
What is the nearest airport to Chandi Devi Temple?
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest airport, about 72 km from Haridwar according to the district administration.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q5071047 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- Haridwar District Administration, Government of Uttarakhand — Chandi Devi Temple
- Haridwar District Administration (archived) — Religious places (Chandi Devi)
- The Times of India — Animal sacrifice stopped in Chandi Mandir
- Zee News — Haridwar travel feature (Chandi Devi Temple)
Further reading: Chandi Devi Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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