Balani Devi

The deity of Balani Devi is worshipped in the village of Chilhar. The temple of this deity is situated 1700 mts. above sea level and 155 kms. from Dehradun on a motorable road and slightlyaway from the main road. The temple was originally constructed in the ‘Huna’ architectural style,but over the ages it acquired a mixed style. The construction is unique from the view of religious architecture in Jaunsar. Balani Devi is the sister of the four main deities – Vashika, Mahasu, Pawasi and Chalda of Jaunsar Bhawar. One month after Diwali, a festival ‘Nai Deepawali is celebrated when all the traditional talent of Jaunsar Bhawar takes to the stage, attracting large crowds from near and far.

Accessibility

• Rail : Nearest railhead is Dehradun, 155 kms.
• Road : Bahani Devi temple is situated on DehradunTunimotorable road via Chakrata, 26 kms short of Tuni and 60 kms from Chakrata. Buses are available upto Chilhar band from where 3 km. links up to the village Chilhar. Private jeeps & can go up to the village.

Santla Devi

14 kms from Dehradun on a steep cliff 2803 mtrs. is situated the shrine one passes through Garhi Cantt. and Panjabiwala villages. After atleast an hour’s journey one reaches the shrine. Santla Devi, alongwith her brother, on realizing that they would not be able to face the Mughal army abandoned their weapons and began to pray. A light flickered and within moments they the shrine was built and Saturday marks the transformation of the Goddess into stone. Since then special obeisance is paid on Saturdays. The shrine is widely believed to be an important place of worship for the Hindus.

Accessibility

• Rail : Nearest railhead is Dehradun,16 kms.
• Road : Santla Devi is situated in Garhi Cantt., 14 kms from Dehradun 2 kms. from Punjabiwala and 10 kms.by bus service upto Jaitanwala, then 2 km. distance covered on foot.