Surkanda Devi Temple
Experience the Beauty of the Surkanda Devi Temple on a Guided Tour
Surkanda Devi Temple, located close to Dhanaulti, is at a dizzying 3030 meters above sea level. A short, pleasant two-kilometer hike will take you to the Goddess Sati’s temple.
Every day of the year, thousands of worshippers flock to the temple. Aside from its religious significance, the walk offers a wealth of natural wonders. The trail is lush with vegetation, has a significant calming effect, and provides a breathtaking perspective of the Himalayas.
History of Surkanda Devi
Sati, the daughter of the Puranic god-king Daksha, is at the center of one of the most pervasive legends about the beginnings of worship at the site. Daksha did not want his daughter to marry Shiva, so when he gave a substantial Vedic sacrifice for all the gods, he left Shiva and Sati out.
Knowing this would taint the sacrifice, Sati hurled herself over the flames in a fit of wrath. Mother Goddess Sati transcended her mortal coil at that moment, reborn as Parvati. Also, Shiva was heartbroken and enraged about the loss of his wife. He hoisted Sati’s corpse over his back and started his tandava across the stars, vowing to keep going until the body was entirely decomposed. The other deities begged Vishnu to appease Shiva out of fear for their survival.
So, Vishnu went wherever Shiva’s dancing took him. Then he ordered his Sudarshan Chakra to be cast upon Sati’s body, obliterating it. After her body began to fall apart, Shiva was left with nothing to bear. It prompted Shiva to begin his Mahatapasya meditation. Despite the apparent connection between the two stories, most academics reject that this myth inspired the barbaric practice of widow burning (or “sati”).
Different tales and traditions claim that 51 fragments of Sati’s body can be found all over the Indian subcontinent. These locations honor several goddesses for their strength and are known as shakti peethas. The body was disassembled piece by piece. When returning to Kailash with Sati’s body, Shiva traveled through this area; legend has it that Sati’s head dropped at the site of the current Surkanda Devi shrine. As time went on, the word “sati” evolved into “sirkhanda” and eventually “surkanda” to reflect the fact that its head had fallen off.
Why is Surkanda Devi famous?
This shrine is one of the 51 Shakti Peeth located throughout the Indian subcontinent and is dedicated to the divine feminine as personified by Goddess Surkanda. Located at an elevation of 2,700 meters, the temple is renowned for its breathtaking 360-degree panorama, including the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
Best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple
It would help if you visited Surkanda Devi Temple between September and May. This is the best season to pay a visit. It is chilly throughout the winter months. In the winter, the temperature drops dramatically when snow falls on the nearby hills. Due to frequent downpours, it can be tough to leave during the rainy season.
Things to do in Surkanda Devi Temple
- Eco Park
A tranquil park with a breathtaking panorama, perfect for taking a break from the city. So, if you’re in Dhanaulti, you should stop by this Eco-park.
- Dhanaulti Adventure Park
Clouds and verdant trees make for a picturesque park. Consequently, if you are passing through, you should stop at this park to enjoy some time in the great outdoors.
- Camp Thangdhar – An Adventure Retreat
If you’re looking for an exciting camping experience in Dhanaulti, look no further than Camp Thangdhar. It is arguably Dhanaulti’s most popular tourist destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts. The camp provides a wide variety of outdoor pursuits and modern comforts in spacious safari tents.
How to reach Surkanda Devi Temple
Those seeking out the Surkanda Devi temple will need to make the two-kilometer ascent from the nearby settlement of Kaddukhal. Kaddukhal is accessible by road and located between Mussoorie and Chamba, 40 km, and 24 km, respectively.
- By Road
The town of Kaddukhal, which is only 40 kilometers away from Mussoorie, is the closest one to the temple. Taxis and shared taxis are available for hiring in Mussoorie for tourists. A less frequent bus service connects Mussoorie with Chamba through Kaddukhal. Most northern cities, including Delhi, are easily accessible from Mussoorie.
- By Rail
The nearest train station is in the valley, at Dehradun. It is located 67 kilometers away. Tourists can also take a taxi straight from Dehradun to Surkanda Devi, bypassing Mussoorie.
- By Air
The Surkanda Devi temple is 100 kilometers from the nearest airport, Jolly Grant, in Dehradun. You can take a flight to Delhi every day from here, and getting a taxi to Surkanda Devi is a breeze.
Conclusion
As one of the 52 Shakti Peetham, the Surkanda Devi temple is a holy site revered by Hindus and Buddhists who visit the Himalayas. Come here to seek Mata Parvathi Devi’s grace.