On the summit of the Neel Parvat overlooking the holy city of Haridwar, where the Ganga enters the plains, stands the temple of Chandi Devi. The Goddess is revered as Chandi — the fierce form of the Mother celebrated in the Devi Mahatmya for slaying the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha and their generals Chanda and Munda.
Tradition holds that the shrine's principal image was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. One of the revered Siddh Peeths of Haridwar and part of its Panch Tirth, the temple is reached by a hillside trek or ropeway. Chandi Devi is worshipped as a wish-fulfilling Mother and draws great crowds through Navaratri and the Kumbh Mela.
