Chandrika Devi Temple, Lucknow: Navratri Darshan, Beliefs and Visitor Guide
Chandrika Devi temple, on the banks of the Gomti in Lucknow's Bakshi Ka Talab area, is one of the city's most visited shrines, especially during Navratri and on new-moon (amavasya) days. VoxyTalksy filmed a special report here during Navratri in October 2020.
What the video shows
The video was filmed at Chandrika Devi temple during Sharad Navratri and uploaded on October 24, 2020. Reporter Ayush Tiwari explains that the usual Navratri crowds were smaller because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shows the arrangements made by the administration: sanitisers in the premises, no offerings (prasad) being accepted at the shrine, and bell-ringing not allowed. A member of the temple management describes the rules followed for darshan, including removing footwear outside, hand sanitisation, distancing and masks. He also says a fair is held at the temple on every amavasya, and repeats the belief that bathing in the adjacent Sudhanva kund relieves skin ailments, linking the site to stories from the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata era.
Beliefs and history
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in the form of Chandrika Devi. A popular legend says the goddess appeared in the hollow of an old neem tree, and tradition credits the sage Narad with establishing the shrine. The temple is widely described as being older than the 12th century, though, as with many ancient shrines, precise dating is difficult and much of what is told about its origins comes from oral tradition and religious texts rather than archaeological records.
The kund beside the temple is a central part of the pilgrimage. Devotees bathe or sprinkle its water before darshan; claims about healing are matters of faith.
When it is busiest
- Both Navratris (Chaitra and Sharad) draw very large crowds, especially on Ashtami and Navami.
- The monthly amavasya fair brings pilgrims from Lucknow and neighbouring districts.
- Weekends and holidays are also crowded, particularly in the mornings.
Tips for visitors
- The temple is near Kathwara village in the Bakshi Ka Talab area on Lucknow's northern outskirts; allow plenty of time for the drive on festival days.
- Go early in the morning during Navratri to avoid long queues, and keep small change for parking and local shops.
- Leave valuables at home; footwear has to be left outside.
- Follow the instructions of the temple management and police on crowd days, and avoid using plastic near the kund and the river.
