Surkanda Devi, Hindu temple at Tehri Garhwal district, India.
Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple in Tehri Garhwal district, India, set on a forested summit above the village of Kaddukhal. The temple complex consists of a small stone-roofed shrine surrounded by pine and rhododendron trees, with views of the snowcapped Garhwal Himalaya ranges on clear days.
Local legends link the origin of the temple to Goddess Sati, whose head fell at this spot during Lord Shiva's journey. Pilgrims have visited the shrine for centuries, with the present structure rebuilt over time and made more accessible by the ropeway completed in 2022.
The name refers to "sir ka danda" meaning head on a stick or peak, reminding worshippers of the goddess whose head came to rest here. Pilgrims often climb barefoot during festival season and carry offerings of milk, coconut and red cloth, which they tie to trees along the path.
A ropeway from Kaddukhal brings visitors to the top in a few minutes, while the steep footpath takes about one to two hours and requires sturdy shoes. Fog often rolls across the summit, so bring warm clothing even when the sun shines in the valley below.
Rhododendron blooms turn the area around the temple into a sea of red and pink in spring, pushing through the thick fog. Locals sometimes gather wildflowers along the path and place them at the shrine before descending again.
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