The Kunjapuri Temple is also known for the best sunrise point near Rishikesh. It is recognized as the most important sacred temple in the Hindu religion. The Kunjapuri Devi is among the 52 Siddha Peethas, located in Uttarakhand. At a height of 1,676 meters, one can see the never-ending sky merging with the peaks mainly Swargarohini, Bandanpoonch, Chaukhamba and Gangotri. This place has its own history, with beauty blending with nature. Kunjapuri Temple also lies in the triangle of the three Siddha Peeths. As these three lie in the district of Tehri Gharwal, with Kunjapuri in Rishikesh, Surkhanda Devi in Dhanaulti, and Chandrabadni in Chandrakoot, they complete the triangle of Siddha Peeth.
The Kunjapuri Temple History
Kunjapuri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, which is considered one of the 52 Siddha Peeths in the Shivalik range. This was established by Jagadguru Shankaracharya along with the other two. According to the Skandpuran, it is said that the daughter of King Daksha, Goddess Sati, was married to Lord Shiva. And once, after the Asuras were defeated in the Treta Yuga, Daksha was chosen as the creator of all the gods. To commemorate, Daksha had to perform a yagna at Kankhal in which Lord Shiva was not invited. As Lord Shiva was against Daksha for becoming Prajapati.
The Story
On the day of yagna, every god was passing through Kailash Parvat and was seen by Shiva and Sati. They realized that they were not invited and Sati took this humiliation out on her husband. She reached the place where yagna was performed and sacrificed herself. By the time Shiva reached her, she had already been sacrificed in the Havan Kund. In an orgy of rage, Shiva released Ganga from his jatas and also ordered the cutting off the head of Daksha and the killing of all the gods. The regretful gods apologized to Shiva and requested him to allow Daksha to complete the Yagya. Though the head was cut so, the neck of a sheep was placed and completed the Yagya. Shiva carried the body from the Havan Kund on his shoulder and roamed around for years, being mournful and angry.
He did tandav in Kailash Parvat with Sati on his shoulder. All the gods gathered to discuss this event, as they all knew that Shiva in anger would destroy the whole universe. Then Lord Vishnu decided to use his Sudarshan Chakra. Without knowing Shiva, he divided the body of Sati into 51 pieces with the Chakra. Wherever the body piece fell from Sati’s body came to be known as the Shakti Peethas. And it is believed the upper part of the body, Kunja, has fallen here; that is what is called Kunjapuri.
Another story that I found on the internet is that Kunjapuri is a Siddha Peeth, where these are energy vortexes where Shakti and Bhairav manifest for spiritual seekers. These Siddha Peeths are more related to tantric vidya, sadhana and mantra siddhi.
Note: The Shakti Peeth and Sidha Peeths are totally different. A Shakti Peeth can also be a Siddha Peeth, like Kamakhya Temple in Assam (the most powerful Siddha Peeth for Tantra) and Tarapith in West Bengal is famous for sadhana and mantra siddhi.
Navaratri at Kunjapuri Temple
As the Kunjapuri Devi is a divine place of Sati, so the Navratri is celebrated magnificently. The festival comes mainly in the month of October, where anyone can visit. Here, you get an opportunity to see an Indian Hindu celebration. Being a part of it, you also witness the social and religious ceremonies. The environment is enhanced by the Mela, which is celebrated on the temple premises. It attracts people from the nearby villages and tourists from around the world.
The celebrations enhance the spirit of the people with joy and camaraderie. On the last day of Navratri, known as Dussehra, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the temple. Participating in this celebration gives a unique blessing and an opportunity to immerse oneself. It not only shares rich customs and heritages but also the sacred land fosters a deeper connection to its cultural tapestry.
Best Time to Visit Kunjapuri Temple
The Kunjapuri Temple can be visited anytime during the year. But if you ask me what the best time is, then my answer is from mid-April to mid-October. This is the time when you can get clear views of every mountain range as the sun is bright on the hilltop. Do carry a jacket, as it is colder in the early morning and late evening if you plan to see the sunrise or sunset.
How to Reach
By Air – The nearest airport to Kunjapuri Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is around 30 km away from the temple and shared cabs or private taxis are always available by the airport.
Train – Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest to the temple, which is about 27 km away. The road is well maintained and is drivable for a car or two-wheeler.
By Road – Rishikesh, the gateway to Kunjapuri, is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Also, one can hire cabs and renting a scooty is available in Rishikesh.
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