Kunjapuri Temple
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is situated on the highest point of the hill Kunjapuri and it is one of the best visit places of Tehri Gharwal. It is located on altitude of 1,676 metres. It is 7 km far from Narendra Nagar, around 15 km from Rishikesh and 93 km from Devaprayag. Kunjapuri temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati.
Kunjapuri Devi Temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeth in Uttarakhand. Other two Shakti Peethas in the district are Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni. Kunjapuri, along with these two peethas form a holy triangle.
The Char Dham pilgrims can pay a visit to Kunjapuri temple on their way from Rishikesh to Gangotri. There are 80 steep steps to reach out the main shrine of Kunjapuri Devi Temple from the road.
The sunrise and sunset view from the Himalayan peak are mesmerizing. On a clear day you can take a look of
- Swargarohini
- Gangotri
- Banderpunch
- And Chaukhamba.
History or Mythology of Kunjapuri Temple
According to Skandpuran, Sati wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of King Daksha. After the defeat of the Asuras in Treta Yuga, Daksha was chosen as the creator of all the deities. He performed a yagya at Kankhal to celebrate this. He purposely did not invite her daughter and her husband.
When Sati came to know about this, she became very angry and decided to go uninvited. Lord Shiva tried to persuade her to drop this idea, but she was adamant. King Daksha gave his inspirations to Sati which was an open embarrassment to his spouse.
Enraged by this, Sati ended her life by jumping into the Havan Kund. Ruler Shiva was torn. He performed Tandava and freed Gana from his hair and ordered him to cut off Daksha’s head and drive all the gods to thrash.
The repentant deities sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness and requested him to allow Daksha to complete the yagya. But, Daksh’s neck was already cut. Therefore, the neck of a sheep was cut off and placed on Daksha’s body so that he could complete the yagya.
Lord Shiva took Sati’s body out of the fire pit and carried it on his shoulders for years in grief and anger. All the deities gathered to discuss this unusual incident as they knew that in anger Lord Shiva could destroy the whole world.
He refused to complete the last rites. Master Brahma, the creator of the universe, realized that if Sati’s body did not receive proper incineration as per Hindu scriptures, she could not be resurrected as Goddess Parvati.
So Lord Vishnu took out his Sudarshana Chakra and split Sati’s body into 52 pieces. Wherever a piece of Sati’s body fell on the earth, those places became known as Siddha Peethas or Shakti Peethas (centres of knowledge or power). For example –
- Naina Devi of Himachal Pradesh where her eyes fell,
- Shakambhari Devi of Saharanpur where her head fell,
- Jwalpa Devi where her tongue fell,
- Surkanda Devi where her neck fell and Chandbadni Devi are there.
- The upper part of his body i.e. Kunja fell at the place which is today known as Kunjapuri. It is counted in Shaktipeeths.
Shaktipeeth Kunjapuri Devi Temple/ Geography of Temple
This temple is one of the 51 Siddha Peethas located in Uttarakhand. On entrance of a temple, There is a simple white gate which displays a board stating that it has been gifted to the temple by the 197th Field Regiment (Kargil).
Three hundred and eight concrete steps lead up to the temple. The actual entrance is guarded by lions, mounts of the goddess, and elephant heads. The Kunjapuri temple itself is white. However, some parts of it have been painted in bright colours.
This temple was renovated from 01 October 1979 to 25 February 1980. There is no idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple – there is a pit – which is said to be the place where Kunja fell. This is where the puja is performed, while a small idol of the goddess is placed in a corner.
The temple complex has idols of Bhairon, Mahakali Nagaraja and Narasimha along with an idol of Lord Shiva. Aarti is organized daily in the temple at 6.30 in the morning and from 5 to 6.30 in the evening.
Kunjapuri priests Kunwar Singh Bhandari and Dharam Singh Bhandari – come from a lineage that has worshiped at the Kunjapuri temple for generations. Interestingly, unlike other temples in Garhwal, where the priest is always a Brahmin, Kunjapuri priests are Rajputs or Jajmans, as they are known in Garhwal. They are taught by Brahmins of the Bahuguna caste in this temple.
Devi temple During Festival time
A large number of visitors visit the Kunjapuri temple throughout the year. grand festivities are held in the temple during Navratri and Dussehra festivals. Dussehra is the main festival celebrated here. The best time to visit Kunjapuri is from May to October.
Kunjapuri Temple Fair
Every year since 1972, the Kunjapuri Tourism and Development Fair are organized at the Kunjapuri Temple during the first Navratras of Dussehra festival. It is one of the biggest tourist attraction centers of the region.
It is attended by around 50,000 visitors around the world. The fair plays a dual role of promoting tourism and development. A variety of cultural exhibitions and music and dance programs are organized in which artistes from across the country participate.
The government also uses this fair as a means of development and uses this opportunity to educate local farmers about crops and farming techniques.
Timings of Kunjapuri Temple
Timings to visit Maa Kunjapuri Devi Temple is from 6:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M.
