Surkanda Devi Temple is located near Dhanolti in the Unniyal Village of Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is one of India’s 51 Shaktipeeth temples.
Situated at an elevation of approximately 2756 meters, this temple is renowned for its stunning architecture and provides a panoramic 360-degree outlook of the nearby area, including the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.
Additionally, it offers captivating vistas of Dehra Dun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratapnagar, and Chakrata. Abundant growth of diverse flowers and native herbs enhances the surroundings, while the vicinity is home to some of the enchanting birds native to the western Himalayas.
Quick Facts
- Address: Kaddukhal surkanda hike start, Chamba, Saklana Range, Uttarakhand 249145
- District: Tehri Garhwal
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Surkanda Devi
- Entry Fee: Free
- Elevation: 2756 METERS
- Timings: 05:00 AM to 07:00 PM-> Summers & 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM-> Winters
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: decent outfit recommended
- Festivals: Surkhananda Devi Fair
- Best Time to Visit: October – Feburary
Interesting Facts about Surkanda Devi Temple
According to mythology, the temple’s inception is linked to Goddess Sati, the spouse of Lord Shiva. Sati self-immolated during her father Daksha’s sacrificial ritual, an event triggered by Daksha’s failure to invite the couple.
As Shiva carried Sati’s body back to Kailash, her head fell at the current site of the Surkanda Devi temple, bestowing the temple with its name, originally “sirkhanda,” now known as Surkanda.
The temple is part of the “Devi Darshan triangle,” along with Chandrabadni and Kunjapuri temples, attracting many who visit all three sites.
The journey to Surkanda Devi temple involves a trek of approximately 2 km starting from the village of Kaddukhal. The well-maintained trekking path is paved, taking around 30 minutes each way.
Alternatively, tourists have the option to access the temple by traversing an 8 km trek through dense forests from Dhanaulti. Consequently, the temple holds appeal for avid trekkers seeking an adventurous route to this popular destination.
Surkhananda Devi Fair is celebrated on the eve of Ganga Dussehra at the temple. The festival is celebrated in the month of May/June every year and attracts a large number of devotees.
ALSO READ: Haridwar: The Spiritual Capital of India
How To Reach Surkanda Devi Temple?
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is closest situated airport at a distance of about 94 kms. Cabs and taxis are readily available for hiring to Surkanda and neighboring areas
By Rail
The nearest railway station is in Dehradun. The Dehradun railway station is at a distance of 66 kilo meters from Surkanda. Motorable roads are also well joined with Surkanda.
The common connecting city is Delhi for most of the trains.
By Road
Surkanda is well connected with most of the major cities in the state, like Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun.
Buses and cabs are easily available from the major cities across the Grahwal region.
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