Surkanda Devi Temple History | surkanda devi trek

Surkanda Devi Temple Story

Surkanda Devi trek is one among those treks which one should try for a lifetime experience. The place is situated around 8 kms away from Dhanaulti, Kanatal and around 22kms from Chamba in Uttarakhand. The trek is well known because of Surkanda Devi Temple, that has a hindu mythology. As per the surkanda devi temple kanatal history is this temple is one of the 51 shakti peeth located all over the India, dedicated to Goddess Surkanda. The temple offers 360-degree scenic view of adjacent Himalayan peaks and is famous for its architecture and the location.

As per the Mythology the origin of the temple can be attributed to Goddess Sati- wife of Lord Shiva. Goddess Sati burned herself in her father’s sacrifice when he embarrassed lord Shiva. We know that how Lord Shiva performed tandav with the dead corpse of Sati and how by the Sudarshan Chakra the body was isolated part by part by Lord Vishnu. When lord Shiva was passing over this place on his way back to Kailash carrying Sati’s body, her head fell at the spot where the modern temple of Surkhanda Devi stands and due to which the temple’s got its name as sirkhanda which is now called Surkhanda.

The trek is around 3 kms which would take 1 hour to reach the top. It is so steep at some point that it is not advised for weakhearted or physically unfit people, especially those who have Asthma problem. You can either walk or take a horse ride. As you pass by, you hault for some soft drinks or snacks at the midway stalls. Due to the dense forest all around, the temple is covered with fog maximum of the time of the year.

Talking about the accommodation, you will find numerous of budget and luxury hotels, as well as guest houses, homestays in Kanatal, Mussoorie which is around 40 km, Chamba and Dehradun. But do not expect amenities like other Hills stations like Mussorrie Because kanatal offers Peace- adventure- Nature.

Must Read :-  BEFORE GOING TO SURKANDA DEVI TREK 

Origin of worship

(story of surkanda devi temple)

As per the Mythology the origin of the temple can be attributed to Goddess Sati- wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of Puranic God- King Daksha. Goddess Sati immolated her after her father Daksha insulted her husband Lord Shiva by not inviting the couple to the Yajna. Daksha was not happy with his daughter’s choice of husband. In temper, Sati threw herself into the fire.

This made Lord Shiva to lose his temper. In a rage, he put the corpse of his wife and performed Tandav (dance of cosmic destruction) throughout the heavens. He did not stop until the body was complete rotted away. To stop him, Lord Vishnu followed him everywhere Lord Shiva wandered while dancing. Lord Vishnu sent his Sudarshan Chakra to abolish the corpse of Sati and the pieces of the body fell all over the region. This stopped lord Shiva and he sat down to do Mahatapasya.

Devotee’s believe that where ever the pieces fell, that known as shakti Peeth. According to Hindu myths, there are 51 pieces of Sati’s body scattered all over the Indian continent, and Shakti Peeth, devoted to powerful Goddess. When lord Shiva was passing over this region on his way to Kailash carrying Sati’s body, her head fell at the spot where the current temple of Surkhanda Devi stands and due to which the temple’s got its name as Sirkhanda which is now called Surkhanda.

The Ganga Dussehra festival is celebrated in the temple with a lot of passion every year between May and June that attracts a lot of individuals. In the winter season, the place will be covered with blankets of snow. So, hiking during summer season that is from April to July is well thought-out to be the best time.

Visitors have to trek around 4 kms from Kaddukhal, which is the nearest town to reach the temple. Kaddukhal is well connected via road from Mussoorie (40 kms) and Chamba (24 kms) as well, which are well connected with other cities in north India including Delhi. Dehradun has the nearest railhead and airport.  After you visit the temple you will also get to know the full surkanda devi temple height in feet. Visitors can hire a taxi from there to Kanatal and further. If you are thinking about the lodging than, there are various budgeted homestays and luxurious hotels as well as guest houses at nearby location like Kanatal, Mussoorie, Chamba and Dehradun.

It is a beautiful trek offering a breath-taking view of Himalayan peaks. So, don’t get aback and miss out on this place because one you reach the top, you will be mesmerized.

Thanks

Kanatal Heights

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