Surkanda Devi Temple
Tehri Garhwal, India
- Attend the Ganga Dussehra fair (if visiting then).
- Capture breathtaking landscape photographs.
- Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.
- Offer prayers to Goddess Surkanda Devi.
- Trekking through scenic mountain trails.
Known for:
Description:
Surkanda Devi Temple, perched atop a hill near Dhanaulti in Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. This sacred site is dedicated to Goddess Sati, and its location provides a serene and spiritual escape. The trek to the temple is approximately 2-3 kilometers, winding through lush forests and offering stunning vistas at every turn. The temple itself is a beautiful example of local architecture, and the atmosphere is filled with devotion and tranquility. Visitors can enjoy the cool mountain air, capture stunning photographs, and experience the spiritual energy of this revered shrine. The annual Ganga Dussehra fair attracts thousands of devotees.
History:
The history of Surkanda Devi Temple is rooted in the legend of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva's consort. According to mythology, Sati immolated herself in protest against her father's disrespect towards Shiva. Lord Shiva, grief-stricken, carried her body across the land. During this journey, parts of Sati's body fell at different locations, which became sacred sites known as Shakti Peethas. It is believed that Sati's head fell at the spot where the Surkanda Devi Temple now stands. The name 'Surkanda' is derived from 'Sir-Kandha,' meaning 'severed head.' The temple has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries, but the sanctity and the spiritual significance remain intact, drawing devotees from far and wide.