The Chandika Devi temple also known as Sri Raj Rajeshwari Chandika Mata Mandir is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali Mata, the destroyer of evil forces. This Hindu shrine is located in the tiny hamlet of Simli in Karnaprayag, Uttarakhand and is frequented by several tantriks and sages. The temple houses idols of famous regional deities known in the region such as Gol, Govind, Gunsai, Chandika Devi and Raj Rajeshwari Devi.
Chandika Ji is the most ferocious form of Kali but also the most caring and compassionate mother. This tantric shrine is dedicated to Kali Mata. Thousands of devotees come here to pay obeisance at the temple as they believe those who garner their faith in the deity are blessed by the goddess. In the older days, the devotees used to sacrifice goats and fowls to appease the goddess but now sweetmeat and coconut offerings have replaced this practice.
Chandika Mandir is located at Simli village about 6 km from Karnaprayag in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is idyllically situated on the banks of Pindar River and has taken its seat under an ancient Peepal tree. Positioned on the Karnaprayag-Ranikhet-Gwaldam motorable road, the Chandika Devi temple can be easily accessed from any part of the country. The travellers can catch the buses to the nearest cities like Rishikesh and Srinagar from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. Buses and taxis to Karnaprayag can be easily available from the major cities of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Joshimath etc. Rishikesh railway station at 170 km away is the nearest railhead to Karnaprayag. Taxis and buses to Karnaprayag operate from Rishikesh. Jolly Grant airport at 187 km away is the closest air connectivity from Karnaprayag. Taxis to Karnaprayag are available from here.
Chandika Devi Simli is popular place for following activities/ interests - Devi Temples, Temples.