Ticket Price of Kunjapuri Temple
There is No entry fees for people in Kunjapuri Temple.
Address of Maa Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Hindolakhal Rd, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249175, India
Things to do in near Kunjapuri Temple
- Yoga – Kunjapuri is the best place for yoga. Yoga is very beneficial for the fitness of our body not only physically but also for mentally and emotionally through various pranayama and meditation. You can lose weight through yoga. Kapal Bharti is the best way to reduce your weight and keep your body healthy.
- Trekking – Kunjapuri is situated at an altitude of 1645 meters and commands a view of the Himalayan peaks to the north and Rishikesh, Haridwar and the Doon Valley to the south. Kunjapuri temple trek is specially celebrated for trekking in Rishikesh. On the way to Gangotri, about 6 km from Narendra Nagar the road splits at Hindola Khal, which points to the holy place, which is 5 km ahead.
- Sunrise – Kunjapuri is where one can enjoy the real taste of a hilltop temple near Rishikesh. , It is peaceful and naturally spiritual and is over 1600 meters high. The sunrise here in the foothills of the Himalayas is a deep, extraordinary expression.
- Spa – Ananda in the Himalayas known as a luxury spa destination in Narendra Nagar.
- Photography – There are so breathtaking views near temple, so you can do lots of photography of nature and enjoy your time.
- Bird watching – As Kunjapuri is situated at an altitude of 1645 meters, this is native to many birds. You can see many birds here.
Best time to visit Kunjapuri Temple
You can visit the temple throughout the year but the Best time to visit Kunjapuri Temple in view of the hot sun in the hill top is in the months of May to October. If you want to enjoy special celebrations, then must visit in Navratras which usually fall in October-November. You will have the opportunity to peep through the Hindu festival celebration and appreciate the celebrations by observing the social gatherings and satisfaction in the members.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to the Kunjapuri Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can catch a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Kunjapuri Temple. It would take around an one and half a hour to cover this distance of 39 KM.
By Train: Nearest Railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. You should find a train stopping at this junction. You can get down here to fetch a bus, a local ferry or hire a taxi to reach your destination.
By Road: Rishikesh Bus Stand is the nearest bus stand. The city roads are well connected with rickshaws and autos, helping you navigate the city and its surroundings without any hassle.
Nearby Points of Attraction
Tehri Dam :-
Tehri Dam is the most important thing to see and is the main attraction in Tehri Garhwal. It is the highest dam in India and one of the highest dams in the world. It will be a multi-purpose reef, earth fill bank dam on the Bhagirathi waterway near Tehri in Uttarakhand, India. This will be an essential dam of THDC India Limited.
Surkhanda Devi Temple :-
Surkhanda Devi Sanctuary is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India and Nepal. When Lord Shiva was unknowingly walking on the Indian and Nepalese slopes carrying the dead body of his wife Sati on his shoulder, Sati’s head fell at the spot and later the Surkhanda Devi temple was built there. Surkhanda Devi Temple is one of the three goddess sanctuaries Surkhanda, Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri.
Chandrabadani Temple :-
Chandrabadni Temple is one of the heavenly triangle-Kunjapuri, Surkhanda Devi and Chandrabadni sanctuaries in Terhi Garhwal region of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Sati Devi’s midriff had fallen at the spot when her husband Shiva was unknowingly carrying Sati’s dead body in his arms after Sati suffocated in the Agni (fire) kund who wasn’t able to bear the evil thoughts of her father Daksha Prajapati towards Shiva. From Chandrabadni Temple, you can have a panoramic view of Surkhanda Devi, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks.
Nag Tibba :-
Nag means snake and tibba means hill or peak, the name Nag Tibba means peak of snake. Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayan region at 3,022 m above sea level, 57 km from Mussoorie hill station in Dehradun district. The name comes from the local belief of the serpent god who resides on the hill.
Sem Mukhem :-
Sem Mukhem is 64 km from New Tehri which is the best place for tourists.View of Sem Mukhem is very beautiful and its height is above 2,903 meters.
New Tehri :-
Tehri Garhwal is a beautiful place in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It is the administrative seat of Tehri Garhwal district. The old city of Tehri was situated at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers. Tehri city is an ancient place and it is one of the holiest cities in India. The diverse nature of Hinduism has attracted foreign visitors from all over the world. Travelers are always attracted to Tehri Garhwal.
Chamba :-
Chamba is beautiful place which is 18 km away from Tehri Garhwal, Chamba can be one of those genuine visitor attractions around the travelers. Apart from offering panoramic views of the Himalayas, this blessed waterway also offers beautiful views of the Bhagirathi.
Narendernagar :-
Narendranagar is a holiday destination where one can appreciate the delightful sights of the river Ganga and the Doon Valley. It is Located at a distance of 16 kms from Rishikesh on the way to Gangotri and Yamunotri.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Kunjapuri Temple like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in Kunjapuri Temple, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
