Mythical origins of the temple
Legend has it that the origin of worship at the Surkanda Devi Temple is deeply intertwined with the story of Sati, the wife of Shiva and daughter of Daksha. Displeased with Sati's marriage to Shiva, Daksha insulted her husband during a grand Vedic sacrifice, leading Sati to sacrifice herself in the yajna fire. Devastated, Shiva performed his destructive tandava dance, carrying Sati's body. Vishnu, in an attempt to pacify Shiva, used his Sudarshan wheel to dismember Sati's corpse, scattering her remains across the Indian subcontinent. These sacred sites are known as Shakti Peethas. The temple at Surkanda Devi marks the spot where Sati's head fell, evolving from "sirkhanda" to the revered "Surkanda" over time.