Bala Sundari Devi Temple

The Bala Sundari Devi Temple (also known as the Chaiti Temple) is situated in Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar district, Uttarakhand, India. This temple is also known by the names Jwala Devi Temple and Ujjayini Devi Temple. It is one of the most popular temples in Kashipur. The temple is named Ujjayini Devi Temple after the ancient Ujjain Fort in Kashipur city, near Dron Sagar. This place has historical significance, dating back to the time of the Mahabharata. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. From a religious and mythological perspective, it's a historical site and was known as Govishaan in ancient times. Every year, a grand fair is organized during the Spring Navaratri festival at the Chaiti Devi Temple. Thousands of pilgrims come specially to worship Goddess Durga in the temple during this festival.

According to mythological stories, when Lord Shiva, carrying the dead body of Goddess Sati, wandered around the world, a part of Sati's body fell at this location. This is how this Shaktipeeth was established here. The history of the Chaiti Bala Sundari Temple is linked to the reign of Aurangzeb. The upper part of the temple resembles a mosque-like dome. Legend has it that the ancestors of Pandit Vikas Agnihotri, Gaya Deen, and Bandi Deen were passing through this place many hundred years ago. They felt a divine power at this spot. When they searched, they found the temple. They immediately approached the ruling authorities to build a temple, but at that time, Aurangzeb was in power, and he refused. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb's sister, Jahanara, fell seriously ill, and despite various treatments, her health did not improve. Aurangzeb loved his sister dearly. Many physicians were consulted, but none could cure her. One night, the Goddess appeared before Jahanara in the form of a child and told her that if her brother, Aurangzeb, renovated the temple, she would be cured. When Aurangzeb heard this from his sister, he himself sent his laborers to renovate the temple. This is why there is a mosque-like structure on top of the temple today, which is a testimony to this story.

In the Chaitra month, a grand fair known as the Chaiti Mela takes place here. This fair, famous as the Chaiti Mela, attracts lakhs of devotees from far and wide who come to seek the blessings of the Goddess and make their wishes come true. It is believed that during these days, the Goddess resides in this temple and relieves all the sufferings of the devotees who visit.

In addition to Bala Sundari, this temple complex includes shrines for Lord Shiva, Brijpuri Devi, Bhagvati Lalita, Bhairav, and Kali. Instead of an idol, there's a representation of the Goddess's right arm on a stone, which is worshipped as a sacred symbol. The temple precincts also have a Kadamb tree that is hollow from within but full of branches and leaves. It's considered a symbol of the Goddess's glory.

At Chaiti Bala Sundari Temple, devotees offer coconuts, scarves, fruits, flowers, and flower garlands to the Goddess. In the past, animal sacrifices were a tradition, but now, coconut offerings are made instead.

By Air The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. From there, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the temple, which is about 60 kilometers away. By Train Kashipur Railway Station is the nearest railway station, approximately 3.8 kilometers from the temple. You can hire a taxi from there. By Road The temple is around 2.8 kilometers from Kashipur Bus Stand on Kashipur-Bazpur Road. It's easily accessible by public transport from major cities.