Dhari Devi Temple
The Goddess protector of Char Dham Temples
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Kalyasaur, Rudraprayag Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 1,837 ft
Best time to travel
All Year
Total Distance
Approx. 143 km from Haridwar
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
Dhari Devi Temple also known as the protector of the Char Dhams is a famous Shakti temple located between Rudraprayag & Srinagar, Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India. It is nestled on the banks of the Alaknanda River (which merges with the Bhagirathi River in Devprayag to form the Holy River Ganga). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari - one of the many manifestations of Goddess Kali (one of 108 Shakti-Peeths in India, as numbered by Srimad Devi Bhagwat).
Join us further on a journey to uncover the history, mythology, architectural grandeur, and profound significance of Dhari Devi Temple.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
The history of Dhari Devi Temple is shrouded in mystery, with legends suggesting its establishment over a thousand years ago. Dhari Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalpa who is worshipped as the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and the protector of Char Dham Temples of Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath).
It is believed that the idol of the Goddess Dhari or Kali is divided into two halves. The upper half is worshipped in the Dhari Devi Temple while the lower half is worshipped as Goddess Kali in Kalimath, Uttarakhand.
One of the most popular legends associated with the temple is the story of the idol's miraculous appearance. As per the local folklore the idol of Goddess Dhari was found floating near Dharo village. It is said that the divine voice from the idol instructed the villagers to install the idol at its present location.
Some of the other legends or beliefs include the 'Different Stages of Life' phenomenon. The idol is believed to change its appearance from a little girl in the morning, a young woman in the afternoon to an old woman in the evening.
The Legend of Dhari Devi and Uttarakhand Floods
Dhari Devi Temple is also synonymous for its association with the infamous Uttarakhand Floods of 2013. The devastating floods caused widespread destruction in its path and claimed multiple lives. The echoes of the 2012 Uttarakhand disaster are still felt in the Garwhal region including Rudraprayag and Srinagar. Locals believe that floods were caused by the displacement of Goddess Dhari's idol from her original place (mool sthan). The idol was shifted to facilitate the Hydropower project in the Alaknanda river. The Hydel project was also destroyed by the floods. This belief is also strengthened by a similar attempt from a local ruler in the late 1800s, resulting in a landslide that flattened Kedarnath. The temple was later reconstructed at its original location.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Dhari Devi Temple
Dhari Devi Temple is located in the centre of the Alaknanda River. There is a suspension bridge just beside the temple. The entrance of the temple is on the main road which leads to a long stairway which leads to the main temple through a narrow and enclosed walking bridge.
The idol of Goddess Dhari Devi is kept on a raised platform and is adorned with vibrant clothes and jewellery. Dhari Devi is not supposed to be kept or worshipped under any roof, hence the idol of Goddess Dhari is permanently placed under a small opening directly beneath the sky.
The roof of the temple is designed with a sloping structure that helps in withstanding the heavy monsoon rains typical of the region.
Ambience and Views from Dhari Devi Temple
The temple is elevated on a small mound overlooking the Alaknanda River, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the serene river. The serene and picturesque setting enhances the spiritual experience, allowing visitors to connect with nature and the divine.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
Dhari Devi temple is easily accessible by road, with a well-maintained pathway leading to the entrance. It is roughly 15 kilometres away from Srinagar, Uttarakhand, and approx. 20 kilometres away from Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers).
Some of the notable areas near Dhari Devi Temple include:
Srinagar - A historic town and the cultural hub of the Garhwal region, known for its temples, educational institutions, and vibrant markets.
Rudraprayag - The district headquarters and a significant pilgrimage site. It serves as a gateway to Kedarnath and Badrinath, two of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand.
Chopta - Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is a picturesque hill station and the base for treks to Tungnath Mahadev Temple and Chandrashila.
Deoria Tal - A serene lake located near Sari Village, Deoria Tal offers stunning views of the Chaukhamba range and is a popular spot for camping and bird-watching.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple
Reaching Dhari Devi Temple is relatively convenient, thanks to its well-connected location. The temple is located on the highway connecting Srinagar and Rudraprayag.
The temple is accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. You can avail direct transport to Rudraprayag and get down at Dhari Devi Temple. Or you can take a transport option to Srinagar and from there, local transport options are available to reach the temple.
Regular buses and taxis are available from cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar to both Srinagar and Rudraprayag.
The nearest railway station is either Haridwar or Rishikesh station. The nearest ISBT is Rishikesh and the closest airport is Jollygrant Airport, Dehradun.
Weather Conditions at Dhari Devi Temple
Summer (April to June) is hot with clear skies and dry nights. The Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rainfall which can cause landslides and roadblocks, making travel difficult. Autumn (October to November) is the best time to visit Dhari Devi Temple, with mild daytime and cool nights. And winter (December to March) brings cold, with temperatures dropping below 10°C and lower.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Private Transport
You can directly reach Dhari Devi Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Srinagar - Dhari Devi Temple - Approx. 155 km
Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Srinagar - Dhari Devi Temple - Approx. 375 km
Public Transport
Reach Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh from Delhi (direct buses are available).
Catch a direct bus to Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, Guptkashi, Gopeshwar or Joshimath.
Get down at the Dhari Devi Temple around 15 km after Srinagar.
Or catch a direct bus to Srinagar. Avail a local shared transport or hire a local taxi towards the temple.
Or you can directly hire a taxi to Dhari Devi Temple from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Delhi or Dehradun.
Important note: The frequency of direct public transport from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar to Srinagar & Rudraprayag is moderately okay.
By Road
The nearest Interstate Bus Station is in Rishikesh/Haridwar and the Bus Station/Depot is in Rudraprayag.
Distance between Srinagar and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 15 km
Distance between Rudraprayag and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 20 km
Distance between Rishikesh and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 120 km
Distance between Haridwar and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 140 km
Distance between Dehradun and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 155 km
Distance between Delhi and Dhari Devi Temple: Approx. 375 km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar and Rishikesh.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from the airport and take the above-mentioned options.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Divine Transformation: As the day progresses the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi is believed to change its appearance from a young girl in the morning to a woman in the afternoon to an old woman in the evening, symbolizing the various stages of life.
Protective Guardian: Dhari Devi is considered the guardian of the Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), safeguarding the region from calamities.
Legends of Wrath: Relocating the idol is believed to invoke the goddess's wrath, as witnessed during the 2013 Uttarakhand floods following the idol's movement from its original place.
Annual Festivities: The temple is a vibrant hub during Navratri, attracting thousands of devotees for nine nights of prayers, rituals, and celebrations.
Scenic Setting: Perched on a structural elevation, the temple offers breathtaking views of the Alaknanda River.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 0: Pick-up from Delhi
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar
Day 2: Dhari Devi Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Rishikesh