Surkanda Devi Temple Uttarakhand

A vision to behold with a charm that mesmerises heart of every devotee is the popular pilgrimage site of Surkanda Devi Temple in Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. Situated at a short distance from Dhanaulti in the Uniyal Gaon, this temple is dedicated to Surkanda Devi and is reckoned to be one of the 51 Shaktipeethas unfurled over the Indian subcontinent. Spreading its spiritual vibe all over the place, the popular religious site rests at an elevation of 2700 m above the sea offering a breathtaking 360° view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the prolific land around it. Being a part of the Tehri District the temple is a top tourism place located near other must-visit holiday destinations like Chamba, Dhanaulti, and Mussoorie. There are many mythologies that relate to the origin of the temple. But the one that is believed the most revolves around Sati, wife of the revered Hindu deity, Shiva.

It's said that Sati and Shiva were not accepted wholeheartedly by Daksha, Sati's father and hence were not invited to Yajna(sacred worship). Upon knowing this, Sati came to the Yajna and threw herself into the fire to make her father's sacrifice impure. This act ultimately left Shiva in rage and remorse and so he decided to carry Sati's body on his shoulder until it perishes away. Seeing this, the other deities were frightened and so they beseeched Lord Vishnu to appease Shiva. While the Lord was performing his Tandava throughout the heaven, many parts of Sati's body fell on the Indian Subcontinent which are entitled as the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. Presently, the Surkanda Devi Temple stands tall where pragmatically Sati's head fell. The Ganga Dusshera festival is celebrated in the temple with a lot of zeal every year between May and June and attracts a lot of people.

Best Time to Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

Situated near the popular tourist attraction of Chamba, Surkanda Devi Temple can be visited by any worshipper at any time of the year since the weather remains comfortable throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple is the summer season, when the Ganga Dusshera Festival is celebrated with immense zeal here.

  • Summer

    What better time it would be to pay a visit to Surkanda Devi Temple than the bright summer days.The temperature in the area around ranges from 14°C to 30°C and it gets even better since the temple celebrates Ganga Dussehra in May to June. The auspicious festival welcomes devotees to shower their love and take blessings from the deity.

  • Monsoon

    Even the monsoon rain cannot stop the throbbing heart of a worshipper from visiting this temple settled near Chamba. For a fact, the area near the temple turns majestical from the month of July to October. Hence there are a number of devotees making their way to Surkanda Devi Temple in monsoon season.

  • Winter

    Here comes the winter in the months of November to February, carrying forth with cold days and even colder nights. Usually, the temperature in the area drops down to 4°C but there are a few chances where you might get lucky and enjoy the sight of the temple with snowfall.

Where to Stay in Surkanda Devi Temple?

With a number of accommodation options available near the temple, it's easy to find a place where you can relax and refresh yourself. Places like Kanatal, Chamba, Mussoorie, Dehradun come up with a variety of luxury and budget hotels with all basic amenities, facilities and best in class services. Moreover, there are homestays and guest houses available too as best places to stay at these locations offering a congenial atmosphere.

How to Reach Surkanda Devi Temple?

If you happen to be in any of the travel destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Chamba then you can easily reach the temple without much hassle, as they are located a few kilometres away. Besides, you can choose roadways which is the best way of reaching the Kaddukhal, from where a trek of 2 km begins for Surkanda Devi Temple.

  • By Air

    Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport located 98 km away from the temple. From there one can easily hire a taxi.

  • By Rail

    Situated 67 km away, Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest railhead to Surkanda Devi Temple. Direct taxis are easily available from Dehradun to the Kaddukhal, the base of Surkanda Devi Temple.

  • By Road

    The village settled closest to the temple is Kaddukhal on the Dhanaulti-Chamba road, from where you have to trek your way for 2 km to reach your destination.

Uttarakhand Travel Information at a Glance