Chandi Devi Temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the Eastern summit of the Shivalik Hills. Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh when he was the King of Kashmir. The main idol of Chandi Devi at the temple is beleived to have been installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is also known as Neel Parvat Teerth. It is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) located in Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple is considered as a Siddh Peetha. Goddess Chandi or Chandika is the presiding deity of the temple. The demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha had captured the kingdom of the god-king of heaven - Indra and thrown the gods from heaven. After several prayers by the gods, Parvati assumed the form of Chandi. Shumba was attracted to her beauty and wanted to marry her. On being refused, Shumbha sent Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were instead killed by goddess Chamunda who originated out of her anger. Shumbha and Nishumbha tried to kill Chandika but were instead murdered by the goddess. It is believed that Chandika rested for a short while at the top of Neel Parvat and later a temple was built here to testify the legend.
Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples of India. Several devotees flock the temple, especially during the festivals of Chandi Chaudas and Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.
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