Temples : Dhari Devi Temple - Uttarkhand India - Highlights

 

The Dhari Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.  Perched on the banks of the Alaknanda River near the village of Kalyasaur, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari Devi, considered a manifestation of Goddess Kali.  The temple holds immense spiritual significance and is deeply rooted in local legends and beliefs. 

🛕 Introduction

Dhari Devi is venerated as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and the protector of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.  The temple is unique in its open-air structure, as it is believed that the goddess should not be housed under a roof.  This belief underscores the sanctity and distinctive nature of the shrine.

📜 History and Legends

According to legend, during a severe flood, the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi was swept away and became lodged against a rock near the village of Dharo.  The villagers, upon hearing a divine voice, were instructed to install the idol at the spot where it was found, leading to the establishment of the temple at its current location.  

The idol is believed to represent the upper half of Goddess Kali, with the lower half enshrined at the Kalimath Temple, another significant religious site in the region.  

In 2013, the temple was relocated to a higher platform to facilitate the construction of the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project.  Shortly after the relocation, Uttarakhand experienced catastrophic floods, which many locals attributed to the goddess's displeasure over the disturbance of her original abode.  

🔱 Significance

Guardian Deity: Goddess Dhari Devi is revered as the protector of Uttarakhand and the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. 

Shakti Peetha: The temple is considered one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, sacred abodes of the Divine Mother.  

Transformative Appearance: It is believed that the goddess's idol changes appearance throughout the day—manifesting as a young girl in the morning, a woman in the afternoon, and an elderly lady in the evening—symbolizing the cycle of life.  

🛕 Temple Details

Location: Kalyasaur village, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. 

Architecture: The temple is constructed without a roof, adhering to the belief that the goddess should reside under the open sky. 

Photography: Taking photographs of the deity is strictly prohibited, respecting the sanctity of the shrine.  

🕒 Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM 

Evening: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM 

Aarti: Conducted at 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM daily.  

🚗 Connectivity

By Road: The temple is accessible via National Highway 58, approximately 15 km from Srinagar and 20 km from Rudraprayag. 

By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 119 km away. 

By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 136 km from the temple.  

🎉 Festivals and Events

The temple witnesses a significant influx of devotees during major Hindu festivals, particularly: 

Navratri: Celebrated with special prayers and rituals. 

Dussehra, Deepavali, and Kartik Purnima: Observed with great fervor and devotion.  

🏞️ Legacy and Cultural Impact

The Dhari Devi Temple stands as a symbol of unwavering faith and spiritual resilience in Uttarakhand.  Its legends and the events surrounding its relocation in 2013 have further cemented its place in the cultural and religious tapestry of the region.  The temple continues to inspire devotion and reverence among pilgrims and visitors alike.