Located atop Neel Parvat Hardwar, Chandidevi temple is one of the most ancient temples of north India. This is a Sidhapeeth (holy places where one's wishes are fulfilled). Chandidevi alongwith Mansadevi and Mayadevi temple form a Siddhapeeth triangle in the holy city of Hardwar. The main deity is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adishankaracharya.
According to legends, in ancient times, demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh had captured the kingdom of Lord Indra and thrown out gods from heaven. After intense prayers to gods, incarnation of power and strength, Chandika Devi appeared from the cells of the body of Goddess Parvathi. She assumed the form of an exceptionally beautiful woman and Shumbh wished to marry her. On being refused, Shumbh sent his demon chief Chanda and Munda to kill her. They were killed by Kalika devi born out of Chandika Devi's anger. Shumbh and Nishumbh then tried to kill Chandika Devi but were slain by the Goddess. Thereafter Chandika Devi is said to have rested for a short while at the temple location. 200 metres from Goddess Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjanadevi, mother of Hanuman is located.
Goddess Chandidevi has been fulfilling wishes of millions of devotees for thousands of years.