Surkanda Devi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The holy shrine dedicated to the fierce goddess is situated in Kaddukhal at an elevation of 2,757 meters high of the sea level. The highly revered temple is 6.7 kilometres from Dhanaulti and 22 km from Chamba. As the Surkanda Devi temple is surrounded by dense forest, it offers beautiful views of the Himalayas and Dehradun and Rishikesh cities.
Mythological stories state that Goddess Sati had sacrificed her life in the Yagna Kund that was organized by her father, raged Lord Shiva churned the whole universe with the dead body of Sati. To stop Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan Chakra divided Sati’s body into 51 parts, in which Sati’s head fell here; hence the temple is known as the Shri Surkanda Devi Temple.
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India and visited by many pilgrims round the year. As it is located at 2756 mtrs altitude, it offers 360 degree views of Himalayan mountains other than hills. It is also one of the famous day excursion from Dehradun and Rishikesh.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great zest in the Surkanda Devi Temple, which falls between May and June each year. The festival of Navaratri is also celebrated with grandeur here.