Chandrika Devi Temple

Chandrika Devi Temple is one of the principal Shakti shrines in central Uttar Pradesh. Devotees believe that sincere prayers offered to Maa Chandrika Devi bring protection, prosperity and the fulfilment of wishes. The temple's riverside setting and centuries-old traditions add to its spiritual significance.

The temple is also an important cultural and pilgrimage centre, particularly during the Navratri festivals when devotees from across northern India gather for darshan and worship. Its religious fairs and continuous devotional activities have made it a prominent landmark in Lucknow district.

Chandrika Devi Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shakti temples in Lucknow district. Situated on the banks of the Gomti River at Kathwara near Bakshi Ka Talab, the temple has been an important centre of Goddess worship for centuries. Devotees from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states visit the shrine throughout the year to seek the blessings of Maa Chandrika Devi.

According to long-standing temple tradition, the shrine is associated with Prince Chandraketu, the son of Lord Lakshmana, who is believed to have worshipped the Goddess at this site. Another local belief associates the temple with the Mahabharata period through Barbarika (Khatu Shyam). These traditions form part of the temple's religious heritage, although they are not historically documented. Today, the temple is especially renowned for its grand Navratri celebrations and remains one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres dedicated to the Divine Mother in central Uttar Pradesh.

Road: The temple is approximately 28 km from Lucknow city and is well connected by state highways. Buses, taxis and private vehicles are available from Lucknow and nearby towns.

Rail: Lucknow Junction and Lucknow Charbagh Railway Station are approximately 30 km from the temple. Local taxis and buses are available.

Air: Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow is approximately 42 km from the temple. Taxi and app-based cab services are readily available.

1. Lucknow – Approx. 28 km

2. Barabanki – Approx. 55 km

3. Sitapur – Approx. 75 km

4. Hardoi – Approx. 90 km

5. Ayodhya – Approx. 145 km

1. Main Sanctum of Maa Chandrika Devi.

2. Lord Shiva Shrine.

3. Lord Hanuman Shrine.

4. Sacred Kund (Temple Pond).

5. Yajna Mandap and Temple Courtyard.

1. Hanuman Setu Temple, Lucknow – Popular Hanuman temple on the banks of the Gomti River.

2. Mankameshwar Temple, Lucknow – Ancient Shiva temple near the Gomti River.

3. Kukrail Forest Reserve – Protected natural area known for crocodile conservation.

4. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden – Historic zoological park in Lucknow.

5. Bara Imambara – Iconic eighteenth-century monument and major tourist attraction in Lucknow.

1. Mangala Aarti – Approx. 5:00 AM

2. Morning Darshan – 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM

3. Raj Bhog – Approx. 12:00 PM

4. Evening Darshan – 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM

5. Sandhya Aarti – Approx. 7:00 PM

6. Shayan Aarti – Approx. 9:30 PM

Chaitra Navratri and Sharadiya Navratri are the most important festivals celebrated at Chandrika Devi Temple. During these festivals, lakhs of devotees visit the temple to offer flowers, coconuts, chunri and sweets to the Goddess. Special aartis, Durga Saptashati recitations and devotional programmes are organized throughout the nine days.

Other important occasions include Durga Puja, Guru Purnima, Diwali and the Mondays of the holy month of Shravan. Large fairs are organized during Navratri, making the temple one of the busiest religious destinations in Lucknow district.