Surkanda Devi Temple
To the abode of Goddess Shakti's head
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Dhanaulti, Tehri Garhwal Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy - Moderate
Max. Altitude
Approx. 9,022 ft
Best time to travel
Sep to June
Total Distance
Approx. 90 km from Dehradun
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
The Surkanda Devi temple is a scenic temple located between the hill stations of Dhanaulti and Kanatal in the district of Tehri, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand. This beautiful temple is close to some of the major cities like Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar.
In this comprehensive exploration, we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of Surkanda Devi Temple, delving into its rich history, captivating mythology, awe-inspiring architecture, breathtaking vistas, and spiritual significance.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, the Surkanda Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that God-king Daksha, father of Sati disapproved of her love and marriage with Lord Shiva. Hence Sati self-immolated in the grand Yajna fire organised by her father. Sati then departed her body to take on the form of the goddess Parvati.
After losing Sati, Lord Shiva became consumed with anger and anguish. He took Sati's lifeless body on his shoulder and started Tandava, a cosmic dance of destruction. After acknowledging requests for intervention from other gods, Lord Vishnu decided to despatch his "Sudarshana Chakra," to demolish Sati's corpse by following Lord Shiva to wherever he went. Sacred locations referred to as Shakti Peethas were formed when fragments of Sati's body dropped throughout the Indian subcontinent. These locations honour an array of great goddesses. Her head is said to have fallen at the location of the current Surkanda Devi Temple; as a result, the temple was originally titled "Sirkhanda," however it later evolved to Surkhanda or Surkanda.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Surkanda Devi Temple
The Surkanda Devi Temple's design is an extremely uncommon fusion of ancient Garhwali and Jaunsari architectural styles. The temple is mainly built of wood. Surrounding the main temple are smaller temples dedicated to various deities, each showcasing unique architectural elements and design motifs.
Ambience and Views from Surkanda Devi Temple
Situated at an elevation of roughly 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) on a picturesque hilltop, Surkanda Devi Temple provides expansive views of the Himalayan range's snow-capped peaks, rolling hills, and aerial perspectives of significant towns below.
Festivals and Rituals
Surkanda Devi Temple also holds special religious significance during the annual Surkanda Devi Fair, held in May, when devotees from far and wide gather to participate in festive celebrations, rituals, and prayers.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
Surkanda Devi Temple is located in close proximity to several charming towns such as Dhanaulti, Kanatal, and Chamba, each offering its unique charm and attractions. Furthermore, the region has beautiful forests, terraced fields, and orchards, providing ample opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and nature walks.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple can be reached via a 2 Km trekking route or a ropeway directly from Kaddukhal, which is approximately 2 kilometres away. Dhanaulti is the closest large town and has excellent road connections to important cities like Dehradun and Mussoorie. To get to the temple, guests can hike or take local taxis from Dhanaulti.
Weather Conditions at Surkanda Devi Temple
Seasonal variations in the temperature near Surkanda Devi Temple provide tourists with a variety of experiences all year long. The weather is nice and perfect for hiking during the summer, which runs from March to June. It is not advised to travel during the July–September monsoon season due to the high levels of rainfall. The area is transformed into a winter wonderland by the chilly weather and sporadic snowfall between October and February.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Temple Distance
Trek: Approx. 2 Km trek
Ropeway: You can take the ropeway from the temple route entrance just above the main road. Tickets of the ropeway will cost somewhat between Rs. 100-200 per person.
Private Transport
You can directly reach Surkanda Devi Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Mussoorie - Dhanaulti - Surkanda Devi Temple - Approx. 90 km
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Narendra Nagar - Chamba - Kanatal - Surkanda Devi Temple - Approx. 320 km
Public Transport
Reach Mussoorie or Dhanaulti from Delhi via Dehradun.
You can avail a local taxi towards Kanatal from Dhanaulti or Mussoorie and stop or get down at the temple. After Darshan you can catch public transport to go back.
Or you can directly hire a taxi to visit the temple.
Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from Delhi.
Catch a direct bus towards Chamba or Uttarkashi from Haridwar and take a local taxi towards Dhanaulti from Chamba.
Important note: The frequency of public transport directly between Dehradun & Dhanaulti, Haridwar/Rishikesh & Chamba is moderately low.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Dehradun & Haridwar and Bus Station/Depot is in Risikhesh.
Distance between Dhanulti & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 7 Km
Distance between Kanatal & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 10 Km
Distance between Mussoorie & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 34 Km
Distance between Chamba & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 34 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 63 Km
Distance between Haridwar & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 108 Km
Distance between Delhi & Surkanda Devi Temple: Approx. 340 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach the temple directly by hiring a local taxi from Dehradun airport.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, revered pilgrimage sites dedicated to the divine feminine energy.
The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees who undertake the challenging trek to seek the blessings of Goddess Surkanda.
Surkanda Devi Fair, held during the auspicious Chaitra Navratri, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country, adding to the temple's festive charm.
The temple offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, casting a magical glow over the surrounding landscape and creating unforgettable memories for visitors.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Dehradun, Arrival in Dhanaulti
Day 2: Surkanda Devi Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Dehradun