Surkanda Devi Temple is situated at a hilltop around 8 km away from Dhanaulti, Kanatal, and around 22kms from Chamba in Uttarakhand, covered with dense forest all-around at an altitude of 2,750 m. This temple is one of the 51 shakti peeth located all over India, dedicated to Goddess Surkanda. A scenic view of the surrounding region is offered by the place. The temple offers 360-degree pleasing views of adjacent Himalayan peaks, the entire Garhwal valley, and Dehradun valley and is famous for its architecture and location.
Devotees need to trek for around 3 km from Kaddukhal, which is the nearest parking point to the temple. Most of the devotees trek along the path to reach the temple, whereas a few pick a pony ride to reach the shrine.
The trek is around 3 km which would take 1 hour to reach the top. It is so steep at some point that it is not advised for weak-hearted or physically unfit people, especially those who have Asthma problems. As you pass by, you can halt for some soft drinks or snacks at the midway stalls. Due to the dense forest all around, (trees of Rounsli) the temple is covered with fog maximum of the time of the year.
One can also take a mountain route for the temple with the help of a local guide as that route is not taken by the visitors. The route is a bit tougher and longer as it will take around 2 hours to reach the temple. but the entire trek would be mesmerizing. The phrase “walking on clouds” will have a separate meaning altogether.
Origin of worship
As per the Mythology, the origin of the temple can be attributed to Goddess Sati- wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of Puranic God-King Daksha. Goddess Sati immolated her after her father Daksha insulted her husband Lord Shiva by not inviting the couple to the Yajna. Daksha was not happy with his daughter’s choice of husband. In temper, Sati threw herself into the fire. This made Lord Shiva lose his temper. In a rage, he put the corpse of his wife and performed Tandav (dance of cosmic destruction) throughout the heavens. He did not stop until the body was completely rotted away. To stop him, Lord Vishnu followed him everywhere Lord Shiva wandered while dancing. Lord Vishnu sent his Sudarshan Chakra to abolish the corpse of Sati and the pieces of the body fell all over the region. This stopped lord Shiva and he sat down to do Maha Tapasya.
Devotees believe that wherever the pieces fell, that is known as Shakti Peeth. According to Hindu myths, there are 51 pieces of Sati’s body scattered all over the Indian continent, and Shakti Peeth, devoted to the powerful Goddess. While crossing this region on his way to Kailash, Lord Shiva was carrying Sati’s body, her head fell at the spot where the current shrine of Surkanda Devi stands and due to which the temple got its label as Sirkhanda which is now called Surkhanda.
The Ganga Dussehra festival is celebrated in the temple with a lot of passion every year between May and June that attracts a lot of individuals. In the winter season, the place will be covered with blankets of snow. So, hiking during the summer season that is from April to July is well thought-out to be the best time.
Visitors have to trek around 3 km from Kaddukhal, which is the nearest town to reach the temple. Kaddukhal is well connected via road from Mussoorie (40 km) and Chamba (24 km) as well, which are well connected with other cities in north India including Delhi. Dehradun has the nearest railhead and airport. Visitors can hire a taxi from there to Kanatal and further.
If you are thinking about lodging then, there are various budgeted homestays and luxurious hotels as well as guest houses at nearby locations like Kanatal, Mussoorie, Chamba, and Dehradun.
It is a beautiful trek offering a breath-taking view of Himalayan peaks. So, don’t step back and miss out on this site because once you reach the top, you will be fascinated to see the view.
Contributed By : Amit Singh
