Today in this article we are going to tell you about the Chaiti Devi Temple, one of the most famous 51 Shakti-peeths of Maa Durga, which is located in Kashipur under Udham Singh Nagar district of Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand. Know how this temple of Goddess Sati can make your pilgrimage special.
Introduction:
Chaiti Devi Temple is located on Kundeshwari Marg of Kashipur, 2.5 km from Kashipur city bus stand in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. Chaiti Devi Temple also known as Mata Balasundari Temple, many devotees come here to delve into the spiritual bliss and visit the holy shrine. The Chaiti Devi temple is also known as Jwala Devi Mandir, Maa Balasundari, and Ujjaini Devi. This Temple is one of the most popular temples in Kashipur.
The temple is named Ujjaini Devi after the old Ujjain fort of Kashipur city near Drona Sagar. This place has also been related to Mahabharata and is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. It is a historical place religiously and mythologically and in the mythological period, it was known as Govishan. A big fair is organized in Chaiti Devi Temple every year during Basant Navratra, in which thousands of pilgrims and followers visit the temple every year especially during Navratri celebrations to worship Goddess Durga.
About:
At this place of Chaiti Devi temple, the right arm of the mother fell here after Lord Vishnu cut off the limbs of Sati with Sudarshan Chakra. That is why there is no idol of the mother here, but the figure of her right arm remains on a rock, she is worshipped.
Apart from Balasundari, there are also Shiva temples, Bhagwati Lalita temples, Brijpur Wali Devi temples, and Bhairav and Kali temples. A permanent temple of Maa Balasundari is situated in the area of Agnihotri Brahmins in the Pakkakot locality. These Brahmin families had received this land as a donation from the local Chand rajas. Later a temple of Balasundari Devi was established on this land. The idol of Balasundari is said to be made of gold.
History and Mythology of Chaiti Devi Temple:
Chaiti Devi Temple holds religious importance as well as historical importance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has revealed that this site has been mentioned in the Mahabharata.
Archaeologists believe that Kashipur was a developed city in North India during the Copper Age. The former inhabitants were involved in industrial activities and used items made of copper. The study tells that Guru Nanak, Guru Gorakhnath, Gautam Buddha, and Tulsidas had arrived at this place, and showered their knowledge far and wide from here. It is believed that during the Vedic period, Kashipur was named Ujjaini city, and the Dehla river here was known as Swarnabhadra. During the reign of King Harsha, this city was known as Govishan but this city was named Kashipur after the Kashinath officer who discovered the present Kashipur.
According to folk belief, the ancestors of the people who are the present Pandits of this temple had come here during the time of the Mughals and they established the temple of Mata Chaiti Devi (Maa Balasundari) at this place. The then Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also helped in building this temple.
Chaiti Devi is Famous For:
- Its rich history and high cultural significance.
- Festival and fair related to the temple.
- One of the 51 shakti peeth.
- Architectures and monuments of Chaiti Devi Temple.
Chaiti Devi Temple Fair:
In this temple of Chaiti Devi (Maa Balasundari), there is a gathering of devotees here on the Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami days of Navratri. On the occasion of Navratri, different types of shops are also organized at the fair. Here sacrifices were also offered in the temple of Goddess Mahakali.
Finally, on the night of Dashami, Chaiti Devi’s (Balasundari) ride in Balasundari’s Doli leaves for her permanent home in Kashipur. Often, the full energy in the teal fair comes only after reaching the place of Dola Chaiti Mela from Kashipur. Before placing the idol in the dola, worship is done at midnight, and goats are also sacrificed.
Devotees stop the Dole from place to place and offer worship and offer their homage to Maa Chaiti Devi. The fair ends only after this. According to public belief, whatever wishes are sought these days, they are fulfilled.
Best Time to Visit Chaiti Devi:
Chaiti Devi Temple is situated on the hills of Uttarakhand in Udham Singh district, where the weather remains favorable throughout the year. You can come here at any time to have a darshan of the Chaiti Devi. It would be good if you come here during Navratri, here during this time grand religious rituals are performed here. Naturally also this place matters a lot, where you will be able to enjoy the magnificent natural attractions.
Places to Stay Around:
Being one of the 51 shakti peeth of Mata Sati, Chaiti Devi temple is visited by lakhs of devotees throughout the years. Once reaching Kashipur, one can easily find a hotel/Lodges for a stay.
Few Hotels available near Chaiti Devi Temple are as follows:
- The Manor Kashipur Hotel
- Hotel Ananya Regency
- Mahima Resort
- Hotel The Heaven
- Gautami Heights
- Hotel Kumaon Plaza
Nearest Places to visit:
- Kashipur 03 km
- Baur Jalashay 51 km
- Pantnagar 62 km
- Ataria Temple 58 km
- Nanak Matta 106 km
Location:
Chaiti Devi Temple is located on Kundeshwari Marg of Kashipur, 2.8 km from Kashipur city bus stand in Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand.
How to enter:
Entry to the temple premises is free for all devotees of Maa Chaiti Devi.
The temple of Chaiti Devi is located in Kashipur, which is easily accessible by all three modes of transport. The nearest airports are Pant Nagar Airport and Jolly Grant, Dehradun. For the rail route, you can take the train to Kashipur railway station. You can also reach here by road, Kashipur is well connected to many big states of the state by better roadways.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, which is located at a distance of about 60 km by road.
You can book a cab or hire a taxi from here to Chaiti Devi Temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kashipur station, which is located at a distance of about 3.8 km from the temple. You can find a cab/taxi from here to the Chaiti Devi Temple.
By Road – The temple of Chaiti Devi is about 2.8 km from Kashipur Bus Stand on Kashipur-Bajpur road which is easily accessible. Public transport is available from major cities.
Travel Tips:
- Always follow the belief and rituals of locals while visiting the Chaiti Devi Temple.
- To make your visit more memorable also visit places nearby.
- Pre-plan your journey according to the weather conditions.
- If traveling from November to February, then one should carry warm clothes.
- Before starting your journey take an update of routes.
- Always recheck your belongings before checking out from Hotels.
- Avoid taking shortcuts in hilly areas.
Our Uttarakhand is mainly famous for Char Dham Yatra.
You can book your Char-Dham Yatra here.
