Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple is a serene, comparatively little-known Shiva shrine tucked into the Chandreshwar Nagar locality of Rishikesh, a short distance inland from Triveni Ghat and the Badrinath highway. It is counted among the Siddh Peeths (spiritually accomplished seats) of the holy city, yet it sees a fraction of the crowds that throng the riverfront aartis — which is precisely its appeal. The temple's name joins Chandra (the moon) with Ishwar (the Lord), and its central legend gives the place its identity: the moon-god Chandra, afflicted by a curse, is said to have performed penance and worship of Lord Shiva at this spot to win relief, so that the deity here came to be known as Chandreshwar — the Shiva worshipped by the moon. The theme echoes the wider Shaivite tradition in which the crescent moon rests in Shiva's matted locks, and it connects the shrine to the great Jyotirlinga imagery of Chandra's devotion.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-vegetarian thali and kachori-sabzi eateries in the lanes around Triveni Ghat — the entire area is vegetarian and alcohol-free; confirm the specific outlet locally.
- ✦Chotiwala Restaurant (Swarg Ashram / Ram Jhula side, a short auto ride) — a long-running pure-vegetarian Rishikesh institution known for thalis; verify current branch and timings.
- ✦South Indian tiffin and dosa stalls near Triveni Ghat — reliably pure-vegetarian; freshest in the morning and early evening.
- ✦Ganga-side pure-veg cafes toward Ram Jhula — many satvik, no-onion-garrlic options; being a holy town, all are meat-free and alcohol-free.
About
Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple is a serene, comparatively little-known Shiva shrine tucked into the Chandreshwar Nagar locality of Rishikesh, a short distance inland from Triveni Ghat and the Badrinath highway.
- It is counted among the Siddh Peeths (spiritually accomplished seats) of the holy city, yet it sees a fraction of the crowds that throng the riverfront aartis — which is precisely its appeal.
- The temple's name joins Chandra (the moon) with Ishwar (the Lord), and its central legend gives the place its identity: the moon-god Chandra, afflicted by a curse, is said to have performed penance and worship of Lord Shiva at this spot to win relief, so that the deity here came to be known as Chandreshwar — the Shiva worshipped by the moon.
- The theme echoes the wider Shaivite tradition in which the crescent moon rests in Shiva's matted locks, and it connects the shrine to the great Jyotirlinga imagery of Chandra's devotion.
- The presiding deity is a Shiva Linga set deep within the sanctum.
- Local devotees relate a much-loved account that the linga is self-manifested and set so deep in the earth that early attempts to excavate its base only sent it further down — a motif of the boundless, unfathomable nature of the deity that is common to many revered swayambhu lingas across India.
- The compound is modest and well-kept, with subsidiary shrines that typically include a Devi (goddess) shrine and a shrine to Shani (Saturn), so a visit combines Shiva darshan with the wider family of Sanatan worship.
- Mornings and evenings bring lamp-offering and bell-ringing, with the principal evening aarti reported around 6:00 PM.
- Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free city by long tradition, so travellers here are wonderfully well served: the lanes toward Triveni Ghat and the wider town are lined with pure-vegetarian and satvik kitchens serving thalis, chaat, kachori-sabzi and South Indian tiffin.
- The temple itself has no restaurant, so plan to eat a short walk or auto ride away.
- For those seeking a quiet, unhurried corner of Rishikesh's devotional life — away from the selfie-thronged bridges and river steps — Chandreshwar Mahadev offers a genuinely restful pause, best paired with an early-morning or post-sunset visit and a modest, respectful demeanour inside the sanctum.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
772, Gali No. 22, Chandreshwar Nagar, near Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201
How to Reach: Chandreshwar Nagar, near Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh — about 2.5–3 km from Rishikesh railway station. From Triveni Ghat it is a short 5–10 minute auto-rickshaw ride or a walk into the residential lanes; from the main Rishikesh bus stand an auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹50–80. The lanes are narrow, so a two-wheeler or auto is easier than a car. There is no metro in Rishikesh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh?
It is a Shiva temple counted among Rishikesh's Siddh Peeths (spiritually accomplished seats). Its name means the Lord worshipped by Chandra, the moon: according to local legend the moon-god, under a curse, performed penance and worshipped Lord Shiva at this spot to win relief. The presiding deity is a Shiva Linga set deep in the sanctum, and devotees relate that it is self-manifested and set so deep that early attempts to excavate its base only sent it further down.
Is there an entry fee for Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple?
No. Like most Hindu temples in Rishikesh, entry is free and the temple is open to everyone, regardless of faith. There is no admission ticket; any offering is entirely voluntary.
What are the timings of Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple?
The temple is generally open in the morning and again in the evening — reported roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM — with the main evening aarti around 6:00 PM. Timings shift with the season and around festivals, so it is best to confirm locally, especially if you are travelling specifically for the aarti.
How do I reach Chandreshwar Mahadev Temple?
It lies in the Chandreshwar Nagar locality near Triveni Ghat, about 2.5–3 km from Rishikesh railway station. From Triveni Ghat it is a short 5–10 minute auto-rickshaw ride or a walk into the residential lanes; an auto from the main bus stand costs around ₹50–80. The lanes are narrow, so a two-wheeler or auto is easier than a car, and there is no metro in Rishikesh.
When is the best time to visit?
Mondays (auspicious for Shiva) and the holy month of Shravan (July–August) bring the most devotional atmosphere, while early morning or the evening aarti are the calmest, most reflective times. October to March offers the most pleasant weather. Remember to remove your shoes, dress modestly, and observe quietly inside the sanctum.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, so every eatery around the temple and Triveni Ghat is meat-free. The lanes have pure-vegetarian thali houses, kachori-sabzi stalls and South Indian tiffin counters, and long-running pure-veg institutions such as Chotiwala are a short auto ride toward Ram Jhula. The temple itself has no restaurant, so plan to eat nearby; do confirm current timings of any specific outlet locally.
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