Dhari Devi Temple is an ancient pilgrimage located in Kalyasaur, near the town of Srinagar (Garhwal) on Badrinath Highway and between Srikot & Rudraprayag at a distance of about 15-20 km. from main road that connects Rishikesh to Badrinath Dham as well other major Himalaya shrines like Kedarnath nestled in boundary district chamoli and Rudraprayag which was new formed after British regime annexation/capture over garhwal state with two precincts divided into gharwali khari Khantha & Chaukunda(Chamoli garhwal). The temple is located near Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal), it lies on the road to Badrinath and Kedarnath.

In Uttarakhand, Goddess Dhari Devi is a form of Kali Mata and state deity. The locals say that she guards the way of Char Dham pilgrims.It is believed that the idol of Dhari Devi shifts alters its form from a girl to a woman and later on old lady, as the day proceeds.

How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple?

One can take a combination of road, rail and even air travel to reach the Dhari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand. Here’s a detailed guide:

Nearest Major Locations:

Srinagar(Pauri Garhwal) : Uttarakhand city Srinagar Mohanmaya Temple is located in a distance of 15 km.

Rishikesh: Dhari Devi is nearly 120 km from Rishikesh.

Dhari Devi is located about 150 kilometers from Dehradun, which is the state capital of Uttrakhand.

Difference ways from where you can reach to Dhari Devi Temple:

Famous Temple – Dhara Devi Temple 2024 Nearest Major Locations: Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal): 15 km from Dhara Devi Temple. Rishikesh: Approximately 120 km away from Dhara Devi Temple. Dehradun: Roughly 150 km from Dhara Devi Temple, Uttarakhand’s capital city.

1. By Air:

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun (136kms. approx)

One can hire a taxi or take bus to veterans and further go by local transportustto Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal; form airport.

2. By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station is about 120 kilometers away.
• Haridwar Railway Station: Another nearby station is in Haridwar, about 136 kilometers away.
• From either station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple. Buses are available from Rishikesh or Haridwar towards Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal), and you can get off at the Dhari village.

3. By Road:

• From Rishikesh or Haridwar: You can take a direct bus or taxi to Srinagar, and from Srinagar, you can reach Dhari Devi easily by local transport or taxi. The temple is located just off the NH 58, a major highway leading to Badrinath.
• From Delhi: Dhari Devi is around 400 kilometers from Delhi. You can drive via Rishikesh and Srinagar, or take a bus or taxi from Delhi to Rishikesh, and then proceed to Dhari Devi.
• Local Transport: After reaching Srinagar, shared taxis or buses can take you to the Dhari village. From the village, it’s a short walk or drive to the temple.

Route Overview:

• Delhi → Rishikesh → Srinagar → Dhari Devi
• Rishikesh → Srinagar → Dhari Devi
• Dehradun → Srinagar → Dhari Devi

Road Conditions:

The roads leading to Dhari Devi, particularly from Rishikesh to Srinagar, are mountainous but well-maintained, as they form part of the pilgrimage route to Badrinath.

Dhari Devi Temple: A Spiritual Gem of Uttarakhand

The Dhari Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Uttarakhand, India. Located in the village of Dhari on the banks of the Alaknanda River, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari, considered a manifestation of Kali Mata or the fierce form of Maa Shakti. It holds a prominent place in the religious landscape of Uttarakhand, often visited by pilgrims en route to the famous Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri). The temple is not just a place of worship but also a spiritual landmark with deep cultural, mythological, and natural significance.

1. Mythological and Spiritual Significance:

The Goddess Dhari Devi is believed to be the guardian deity of the region, and local legends suggest that she protects Uttarakhand and its people from natural calamities. The temple houses only the upper half of the idol of Goddess Dhari. According to legend, the lower half of the deity is worshiped at the Kalimath Temple, near Guptkashi.

One of the most unique aspects of this deity is the belief that her idol changes forms during the day, manifesting as a girl, a woman, and an old lady, symbolizing the three life stages of the goddess. This transformation is regarded as a reflection of nature’s cycles and the passage of time. The locals and pilgrims have immense faith in the protective powers of Dhari Devi, who they believe safeguards the region from disasters.

2. A Temple with Historic Legacy:

The temple’s origin is steeped in ancient traditions, and it is said to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, places where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell. According to the legend, the idol of Dhari Devi was found floating in the Alaknanda River. Locals heard divine voices instructing them to install the idol at the current site. Over time, it became a sacred destination for devotees of the goddess.

The temple, standing on a cliff beside the river, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the fast-flowing Alaknanda. The natural beauty of the region complements the spiritual aura of the temple, making it an ideal place for meditation and seeking solace in nature’s lap.

3. Connection with Natural Disasters:

One of the most talked-about events associated with the Dhari Devi Temple is its connection to natural disasters. In 2013, the temple’s original structure was relocated as part of a hydroelectric dam project on the Alaknanda River. According to folklore, disturbing the deity’s location would unleash nature’s fury. Coincidentally, within hours of the relocation, the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods occurred, which caused immense destruction and loss of life in the region. Many locals and believers considered this to be a divine warning against tampering with the sacred site.

Due to public outcry and religious sentiments, efforts were made to restore the temple to its original location. The episode reinforced the deep bond between the temple, the goddess, and the local community, who view her as their protector.

4. A Must-Visit for Pilgrims:

The Dhari Devi Temple is a significant stopover for pilgrims heading to the Char Dham shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Its close proximity to these pilgrimage routes ensures a constant flow of devotees throughout the year. Many pilgrims stop at Dhari Devi to seek blessings for a safe journey ahead.

