There is a lot of greenery and colourful flowers around the Surkanda Devi temple, on top of a hill near Dhanaulti hill station in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is a peaceful, holy place that draws many people every day. It is one of the best places to visit in Dhanaulti. 

India has 51 Shakti Peeth, and this temple is one of them. It is a gift to Goddess Surkanda, a form of the holy feminine. The temple is famous for both its beautiful architecture and its position. It is 2,700 metres above sea level and views the whole area, including the snowy Himalayan peaks. 

Mythology about the temple

Mythology says that the Surkanda Devi temple got its start when Goddess Sati, who was married to Lord Shiva, burned herself in her father Daksha's sacrifice because he didn't want to embarrass Shiva by bringing the couple to the Yajna. Angry about Sati's death. 

Shiva went around the area and did tandav, which means "dance of cosmic destruction." The gods in heaven asked Lord Vishnu to stop Shiva because they were scared. The weapon Sudarshana that Lord Vishnu uses to destroy Sati's body. Pieces of her body fell all over the area and are now popular as Shakti Peeths. 

Why is Surkanda Devi Temple famous?

The temple is famous for both its beautiful architecture and its position. It is 2,700 metres above sea level and views the whole area, including the snowy Himalayan peaks.

How long is the trek of Surkanda Devi?

The Surkanda Devi hike is about 2 km long. The path is well-kept, and the walk takes half an hour each way. People say the trip is challenging. However, it is a must-adding destination in the Dhanaulti tour package.

Which part of sati fell in Surkanda?

On his way back to Kailash carrying Sati's body, Shiva passed this spot. Sati's head fell where the modern temple of Sarkunda Devi or Surkanda Devi now stands. It is how the temple got its name, now famous as Surkanda after the goddess.

Does the Surkanda Devi Temple have a ropeway?

Uttarakhand just got a new ropeway that will make it easy for tourists and pilgrims to get to the famous Surkanda Devi Temple. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Pushkar Singh Dhami opened the Kaddukhal-Siddhpeeth Devi ropeway service and prayed at the Maa Surkanda Devi Temple.