Maa Dhari Devi Temple: A Sacred Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand

Maa Dhari Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Uttarakhand, India. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari, a manifestation of Kali or Shakti. The temple holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus and is renowned for its powerful deity, who is believed to protect the Char Dham region.

Location

• Village: Dhari, near Srinagar
• District: Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand
• Distance from Major Cities:
• Srinagar (Uttarakhand): 15 km
• Rishikesh: 120 km
• Dehradun: 165 km
• Haridwar: 137 km

The temple sits on a cliff overlooking the Alaknanda River, providing scenic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Legend and Mythology

The legend of Maa Dhari Devi is intertwined with local mythology and is said to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. According to the legend:

• Goddess Kali’s Body: When Goddess Sati’s body was dismembered, her body parts fell at various places in the Indian subcontinent, forming the Shakti Peethas. The head of Goddess Kali is believed to have fallen at the location of the Dhari Devi Temple.
• Local Lore: A local legend says that centuries ago, the idol of the goddess was found floating in the river by a shepherd, who was directed in a dream to place it on a cliff. Since then, the temple has been a sacred spot for devotees.

The deity is considered a guardian of the region, and her wrath is feared if her idol is disturbed. This belief was reinforced by a major disaster that struck the area after an attempt was made to shift the temple to make way for a hydroelectric project.

The Idol and Its Powers

The idol of Dhari Devi is unique in that it is worshipped in two forms:

1. Upper Half: The temple houses the upper half of the idol. During the day, the goddess is believed to be in a calm, motherly form, while at night she is said to transform into her fierce form (Kali).
2. Lower Half: The lower half of the idol is believed to reside in the Kalikund temple, located in Kalimath near Rudraprayag.

The idol changes expressions throughout the day—appearing as a young girl, an adult woman, and an old woman, symbolizing the various forms of the goddess.

Spiritual Significance

• Protective Powers: Maa Dhari Devi is known as the protector of the Char Dham circuit (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri). Devotees believe that her blessings shield the region from natural disasters.
• Energy Source: The temple is revered for its spiritual energy and healing powers, attracting pilgrims from all over India seeking protection, blessings, and fulfillment of their wishes.

Temple History and the Hydroelectric Controversy

In 2013, the Uttarakhand floods devastated much of the region. Local belief links this calamity to the shifting of the Dhari Devi idol. In June 2013, the idol was temporarily relocated to facilitate the construction of the Alaknanda Hydro Power Project. According to popular belief, disturbing the deity’s resting place triggered the catastrophe that struck Uttarakhand, causing widespread destruction.

After the floods, the temple and idol were reinstated to their original place, and the hydroelectric project was temporarily halted. This incident reinforced the belief in the deity’s divine powers.

Architecture

• The temple is perched on a raised platform in the middle of the river. It is connected by a bridge, and the idol is sheltered under a modest temple structure.
• It reflects traditional Himalayan architecture, built using natural stones and materials, blending harmoniously with the serene natural surroundings.

Festivals and Rituals

Navratri

• Navratri is the most significant festival at Dhari Devi Temple. Devotees from across the country gather to seek the blessings of the goddess during this nine-day festival.
• Special rituals, prayers, and offerings are made during this time, including the famous Aarti at sunrise and sunset.

Special Pujas

• Devotees can offer coconuts, flowers, and sweets as part of their worship. Special Pujas are also conducted on request for health, prosperity, and protection from evil.

Jai Maa Dhari Devi Jayanti

• Celebrated on a grand scale, this marks the day the idol of Dhari Devi was installed. Devotional songs and bhajans are sung, and a huge procession takes place.

How to Reach Maa Dhari Devi Temple

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 136 km from the temple. Taxis are available from the airport to the temple.

By Train:

• The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, about 117 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Rishikesh to Srinagar and further to the temple.

By Road:

• The temple is well connected by road. You can take a bus or taxi from major towns such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The nearest major city is Srinagar (Uttarakhand), just 15 km from the temple.

Best Time to Visit

• The ideal time to visit Maa Dhari Devi Temple is between March and November. The weather during this time is pleasant, and the temple is easily accessible. Winters can be harsh, and monsoon season brings heavy rains that make travel difficult.

Nearby Attractions

1. Rudraprayag: A holy town located at the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini.
2. Kalimath Temple: Another Shakti Peetha, located about 50 km away from Dhari Devi.
3. Kedarnath: One of the Char Dhams, Kedarnath is a major pilgrimage center dedicated to Lord Shiva.
4. Badrinath: Another Char Dham, Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Accommodation

• Dharmashalas and Guesthouses: Simple accommodations are available for pilgrims near the temple and in Srinagar.
• Hotels: Srinagar offers a variety of hotels for different budgets. Rishikesh and Dehradun also provide many options.