Dhari Devi Temple

A revered temple, it is dedicated to Dhari Devi (a form of Goddess Kali), who is considered to be the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and is worshipped as the protector of the Char Dhams. According to mythology, a severe flood once washed away a temple and the idol of Dhari Devi was trapped against a rock near the Dharo village. The residents claim to have heard wails and a divine voice directed them to install the idol there.

Local lore also has it that the idol of the deity changes appearance throughout the day – a girl child in the morning, a young woman in the afternoon, and an old woman in the evening.

It is said that Goddess Dhari Devi has two parts. Her body’s upper half appeared at Dhari Devi temple while her lower half appeared at Kalimath temple, where she is worshipped as Maa Kali. According to the legend, Dhari Devi’s idol can’t be kept under any roof. So, that portion is always kept open towards the sky.

The temple is located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on the banks of River Alaknanda and can be reached by a one-km cement pathway.

History of Dhari Devi Temple

The history of the Dhari Devi temple dates back to the ancient times of the Puranas. The temple is said to have been built in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher, and reformer, who is believed to have established four major Hindu maths in the four corners of India. The temple was constructed to honor the goddess Dhari Devi, who is said to have appeared before Adi Shankaracharya in the form of a young girl.

Mythology of Dhari Devi Temple

The legend behind the temple's origin states that the idol of Dhari Devi was originally placed in the middle of the Alaknanda River. However, during the construction of the Srinagar hydroelectric dam in the 1960s, the temple was threatened with submersion under the rising waters of the river. This led to a popular uprising and protests by the locals who wanted to protect the temple. Eventually, the government of Uttarakhand agreed to relocate the temple to a higher location, which was accomplished with great difficulty.

The Dhari Devi temple is located on a hilltop and can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs. The temple is small and simple, with a beautiful idol of the goddess Dhari Devi, who is depicted as a fierce form of the goddess Kali. The idol is made of black stone and is adorned with colorful clothes, jewelry, and flowers. The temple also houses other deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha.

The temple attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year, particularly during the Char Dham Yatra. Many people believe that offering prayers at the Dhari Devi temple can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The temple also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the Alaknanda River, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

The Dhari Devi temple is not just a religious site but also an important symbol of the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The temple's relocation was a significant event in the state's history and reflects the people's deep attachment to their traditions and beliefs. The temple's preservation and protection are therefore of great importance, and the state government has taken steps to ensure its conservation.

In conclusion, the Dhari Devi temple is an important Hindu shrine in Uttarakhand that is steeped in history and mythology. Its relocation and preservation reflect the region's deep attachment to its cultural heritage and traditions. Visiting the temple is a spiritual and cultural experience that is not to be missed by anyone who travels to Uttarakhand.