Chandi Mata Mandir

Getting there

• By air

  Chandigarh Airport is the usual air hub for Chandimandir.

• By train

  Few trains stop at Chandimandir railway station. Chandigarh Railway Station is the usual rail hub.

• By road

  CTU bus route 30-A runs from Chandigarh to Chandimandir.

Why devotees come here

Chandi Mata Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Devi Chandi, in Panchkula city, Haryana. It stands on the Chandigarh-Kalka highway, about 15 km from Chandigarh. Chandigarh is said to take its name from this temple.

Chandi Mata Mandir is dedicated to Chandi, the form of Shakti who stands for power. The Shrine Board describes it as a famous Shakti Sthal, a place linked to Shakti. The deity is installed in a grand form, riding a lion and destroying a demon.

The Board says President Rajender Prasad visited the temple and coined the name of the city after it. The Board also says the army station next to it, Chandi Mandir Army Station, is named after the temple. The temple stands in Chandimandir Cantonment, the home of the Western Command of the Indian Army. The Board's page places it among the famous Shakti Sthals near the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Temple.

The Board says the temple belongs to Dwapar Yoga, and that the Pandavas worshipped the deity here to seek its blessings. Some pandits suggest the temple dates back to the days of the Mahabharata. These are beliefs passed down through the years, not settled dates. The Board lists the temple among its own temples.

Festivals

• During NavratrasDurga Puja

  Devotees gather at the temple for Durga Puja during Navratras.

Tips for your visit

• The Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine, a separate temple, is about 10 km away.
• On special occasions like Navratras, thousands of devotees visit, so expect a crowd then.

Questions people ask