Chandi Mandir,Chandigarh and the divine namesake

For all those intrigued by the historical roots of city beautiful,the name Chandi Mandir rings a bell. Indeed,Chandigarh,meaning ‘the fort of Chandi’,derives its name from Chandi Mandir — a temple located about 15 kms from the city on the Chandigarh-Kalka highway.

Dedicated to Goddess Chandi,visitors subscribe to the aura of divinity that surrounds the temple. “I visit the temple every week. The old walls of the temple offer immense calmness. I am a devotee of Goddess Chandi and I have brought my children along so that they learn of the place that has given Chandigarh its name,” says Yudhishtar Singh,a visitor.

Situated in the lap of Shivalik Hills,Chandi Mandir is one of the oldest temples of the area with some pandits suggesting the temple dates back to the days of the Mahabharata.

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“The temple was built during the days of the Mahabharata. It was decided only later that the city be named after the temple. On special occasions like Navratras,thousands of devotees visit the place,” says Pandit Deepak Goswami,a regular at the temple.

Besides the peep into history,a visit to Chandi Mandir is worthwhile for the sheer calmness the place provides to all those seeking solace in the divine.