Discover the most famous Dhari Devi Temple Kalyasaur Uttarakhand

Located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag in Kalyasaur, on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the Dhari Devi Temple Kalyasaur Uttarakhand is an ancient Hindu shrine in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Maa Dhari Devi Temple , a form of Goddess Kali, and is believed to be the protector of the Char Dhams.

Earlier, the idol of Dhari devi temple Srinagar was placed on a 20-meter high rock, but in 2013, it was moved to a man-made platform. Many people believe that moving the idol brought bad luck.

Dhari Devi Temple Opening Time:  The Dhari Devi Temple is open for darshan during the following hours:

• Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM

• Evening: 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM

• Entry to the temple is free for all visitors.

About Dhari Devi Temple

Just before the cloudburst on June 16, 2013, the idol was shifted, and soon after, devastating floods hit the region. Locals believe it happened due to the anger of the Goddess, as she was moved from her ‘mool sthan’ (original place) for a 330 MW hydropower project, which was later destroyed in the flood.

• A similar event happened in 1882 when a king tried to move the idol, and it caused a landslide that destroyed Kedarnath.
• According to legend, the idol should not be kept under a roof, so it is always placed under the open sky. Photography inside the temple is not allowed.
• People visit this temple throughout the year, but during Navratras, the number of pilgrims increases. The temple celebrates Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri.
• Other major festivals celebrated here are Dussehra, Deepavali, and Kartik Purnima, with great devotion and joy.

Dhari Devi Temple – Legend & History

According to legend, the upper part of Goddess Kali is worshipped at Dhari Devi Temple, while the lower part is worshipped at Kalimath. Locals believe that the appearance of the Goddess changes with time – from a young girl, to a woman, and finally to an old lady.

The idol of Dhari Devi is made of stone and is divided into two parts:

• The upper half is worshipped at the Dhari Devi Temple,

• The lower half is in Kalimath village, where it is worshipped as a form of Goddess Kali.

According to legend, the idol changes appearance three times a day:

• In the morning, it looks like a young girl,

• In the afternoon, it appears as a young woman,

• In the evening, it becomes an old lady.
  Many devotees and priests have witnessed this transformation over time.

Another powerful legend connects mythology with the present. Long ago, a flood washed away the original temple, and the idol got stuck against a rock near Dharo village.
Villagers reported hearing a divine voice and the idol’s cry, telling them to place the idol at a new spot. That very place is where the present-day Dhari Devi Temple stands.

Dhari Devi Mandir Story

The name Dhari Devi comes from a local story. Once, the idol of Goddess Kali was washed away by floods and got stuck on a rock. People from the nearby Dharo village heard a divine voice, and they placed the idol at that spot. Since then, the temple is called Dhari Devi Temple.

It is also believed that the idol should never be placed under a roof, so it is always kept under the open sky. Photography of the idol is strictly prohibited.

In 2013, due to the Srinagar Hydel Project, the temple had to be relocated from its original place. Many people believe that the 2013 Uttarakhand floods were caused by the anger of Goddess Dhari Devi, as she is the guardian of Uttarakhand and protector of the Char Dhams.

Devotees visit the temple throughout the year, but during the Navratras, the number of pilgrims greatly increases.

Present-Day Myth Behind Dhari Devi Temple

The Dhari Devi Temple is known for its beautiful architecture, which blends North Indian and Garhwali styles.

A more recent legend linked to the temple dates back to June 16, 2013. On this day, the original idol of the goddess was removed from its place and shifted to a concrete platform, far from the Alaknanda River, to make space for a hydroelectric dam project.

Just a few hours after the idol was moved, the region was hit by one of India’s worst natural disasters—the 2013 North India floods. Caused by a cloudburst lasting several days, the floods led to massive destruction, including landslides and heavy loss of life.

Many locals and devotees believe that the disaster happened due to the wrath of Goddess Dhari Devi, as she was removed from her original place. The dam project, for which she was shifted, was also left in ruins after the flood.

Architecture of Dhari Devi Temple

The Dhari Devi Temple is known for its unique architecture, which combines North Indian and Garhwali styles.

The temple is made using local stones and rocks, showing the skill of local artisans. The sanctum sanctorum features several beautifully designed shikharas (temple towers), each one carved with Hindu gods, mythological figures, and celestial beings.

The main entrance of the temple is decorated with detailed sculptures and intricate motifs.

Inside the sanctum, the idol of Dhari Devi, carved in stone, is placed under the open sky and is surrounded by flowers, incense sticks, and oil lamps.

The walls of the temple are beautifully painted and carved with scenes from Hindu scriptures and folk stories.

Location of Dhari Devi Temple Kalyasaur Uttarakhand

Dhari Devi Temple is located near Srinagar in Uttarakhand, on NH-58, the highway that connects Srinagar and Rudraprayag. It lies between the two towns, making it a convenient stop for travelers heading towards the Char Dham route.

How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple Kalyasaur Uttarakhand

Dhari Devi Temple is located at Kalyasaur, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand.

• The distance from Srinagar to Dhari Devi is 16 km.

• The distance from Dhari Devi to Rudraprayag is 20 km.

You can easily reach the temple by bus or taxi from Srinagar or Rudraprayag.

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 119 km away.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), which is around 136 km from the temple.

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