The main deity of the temple is Chandi Mata who is also known as Chandika. As per mythology, there is a story attached to Goddess Chandika. Shumbha and Nishumbha were two demons who captured heaven or kingdom of the gods. They dispelled the gods from heaven. The gods had an intense prayer and, as a result, Goddess Parvati took the incarnation (avtar) of Goddess Chandi who was exceptionally beautiful. Shumbha wanted to marry Chandi but she refused. Shumbha got furious and sent his two demons to kill her. Chandika got angry and slayed them. Chandika’s furious form is called Chamunda. Later, she also killed Shumbha and Nishumbha. Having killed the demons, the goddess took rest at the place where the present temple is constructed. There are two peaks located nearby are termed as Shumbha and Nishumbha.
The temple is located at a distance of four km from Har Ki Pauri. There are two means to reach the temple. One way is taking a cable car and another way is three km trekking by taking the steps. The ropeway service is primarily meant for the old, weak or physically handicapped pilgrims. The ropeway journey offers very picturesque view of forest and River Ganga. View from top is amazingly beautiful. A large number of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers to and get blessings of Chandi Mata. It is one of the most traditional temples of India. Navratri, Kumbha Mela of Haridwar, , and Chandi Chaudas are main occasions when most of the tourists come here to visit the temple. Near Chandi Devi Temple is Anjana Mata Temple. Anjana is mother of Lord Hanuman. Neeleshwar Temple, at foothill of the Neel Parvat, is located close to Chandi Devi Temple. The devotees visit all these temples which are nearby to each other. Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are the two forms of Goddess Parvati and they both are very close to each other.
The presiding priest of the temple is ‘mahant’ or the care taker of the temple. The temple is basically run by him. The morning aarti of the temple is done at around 5.30 am and the temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm. The exploration time of the temple is around 3 to 4 hours maximum. Savan Festival is celebrated here with palpable religious fervor.