Perched atop the 1,676-meter-tall Kunjapuri hill, Kunjapuri Temple is located 7 km from Narendra Nagar, approximately 15 km from Rishikesh, and 93 km from Devaprayag. The trek through the lush forest from Hidolakhal village to the temple, spanning five kilometers, offers a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts. Pilgrims on the Char Dham pilgrimage often visit the Kunjapuri shrine. The temple is renowned for its captivating sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan peaks. Dedicated to Goddess Durga, Kunjapuri is one of the three Shakti Peethas in the Tehri district and one of the thirteen Shakti Peethas (Power Centers) in the Shivalik Range.
History
According to the Skanda Purana, Sati, the daughter of King Daksha and the wife of Lord Shiva, was deeply upset when her father organized a yagya (sacrifice) and deliberately excluded her and Lord Shiva. Despite Lord Shiva’s advice against attending, Sati went and was humiliated by Daksha. In her grief and anger, Sati immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Distraught, Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance of destruction, releasing his Gana and causing chaos.
Temple During Festivals
Kunjapuri Temple attracts numerous visitors throughout the year, especially during the Navratri and Dussehra festivals when grand celebrations are held. The primary festival celebrated here is Dussehra. The best time to visit the temple is from May to October.
Kunjapuri Temple Timings
The temple is open daily from 6:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to visit Kunjapuri Temple.
Things to Do
- Yoga: Kunjapuri is an excellent place to practice yoga, offering various pranayama and meditation techniques that benefit mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
- Trekking: The Kunjapuri Temple Trek offers stunning views of the Doon Valley, Haridwar, the Himalayan ranges to the south, and towns like Rishikesh and Haridwar to the north. The trek starts from Hindola Khal, about 6 km from Narendra Nagar.
- Sunrise: Watching the sunrise from Kunjapuri Temple, located over 1600 meters above sea level, is a profound experience.
- Spa: The luxurious Ananda Spa Resort in Narendra Nagar, set in the Himalayas, offers a rejuvenating experience.
- Photography: The area around the temple provides breathtaking vistas, perfect for photography.
- Bird Watching: At an elevation of 1645 meters, Kunjapuri is home to a variety of bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird watching.
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The Best Time to Visit
While the temple can be visited year-round, the best months are from May to October. Visiting during the Navratras in October or November allows participation in special festivities and a chance to experience Hindu cultural celebrations.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, you can take a bus or hire a cab to Kunjapuri Temple, about 39 kilometers away, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From there, buses, local boats, or cabs can take you to the temple.
Nearest Places to Visit
- Tehri Dam: Located near Tehri in Uttarakhand, India, the Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in the world and the highest in India. It plays a crucial role in the region’s water management and power generation.
- Surkhanda Devi Temple: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and Nepal, this temple marks the spot where Sati’s head is believed to have fallen. It is a significant pilgrimage site.
- Nag Tibba: Meaning “Peak of Snake,” Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayan range at 3,022 meters. It is located 57 kilometers from Mussoorie.
- Sem Mukhem: Located 64 kilometers from New Tehri, Sem Mukhem offers stunning views and is situated at an elevation of 2,903 meters.
FAQs on Kunjapuri Temple
Which is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Kunjapuri Temple is from May to October, with special festivities during the Navratras in October or November.
How to reach by train?
The nearest train station is Rishikesh Railway Station. From there, visitors can take a bus, local boat, or cab to reach the temple.
