Dhari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand

This blog will forever associate with Dhari Devi Temple. It is when I read about Dhari Devi, this idea of creating a blog about fascinating places and related stories, which exist in this mystified place called "India".

I first read about Dhari Devi at the time of floods that came in Uttrakhand region, this summer of 2013. The floods killed more than 10000 people and if Locals are to be believed, it has happened due to "prakop" of Dhari Devi. The curiosity pushed me studying more about the Devi. As I read more, my fascination about India increased more as this land still consists of such places where nature exhibits its supremacy, in one form or another.

Where Dhari Devi Temple is Located ?

Dhari Devi Temple is located in "Srinagar" district of state of Uttrakhand. Srinagar district is situated in the banks of Alaknanda River in Himalayan mountain belt of Northern India. (Click here for Location)

Srinagar District is placed on Haridwar-Badrinath Highway and lakhs of tourists pass through this district during the month of Summer when Badrinath and Kedarnath Shrines are open for 'Darshan'. The important distance milestones and how to reach Srinagar is given below:

1) Nearest Airport is located in Dehradun which is 150 kms (93 miles).

2) Nearest Railway Station is located in Rishikesh is 108 kms (67 miles).

3) Key Places to access Srinagar from Road include Delhi - 400 kms (250 miles), Dehradun, Haridwar & Rishikesh.

Mythology behind Dhari Devi Temple

Once there exists an Idol of Devi Kali (raudra roop of Maa Shakti). During the floods, the temple where Idol was situated got washed away. The idol floated in river till it got stuck against the rock in the Dharo Village. The Village people took it as divine intervention and decided to fix the idol in that place. Since then, it is called as "Dhari Devi Temple" (Ref: Source)

It is also believed that upper part of Goddess Kali is located in this village while the remaining part is in another place called Kalimath.

Interesting Notes about Dhari Devi Temple

1) Dhari Devi Temple came into news this summer of 2013 when this region of Uttrakhand got severely impacted by floods. It is believed that in order to construct the dam, this idol was relocated to another place in Srinagar District, due to which Devi got angry which came out in the form of flash floods which killed more than 10000 people in this region. After the locals persisted, the idol was again relocated to its original place. This news was covered by several news media channels during that time. (Ref: Source)

2) It is also believed that similar attempt was made during 1882 by a local king which led to similar landslides and floods which flattened the Kedarnath valley. (Ref: Source) The locals and the govt authorities have been fighting for relocation of the Goddess Kali Idol. (Ref: Source)

2) The idol of Goddess Kali shows intriguing behavior. It is believed by locals that the idol of Goddess Kali changes its appearance on its own during the day. It is visible in the form of girl during morning, a woman during afternoon and an old lady during evening, thus depicting the human life course. (Ref: Source)

Facilities in Srinagar District

Srinagar District is well connected through Road, although, the entire journey from Rishikesh is through mountain terrain. The district has several low and medium budget hotels, but doesn't have facilities to accommodate premium segment. (Ref: Source)

Jai Maaa Dhari Devi!!