Dhari Devi temple is a Hindu temple located midst of the Alaknanda River near Srinagar and Rudraprayag in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, revered as Dhari Devi, which means the “Protector Goddess.”
Quick Facts
- Address: Kalyasaur, Dang Chaura, Uttarakhand 246174
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Deity: Dhari Devi(Kali)
- Entry Fee: Free
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- Visit Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Dress Code: Traditional Wear
- Festivals: Durga Puja , Navratri, Dussehra , Kartika Purnima
- Best Time to Visit: October – March
History of Dhari Devi Temple
According to a legend, the temple was once washed away by a severe flood. At the same time, the idol of Mata present in it was also washed away and it stopped after hitting a rock near Dharo village.
It is said that a divine voice came out from that idol, which instructed the villagers to install the idol at that place.
After this, the villagers together built a temple of Mata there. According to the priests, the idol of Maa Dhari has been installed in the temple since Dwapar Yuga.
Interesting Facts About Dhari Devi Temple
- Devotees worship Goddess Dhari as the upper body of the idol. According to devotees, the goddess’s appearance changes throughout the day from a girl to a woman and then to an old woman. The lower part of the idol is located in Kalimath, where she is worshiped as an incarnation of Goddess Kali.
- On June 16, 2013, the idol of the Dhari devi maa was uprooted to make way for a 330-megawatt hydroelectric power plant. A few hours later, a heavy rainstorm occurred, causing devastating floods and landslides that washed away the entire shrine city and killed hundreds of people. According to devotees of this devotee, the place had to face the wrath of the Goddess when she was kicked out of her ‘mool sthan’ (original abode).
- A similar attempt by the local king in 1882 resulted in a landslide that razed Kedarnath to the ground.
- There is a belief about this temple dedicated to Goddess Kali that the Maa Dhari present here protects the Chardham of Uttarakhand. This mother is considered the protector goddess of mountains and pilgrims.
- Adi Guru Shankaracharya took rest and worshiped in the temple area when he was on an excursion.
How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is located at about 133 km from the temple.
One can opt for private taxi or State run buses to reach the temple.
By Train
Rishikesh is the closest railway station which is about 117 km away from the temple.
One can opt for private taxi or State run buses to reach the temple.
By Road
Dhari Devi temple is located around 14 km from Srinagar and 20 km from Rudraprayag, and can be reached by car or taxi.
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