Dhari Devi Temple – The Guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand

Overview

Dhari Devi Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Dhari Devi, located on the banks of the Alaknanda River in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is considered one of the most powerful temples in the region, with devotees believing that Goddess Dhari Devi protects the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and the surrounding areas from natural calamities.

History and Mythology

• According to legend, a severe flood once washed away the idol of Dhari Devi. Villagers then heard a divine voice asking them to install the idol at its present location.
• It is said that removing or relocating the idol brings destruction to the region.

Temple Location

• District: Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
• Nearest City: Srinagar (Uttarakhand) – about 16 km away
• Elevation: Around 600 meters (1,968 feet) above sea level
• On the Badrinath Highway (NH-7)

Temple Timings & Rituals

• Opens: 6:00 AM
• Closes: 6:00 PM
• Special prayers are held during Navratri and Amavasya (New Moon Day).

Best Time to Visit

• March to June (Pleasant weather)
• September to November (Best for spiritual visits)
• Avoid Monsoon (July-August) – Heavy rains and landslides can make travel risky.

Nearby Places to Visit

1. Kalimath Temple (25 km away) – Associated with Goddess Kali.
2. Kedarnath Temple (115 km away) – One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
3. Rudraprayag (19 km away) – A holy place where Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet.
4. Devprayag (35 km away) – The place where the Ganges River officially begins.
5. Badrinath Temple (170 km away) – Another Char Dham temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Why is Dhari Devi Important?

• The upper half of Goddess Kali is worshipped here, while the lower half is worshipped at Kalimath Temple nearby.
• People believe that the goddess changes her appearance throughout the day – as a young girl in the morning, a woman in the afternoon, and an elderly lady in the evening.
• She is considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand, protecting the area from disasters.

Why Visit Dhari Devi Temple?

• It is one of the most powerful temples in Uttarakhand.
• Many devotees believe that praying to Goddess Dhari Devi removes obstacles and brings protection.
• The location is scenic, with the Alaknanda River flowing beside the temple.

Where is Dhari Devi Temple?

• Location: Near Srinagar (Uttarakhand), in Rudraprayag district.
• Distance from Major Places:
  • Rishikesh – 125 km
  • Haridwar – 140 km
  • Kedarnath – 115 km

How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple?

• By Road: Connected by highways; can be reached by bus, taxi, or personal vehicle.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (125 km away).
• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (135 km away).