✍️ By Rahul Goyal · Chandigarh Life
Quick answer: Chandi Mata Mandir (Chandi Mandir) sits on the Chandigarh–Kalka highway (NH-5) inside Chandimandir Cantonment, Panchkula — about 15 km from Chandigarh, with the Shrine Board giving 3.1 km to Mansa Devi Temple and Wikipedia about 10 km. Linked by the Shrine Board to the Dwapara Yuga, with the Pandavas said to have worshipped here, it’s popularly held to be the temple that gave Chandigarh its name. It’s managed by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board and draws large crowds during Navratri and Durga Puja.
Every 2026 festival date, with its weekday and whether it is a holiday in Chandigarh, is in our Chandigarh festival calendar.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Managed by | Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board |
| Distance from Chandigarh | About 15 km, per Wikipedia |
| Distance from Mansa Devi | 3.1 km per the Shrine Board; about 10 km per Wikipedia |
| Sharad Navratri 2026 | 11 to 20 October 2026, per the Board tender notice |
| Shrine Board office | 0172-2920988 |
Why Chandigarh Is Popularly Said to Be Named After This Temple
“Chandigarh” is widely believed to combine Chandi (the goddess) and garh (fort/stronghold) — a reference to this very temple, which predates the planned city by centuries. It’s the standard, most-repeated account of how the city got its name, though it should be read as popular and traditional etymology rather than a settled academic fact.
History & Legend
No source gives a construction date. The Shrine Board traces the temple to the Dwapara Yuga and says the Pandavas worshipped the deity here. Local legend connects it to the Mahabharata: the Pandavas are said to have worshipped here during the Dwapar Yuga. The shrine houses statues of several deities beyond Chandi herself, including Radha Krishna, Hanuman, Shiva and Ram, and the deity is depicted in the classic Chandi/Durga iconography — riding a lion, slaying the demon. India’s first president, Dr Rajendra Prasad, is recorded as having visited the temple.
Architecture & Setting
Built in Nagara-style Hindu temple architecture, Chandi Mandir sits against the backdrop of the Shivalik hills, inside Chandimandir Cantonment — home to the Indian Army’s Western Command. Soldiers stationed at the cantonment are among the temple’s regular devotees. The temple lies inside Chandimandir Cantonment, the Indian Army Western Command headquarters. The Shrine Board site does not publish entry rules, so ask the Board office on 0172-2920988 before you go.
Navratri & Durga Puja at Chandi Mandir
Chandi Mandir is part of the same Shrine Board network as Mansa Devi Temple and Kali Mata Mandir, Kalka — all three hold their Navratra melas at the same time, with Sharad Navratri 2026 running 11–20 October. Thousands of devotees visit specifically during Navratri and Durga Puja, making this the temple’s busiest period of the year.
Getting There
Chandi Mandir is on NH-5, the Chandigarh–Kalka highway, roughly 15 km from Chandigarh. The Shrine Board gives 3.1 km to Mansa Devi Temple, while Wikipedia and the Panchkula district portal both say about 10 km, so check the road route on a map.
More festival guides
- Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula: the Navratri melas.
- Navratri in Chandigarh: temples, pandals and garba from Sunday, 11 October.
- Dussehra in Panchkula: Ravan Dahan at the Dusshera Ground, Sector 5.
- Durga Puja in Chandigarh: Ashtami on Monday, 19 October, Navami on the 19th or 20th depending on the calendar.
- Chandigarh festival calendar 2026: every date, verified.
FAQ’s
Is Chandigarh named after Chandi Mata Mandir?
That’s the popular, widely-repeated account — Chandigarh is said to combine Chandi (the goddess) and garh (fort), referencing this temple, which predates the city. It’s traditional etymology rather than a settled academic fact, but it is the standard story told about the city’s name.
Where is Chandi Mata Mandir located?
On NH-5, the Chandigarh-Kalka highway, inside Chandimandir Cantonment, Panchkula — about 15 km from Chandigarh, with the Shrine Board giving 3.1 km to Mansa Devi Temple and Wikipedia about 10 km.
How old is Chandi Mata Mandir?
No source gives a construction date. The Shrine Board traces the temple to the Dwapara Yuga and says the Pandavas worshipped the deity here.
Who manages Chandi Mata Mandir?
The Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board, the same body that manages Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula, and Kali Mata Mandir, Kalka.
How far is Chandi Mandir from Mansa Devi Temple?
The Shrine Board lists 3.1 km, while Wikipedia says about 10 km. Sources differ, so check the road route on a map.
Who is said to have worshipped at Chandi Mandir?
The Shrine Board says the temple goes back to the Dwapara Yuga and that the Pandavas worshipped the deity at this place.
Sources
- mansadevi.org.in
- Shrine Board tender notice for the Ashwin Navratras 2026 (PDF)
- Shrine Board: Nearest Attractions
- Shrine Board: Chandi Temple page
- Haryana Government: Mata Mansa Devi, Panchkula
- Wikipedia: Chandi Mandir
- Wikipedia: Chandimandir Cantonment
The facts added to this page on 20 September 2026 were checked against the sources above.
