Surkhanda Devi Temple, Dhanaulti, UK

Temples, UK, Blogger, Traveler, Photography,

It is a Hindu temple located close to hill station Dhanaulti in the village Uniyal gaon of Tehri District surrounded by scenic view of the beautiful hills . Situated at an altitude of 2750 m.asl. The festival of Ganga Dusshera is celebrated here between May and June every year and attracts a lot of people. The Temple can be most easily visited from the southwest via Dehradun, passing by a day-trip to Mussoorie and Landour. It is located on a hill and one reaches there after a steep 2 km trek, from village Kaddukhal, on the Dhanaulti - Chamba road. About 33.9 km from The Mall Rd Mussoorie and 113 km from Devaprayag, Uttarakhand, India. 

Surkhanda Devi Temple                                         Track towards Temple 

It is believed that the site is associated with the legend of Sati, who was the wife of the ascetic god Shiva and daughter of the Puranic god-king Daksha. Daksha was unhappy with his daughter's choice of husband, and when he performed a grand Vedic sacrifice for all the deities, he did not invite Shiva or Sati. In a rage, Sati threw herself onto the fire, knowing that this would make the sacrifice impure. Because she was the all-powerful mother goddess, Sati left her body in that moment to be reborn as the goddess Parvati. Meanwhile, Shiva was stricken with grief and rage at the loss of his wife. He put Sati's body over his shoulder and began his tandava (dance of cosmic destruction) throughout the heavens, and vowed not to stop until the body was completely rotted away. The other Gods, afraid of their annihilation, implored Vishnu to pacify Shiva. 

Thus, wherever Shiva wandered while dancing, Vishnu followed. He sent his discus Sudarshana to destroy the corpse of Sati. Pieces of her body fell until Shiva was left without a body to carry. Seeing this, Shiva sat down to do Mahatapasya (great penance). Despite the similarity in name, scholars do not generally believe that this legend gave rise to the practice of sati, or widow burning. According to various myths and traditions, there are 51 pieces of Sati's body scattered across the Indian subcontinent. These places are called shakti peethas and are dedicated to various powerful goddesses. When Shiva was passing over this place on his way back to Kailash carrying Sati's body, her head fell at the spot where the modern temple of Surkhanda Devi stands and due to which the temple's got its name as sirkhanda which in the passage of time is now called surkanda (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surkanda_Devi). 

The best period to visit is between March -June. The place looks so beautiful & best place to live around for some quality time. The place remains covered with cloud clearing mesmerizing the traveler. there are amazing huts various huts with pleasing activities around for entertainment. 

Beautiful variety of flora can make your day & let you feel awesome when travelling around, ones eye can't stop looking the beautiful creations of nature & you can't even leave the site without enjoying the beauty of local flora there. Here, i have uploaded some of the images taken during my visit.

Below the valley view hill surrounded the temple, how one can not fall for theses beautiful mountains & their colours. Just look at these images though all were captured with cellphone but still their beauty is at their peak. I have enjoyed the valley to its fullest&would love to visit again but more over i would love to share with peoples who are fond of travelling these beautiful hill stations. 

Best place to enjoy with all ; Family, Friends & for couples too. 

A must visit Place for all, to be near nature or i say within nature & share experiences with others.