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 Dhari Devi Temple dates back to ancient times and finds mention in Hindu Puranas. According to legends, Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu philosopher and reformer, is said to have built the temple in the 8th century CE. During his spiritual journey across India to revive Sanatan Dharma, the Goddess is believed to have appeared before him as a young girl, inspiring him to establish this temple at Dharo village near the Alaknanda River.

Over centuries, the temple became a prominent site of worship for the people of Uttarakhand, symbolizing divine protection and feminine power. Despite facing natural calamities and modernization pressures, the faith of devotees has kept the temple’s legacy alive. Even today, rituals and traditions followed here echo the region’s ancient cultural roots.

Mythology and Legends of Dhari Devi

According to mythology, the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi was once located in the middle of the Alaknanda River. During a catastrophic flood, the temple was washed away, and the idol got lodged against a rock near Dharo village. Locals claim they heard divine cries and were instructed through a celestial voice to install the idol at its present location.

It is also said that the Goddess’s body is divided into two parts, her upper half resides in the Dhari Devi Temple, while her lower half is enshrined at the Kalimath Temple, where she is worshipped as Maa Kali. This is why the idol of Dhari Devi is kept under the open sky, as it is believed that enclosing it under a roof would disrupt the goddess’s power.

The Relocation Controversy and Divine Warning

In the 1960s, the construction of the Srinagar Hydro Electric Project posed a major threat to the original temple’s existence as it was located in a flood-prone area of the Alaknanda River. Despite local resistance and widespread belief that relocating the idol could bring divine wrath, the government decided to move it to higher ground in 2013.

Strangely, on the same day the idol was relocated, the devastating Kedarnath flood disaster struck Uttarakhand - leading many to associate the tragedy with the Goddess’s anger. Whether coincidence or divine message, it reinforced the belief that Dhari Devi is the guardian and protector of Uttarakhand, whose powers safeguard the region and its people.

Architecture and Location

The Dhari Devi Temple is modest in size but rich in spiritual ambience. Constructed using local stones and wood, the temple’s simple yet sacred design reflects the humility and devotion of the mountain people. The black stone idol of the Goddess is beautifully adorned with ornaments, flowers, and traditional Pahadi attire.

Located along the Srinagar - Rudraprayag highway, the temple is accessible via a 1 km cemented walkway from the main road. The temple’s position offers mesmerizing views of the Alaknanda River winding through the valley - making it a perfect blend of devotion and natural beauty.

DetailsInformationLocationNear Dharo Village, between Srinagar and Rudraprayag, UttarakhandDeityGoddess Dhari Devi (Form of Maa Kali)Best Time to VisitMarch to June, September to NovemberEntry FeeFreeHow to Reach14 km from Srinagar Garhwal, accessible by road and short walkAltitude~650 meters above sea level

Spiritual Significance and Local Beliefs

Dhari Devi is worshipped as the Kshetrapal (Protector Goddess) of Uttarakhand, believed to ward off calamities and safeguard the Char Dham pilgrims. Devotees pray for protection, courage, and prosperity, and many locals perform rituals seeking divine blessings for their families. The belief that the Goddess changes her form thrice a day signifies the stages of life and the eternal nature of Shakti (divine feminine energy).

Nearby Attractions

While visiting Dhari Devi Temple, you can also explore nearby destinations:

• Srinagar Garhwal – A beautiful riverside town known for its temples and Garhwal University.
• Rudraprayag – The sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers.
• Kalimath Temple – Another Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kali, about 50 km away.
• Kedarnath Temple – One of the Char Dhams, located further up the Mandakini Valley.

Plan Your Visit

Travel Experience and Photography Tips

• The temple’s riverfront view is ideal for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Drones are not permitted due to the temple’s sacred nature.
• Photography of the main idol is generally discouraged, but you can capture the surrounding landscape and temple exterior.
• Early mornings offer the best light for scenic shots of the Alaknanda valley.

The Dhari Devi Temple is more than just a shrine, it is a living symbol of faith, protection, and divine energy in Uttarakhand. From its ancient roots and mythological connections to its scenic riverside location, every element of this temple tells a story of devotion that transcends time. For spiritual seekers and travelers alike, a visit to Dhari Devi Temple offers an unforgettable blend of serenity, legend, and the sacred charm of the Himalayas.