The short answer
Chandrabadani Devi Temple: what visitors should know first
Go only if you are drawn to Shakti pilgrimage and can make a long mountain drive. It is not a convenient add-on to Dhanaulti; plan it as a separate day or overnight and confirm the road and walking distance locally.
History and context
The story behind Chandrabadani Devi Temple
Chandrabadani Devi sits at about 2,277 m on Chandrakoot mountain. Tradition holds that the torso of Sati fell here, and the temple is said to be mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Public sources lack a verifiable date for the present shrine, so none is given.
Useful facts
Chandrabadani Devi Temple facts at a glance
- Location
- Chandrakoot mountain, Tehri Garhwal
- Faith
- Hindu (Shakta)
- Deity/dedication
- Chandrabadani Devi; Shri-yantra on a stone
- Altitude
- About 2,277 m
- Visitor note
- Short uphill walk from the road at Jamnikhal
- Festival
- Large fair in April
Why it matters
Why Chandrabadani Devi Temple is worth your time
Chandrabadani Devi is a Siddhpeeth in Tehri Garhwal, and the Skanda Purana is said to mention it. According to the tradition, the torso of Sati fell here when Shiva carried her body, which is why it ranks among the Shakti sites of the region. Wikipedia describes the temple as lacking an idol and worshipped through a Shri-yantra on stone.
For Garhwal it is a regional pilgrimage rather than a tourist stop. Priests traditionally come from a nearby village, and an annual fair in April draws devotees from the surrounding hills. Visit with that in mind: it is a place of worship, and the best way to see it is quietly, early in the day.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The Shri-yantra
Worship is directed to a carved yantra rather than a statue.
- 02
The ridge setting
A high ridge site with wide views on clear days.
- 03
The April fair
A large annual fair draws devotees from surrounding villages.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The temple is reached by road to Jamnikhal, then a short uphill walk of around one kilometre, though sources differ on details of the final stretch. Start early, carry water and a jacket, and ask your driver to confirm the road before you leave Dhanaulti, since this is a long, winding drive and the exact approach depends on the route you take.
Inside, the object of worship is a Shri-yantra carved on a flat stone rather than an idol, a distinctive feature that draws devotees. Around the site are old iron tridents and statues, which locals link to the legend of the goddess. Move quietly, remove footwear and watch what others do before photographing anything.
The temple's setting on a high ridge gives wide views on clear days. If you plan to go, treat it as a separate pilgrimage day. Combining it with Tehri Lake is possible but makes for a very long day, so consider an overnight on the Tehri side.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Confirm the road and walking distance before leaving
- Start early and carry water and a jacket
- Dress modestly and remove footwear
- Avoid the April fair if you want quiet
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Chandrakoot mountain, Tehri Garhwal, near Jamnikhal
- Time needed
- Half to full day including the drive
- Best time
- April to June and September to November; the April fair is very crowded
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- After the road ends at Jamnikhal, there is a short uphill walk reported at about 1 km. It is steep in places and cold at altitude. Older visitors should go slowly and may prefer to skip it if breathless.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fee is known. Dress modestly, remove footwear and follow temple rules; the large April fair brings heavy crowds and traffic.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chandrabadani Devi Temple
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
After the road ends at Jamnikhal, there is a short uphill walk reported at about 1 km. It is steep in places and cold at altitude. Older visitors should go slowly and may prefer to skip it if breathless.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is it from Dhanaulti?
A long drive of several hours on mountain roads; confirm locally. It suits a separate day or an overnight on the Tehri side.
Is there a walk?
Yes, a short uphill walk reported at about 1 km from the road at Jamnikhal; details vary by source.
What is the Shri-yantra?
A sacred diagram carved on stone and worshipped in place of an idol at this temple.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