Besides its spiritual importance, the temple is also a place where people come to seek blessings for personal matters such as family well-being, protection from negative influences, and success in endeavors. The annual festival during Navratri sees thousands of devotees flocking to the temple to participate in special rituals and ceremonies.

5. Surrounding Scenic Beauty:

The Dhari Devi Temple is not just a spiritual center but also a place of immense natural beauty. Perched atop a rocky cliff beside the gushing Alaknanda River, the temple offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The serene environment, coupled with the sound of the river’s flow, creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, perfect for introspection and worship.

6. Accessibility:

The temple is easily accessible via road from nearby towns like Srinagar (Pauri Garhwal), which is about 15 kilometers away. Pilgrims can travel by car, taxi, or bus from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun. Despite being located in a relatively remote area, the roads leading to the temple are well-maintained, and the journey offers scenic views of the mountains and rivers.

Conclusion:

The Dhari Devi Temple is a place where spirituality, mythology, and nature come together in perfect harmony. The temple’s historical significance, combined with the awe-inspiring natural surroundings, makes it an important destination for both pilgrims and tourists alike. Whether you’re seeking divine blessings or a peaceful retreat in the hills, a visit to Dhari Devi promises a profound and enriching experience.

What Mystry behind Dhara Devi Temple?

The Dhari Devi Temple, located in Uttarakhand, is steeped in mystery and legend, making it a revered yet enigmatic shrine. Several fascinating stories and beliefs surround this temple, contributing to its mystical aura. The most intriguing mysteries are associated with the temple’s divine power, the transformation of the deity’s idol, and its connection to natural disasters. Here are the key elements of the mystery behind the Dhari Devi Temple:

1. The Ever-Changing Form of the Goddess:

One of the most mysterious aspects of the Dhari Devi idol is the belief that it changes form throughout the day. Devotees and locals claim that the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi manifests in three distinct forms, representing different stages of life:

• In the morning, the goddess appears as a young girl.
• By noon, her form resembles that of an adult woman.
• In the evening, she is said to take the form of an elderly lady.

This transformation is considered symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and time, and it reflects the goddess’s role as the universal mother, guiding her devotees through every phase of existence. The phenomenon is seen as a divine mystery, adding to the temple’s mystical charm and drawing believers from far and wide.

2. Connection to Natural Disasters:

The most notable mystery tied to the Dhari Devi Temple is its connection to natural disasters, particularly the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods. According to local legend, Goddess Dhari Devi must not be disturbed from her original location, or it will bring about natural calamities.

In June 2013, the temple structure was relocated as part of a hydroelectric dam project on the Alaknanda River. This decision was met with resistance from devotees who believed that moving the goddess would have disastrous consequences. The relocation took place despite these warnings, and within hours, Uttarakhand experienced one of the worst floods in its history, which claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction.

Many locals and religious figures interpreted the flood as a sign of divine anger, believing that it was directly linked to the temple’s displacement. After this tragedy, efforts were made to restore the temple to its original position, and the incident remains a central part of the temple’s mysterious lore. The event solidified the belief in the goddess’s power and her role as the protector of the region.

3. Divine Protection of the Region:

It is widely believed that the Goddess Dhari Devi serves as a protector of Uttarakhand, especially of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage routes. The temple is regarded as the guardian deity of the entire region, shielding it from harm and ensuring the safety of pilgrims. According to local tradition, her presence protects the area from earthquakes, landslides, and other natural disasters, as long as her idol remains undisturbed in its original position.

The 2013 floods further reinforced this belief, as many devotees claim that the goddess’s anger over her displacement led to the calamity. The temple’s connection to the region’s safety and its association with both blessings and divine wrath continue to fuel its mysterious reputation.

4. The Legend of the Idol:

The legend of how the idol of Dhari Devi was discovered is also part of the temple’s mystery. According to ancient folklore, the idol of the goddess was found floating in the Alaknanda River by the local villagers. A divine voice instructed them to install the idol in its current location. Since then, the site has been considered sacred, and the belief in the goddess’s presence in the temple has grown stronger over time.

It is also believed that the lower half of the idol is worshiped at the Kalimath Temple, another important Kali temple near Guptkashi in Uttarakhand. This bifurcation of the goddess’s idol into two distinct temples adds another layer of mystique to her legend.

5. Shakti Peetha Connection:

The Dhari Devi Temple is said to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, sacred sites where parts of the goddess Sati’s body fell during Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance of destruction. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the head of Goddess Sati fell at the Dhari Devi site, making it a highly powerful and spiritually charged location. The Shakti Peetha designation adds to the temple’s importance and deepens the sense of reverence and mystery surrounding it.

6. Goddess’s Wrath and Local Beliefs:

Devotees of the temple strongly believe that any disrespect or attempt to alter the sacred site will provoke the wrath of Goddess Dhari Devi. The 2013 incident is often cited as a prime example of this belief. The goddess’s protective role is so deeply embedded in local culture that even minor disturbances to the temple’s structure or its surroundings are treated with caution.

Conclusion:

The Dhari Devi Temple remains a place of deep spiritual significance and mystery, surrounded by legends of divine protection, wrath, and miracles. The belief in the goddess’s power to transform her appearance and her connection to natural disasters has contributed to her mystique. Despite the temple’s relocation controversy and the subsequent tragedy, the faith in Goddess Dhari Devi remains unwavering. For believers, the temple serves not only as a place of worship but as a reminder of the delicate balance between the natural and divine forces at play in the region.

Read Also: Kali Mata Mandir