Introduction of Santala Devi temple
Santala Devi temple is one of the ancient and religious temples, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From Dehradun city, it is 15 km to Jahariwala. In this temple, both Santala Devi and her brother Santor Singh are worshipped. Santala Devi temple another name Santaura Devi temple, Santaula Devi temple. This temple is between the lush, greenery and the top hill. Such recognition of Santala Devi fulfills her devotee’s wishes.
Mythology and History of Santala Devi Temple
It was the time when the Mughals were ruling in India. Santala Devi was the daughter of Nepal’s king when the king came to know that Mughal king Aurangzeb wants to marry his daughter then they escape her from Nepal and reached the hills of Dehradun and start living at Santore Garh with her brother in their fort which was Santore Garh fort and now the area known as Panjabiwala.
After a while, Aurangzeb inked that Santala Devi is on the doon hill, and the Mughal soldiers attacked their fort. The soldiers of Santore Garh fought till the end but when Santala and her brother realized that they can’t defeat them so they renunciation their weapons and start praying to Goddess Durga to save them when all of a sudden light fulgurating and Santala Devi and her brother turned into stone and all the Mughals soldiers got blind with that light. This happened on Saturday.
Santore Garh fort later turned into Santala Devi Mandir and the stone in which Santala Devi and her brother converted was worshipped as deities.
Mythology about Santala Devi temple is that once there was a British officer who did not have any child. When they found out about Santala Devi temple, he reached the temple without delay and did worship with reliance and after some time he was blessed with a baby boy. Since then, most people visit for the wishes of the child and mostly on Saturday.
Why Santala Devi Temple is famous?
It is one of the oldest and most historic temples of the century.
Santala Devi Temple’s history attracts people more than how Devi Santala and her brother did not bow down in front of the Mughals and by goddess power, they changed into stone statues and become deities.
Devotees believe that Mata Rani fulfills their wishes. Such recognition, People who have no child visit this temple for the wish of babies.
Santala Devi Temple is near the nun river it is a small river but here water flows nonstop this river is between the lush forest. This river gives clean water and peace of time due to its surroundings and most people who visit this temple visit this river too.
It is famous due to its trekking route; you can take a small trek here and when you visit this temple the calmness you get here you never want to go from this place.
Best Time to Visit Santala Devi Temple
Santala Devi Temple, you can visit here any season, month, and day except from 15th July to 15th August due to heavy rains. The best months to visit this temple are between March to April and September to October.
Mostly in Navratri, it is full of rush and more crowded on Saturday and Sunday. So, prefer to visit in the early morning to avoid the crowd and can easily trek for Santala Devi Temple early morning due to the fresh air and nature.
Santala Devi timing is opening and closing timing from morning 6 am to evening 6 pm.
Location of Santala Devi Temple
Santala Devi temple is 13 km from the clock tower of Dehradun and from Dehradun city it is 15 km away, with a trek from Punjabiwala is 2 km to Jahariwala.
Road route: People can reach the temple by bus facilities to Jaitunwala from Dilaram chowk. Then after 2 Kms for Punjabiwala by public transport and after Punjabiwala trek started 2 km for Santala Devi Temple.
Air Route: You can visit Dehradun airport at Jolly Grant Airport and after reaching Jolly grant airport one can take a taxi, bus or cab to reach Dehradun city.
Railway Route: You can visit Haridwar and Dehradun railway stations and from the station to reach Dehradun city you can take a bus, taxi or cab.
Although people can bring their own vehicle to visit Santala Devi temple, parking is in the Punjabiwala then you must trek to reach the temple. The trekking route is really great, the path for a trek is made of cement and around there is full of trees so there are no hurdles while trekking for the aged people and children.
Places to visit near Santala Devi Temple
- Tapkeshwar Temple, it’s denoted to Lord Shiva.
- Robber’s cave.
- Forest Research Institute (FRI)
- Sahastradhara.
- Malsi Deer Park.
Basic information before visiting Santala Devi temple
- Santala Devi Temple is lie in the area of the army cantt so if you ever go in two vehicles must wear a helmet to both the people.
- You can be made grace (Prashad) for Maa Santala like homemade halwa, your home cereal although there is a shop of Prashad outside and near the temple.
- Avoid visiting heavy rain season.
- If you are an outsider, you can get lots of good quality hotels or homestays near the Santala Devi Temple and in Rajpur too.
- Try to avoid throwing garbage openly because it harms the nature of the area near temples, trekking areas and the river too.
