Chandidevi Temple is one of the popular shaktipeethas in Haridwar, North India. Located atop Neel Parvat, Chandidevi temple is one of the most ancient temples of north India.Chandidevi temple is also called siddhapitha as it is believed that the Goddess Chandi fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Chandidevi alongwith Mansadevi and Mayadevi temple form a Siddhapeeth triangle in the holy city of Hardwar. The temple is situated at the hilltop near Haridwar.
The pilgrims can visit the temple by the ropeway in around 5 minutes while the steep climb by steps takes over 45 minutes. The main image at Chandidevi temple is said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D.
According to legends, in ancient times, demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh had captured the kingdom of Lord Indra and thrown out gods from heaven. After intense prayers to gods, incarnation of power and strength, Chandika Devi appeared from the cells of the body of Goddess Parvathi. She assumed the form of an exceptionally beautiful woman and Shumbh desired to marry her.
On being refused, Shumbh sent his demon chief Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by Kalika devi born out of Chandika Devis anger. Shumbh and Nishumbh then tried to kill Chandika Devi but were slain by the Goddess. Thereafter Chandika Devi is said to have rested for a short while at the temple location. Surprisingly, the two peaks near the neelkantha mahadev temple in this mountain range are called shumbha and nishumbha. 200 metres from Goddess Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjanadevi, mother of Hanuman is located.
The temple of Mansa devi is exactly on the other side of the hilltop. It is said that Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of Devi Parvati always reside close to each other