Kunjapuri Temple

Kunjapuri Temple (Kunjapuri Devi Mandir) is a renowned Hindu Shaktipeeth shrine perched at an elevation of 1,665 meters (5,462 feet) atop a solitary mountain peak near Narendra Nagar, roughly 25 kilometers from Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. According to ancient Hindu mythology, this summit is where the chest (kunja) of Goddess Sati fell while Lord Shiva carried her across the universe, completing the holy Shakti triangle alongside Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni.

The temple's 360 degree panoramic terrace is globally famous for its spellbinding sunrise views, where the early morning sun rises above colossal snow capped Himalayan peaks including Swargarohini, Chaukhamba, Bandarpoonch, and Gangotri to the north, while the winding silver ribbon of River Ganga flows past Rishikesh and Haridwar plains to the south. An easy 300 step paved staircase connects the parking area to the hilltop shrine. Many adventurous travelers participate in the famous 9 kilometer downhill morning nature trek from Kunjapuri through Neer Garh waterfall to Tapovan.

Truth is, watching the first golden sunbeams illuminate massive snow peaks while priests perform morning conch aartis is unforgettable. It remains one of the most celebrated sunrise and meditation destinations in Uttarakhand.