The popular pilgrimage site of Surkanda Devi Temple in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region is a sight to behold with a charm that mesmerizes the heart of every devotee. This temple is dedicated to Surkanda Devi and is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas spread across the Indian subcontinent.

It is located near Dhanaulti in the Uniyal Gaon. The popular religious site, which has a spiritual vibe all over it, is located at an elevation of 2700 m above sea level and offers a breathtaking 360° view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the fertile land around it.

The temple is located in the Tehri District and is close to other popular tourist destinations such as Chamba, Dhanaulti, and Mussoorie. There are numerous mythologies surrounding the temple’s origin. The most popular, however, revolves around Sati, the wife of the revered Hindu deity Shiva.

Sati and Shiva are said to have been rejected wholeheartedly by Daksha, Sati’s father, and thus were not invited to Yajna (sacred worship). Sati went to the Yajna and threw herself into the fire to make her father’s sacrifice impure.

Shiva was enraged and remorseful as a result of this act, so he decided to carry Sati’s body on his shoulder until she died. When the other deities saw this, they were terrified and begged Lord Vishnu to appease Shiva.

While the Lord was performing his Tandava throughout heaven, many parts of Sati’s body fell on the Indian Subcontinent, forming the 51 sacred Shakti Peethas. The Surkanda Devi Temple now stands tall where Sati’s head once stood. Every year between May and June, the Ganga Dusshera festival is celebrated with zeal in the temple and draws a large crowd.

Best Time to Visit Surkanda Devi Temple

Surkanda Devi Temple, located near the popular tourist attraction of Chamba, can be visited by any worshipper at any time of year because the weather is pleasant all year. The best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple, however, is during the summer season, when the Ganga Dusshera Festival is celebrated with great zeal.

Summer

What better time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple than during the hot summer days? The temperature in the surrounding area ranges from 14°C to 30°C, and it gets even better in May and June when the temple celebrates Ganga Dussehra. The auspicious festival welcomes devotees to shower their love and seek the deity’s blessings.

Monsoon

Even the monsoon rain cannot deter a worshipper from visiting this temple located near Chamba. In fact, the area around the temple becomes majestic from July to October. As a result, a large number of devotees visit Surkanda Devi Temple during the monsoon season.

Winters

Winter arrives in the months of November to February, bringing cold days and even colder nights. Normally, the temperature in the area drops to 4°C, but there are a few chances to get lucky and see the temple with snowfall.

Hotel in Surkanda Devi Temple

There are a variety of accommodation options available near the temple, making it simple to find a place to relax and refresh yourself. Kanatal, Chamba, Mussoorie, and Dehradun all have a variety of luxury and budget hotels with all basic amenities, facilities, and first-rate services. There are also homestays and guest houses available as the best places to stay in these locations that provide a welcoming atmosphere.

How to reach Surkanda Devi Temple

If you happen to be in any of Uttarakhand’s tourist destinations, such as Dehradun, Mussoorie, or Chamba, you can easily reach the temple because it is only a few kilometers away. Furthermore, roadways are the best way to reach Kaddukhal, from where a 2-kilometer trek to Surkanda Devi Temple begins.

By Air

The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, which is 98 kilometers away from the temple. A taxi can be easily hired from there.

By Train

The nearest railhead to Surkanda Devi Temple is Dehradun Railway Station, which is located 67 kilometers away. Taxis from Dehradun to Kaddukhal, the base of Surkanda Devi Temple, are easily available.

By Road

The village nearest to the temple is Kaddukhal on the Dhanaulti-Chamba road, from which you must trek for 2 kilometers to reach your destination.