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Surkanda Devi Temple in Dhanaulti

Surkanda Devi Temple in Dhanaulti is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth located all over Indian subcontinent and is dedicated to Goddess Surkanda – a manifestation of feminine divine. The temple is famous for its architectural beauty and its location – perched at an altitude 2700 meters that offer a 360 degree view of the surrounding region along with the snowing himalayan peaks.

Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand is known to worship Goddess Shakti in her various divine incarnations. There are many famous Devi Temples in Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand that are regularly thronged by the devotees. These Devi Temples of Uttarakhand represent a glorious picture of having unwavering faith in the deity and has many fables associated with it.

Legend and Mythology

Devastated by the death of Sati Shiva wandered all over the cosmos performing Tandava-The Dance of Cosmic Destruction.Fearing the total annihilation of cosmos, Gods requested Bhagwan Vishnu to pacify Shiva.Bhagwan Vishnu then used his discuss to destroy the burning corps of Sati.

The origins of the Surkanda Mata Mandir is attributed to Goddess Sati, consort of Bhagwan Shiv who in a rage immolated herself in her arrogant Father Daksha’s Yajna Kund bcoz he didn’t invite Bhagwan Shiv in the Yajna.

My trip to Surkanda Devi Mandir

I went to this place in the month of Dec reached on top at 1:00pm..as the ropeway construction was not complete so had to take the steps. The climb up will take around 1 hr. Horses are available which can take you up.many people those were unable to walk had taken these to cover the distance . And many old age people climbing which was very motivational. There is sitting arrangement at lot of points on the way.

The pooja tali has to be bought from the shops at parking area right at the point the steps starts and in between the passage of temple, as there are no other shops available on top. There are various tea shops in between and one on top (back side of the temple).

It is better to trek up and reach before 5: 00pm, as later on the fog starts covering up the place and it became very cold. Also better to be dressed up in winter cloth, it gets really cold in the evening. A must visit temple, the temple architecture is just stunning with the sunlight on it. The climb up and the view is breath-taking. A must visit temple, the temple architecture is just stunning with the sunlight on it. The climb up and the view is breath-taking.

Location and How to reach Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple is located in Chamba – Mussoorie Road, Saklana Range (6.7 km from Dhanaulti, 2 km uphill trek from Kaddukhal).

Devotees and visitors can Surkanda Devi temple can be reached by trekking 2 km uphill from the Kaddukhal, which is the nearest town. Kaddukhal is connected via motorable roads and is 40 kms from Mussoorie and 24 kms from Chamba.

By Road:

Kaddukhal the nearest town to the temple and is located 40 kms from Mussoorie. Visitors can hire a taxi or take shared cabs from Mussoorie. Buses also ply from Mussoorie to Chamba via Kaddukhal – however, less frequently. Mussoorie is well-connected with majority of northern cities including Delhi.

By Rail:

Situated at a distance of 67 km Dehradun Railway station in the valley is the nearest railhead. Visitors can book a taxi directly from Dehradun to Surkanda Devi via Mussoorie as well.

By Air:

Jolly Grant in Dehradun is the nearest airport located 100 kms from Surkanda Devi temple. It is well connected to Delhi with daily flights and taxis to Surkanda Devi are easily available from here.