Why is Dhari Devi temple famous? The Dhari Devi temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is worshipped in the form of a natural rock idol.
The state of Uttarakhand is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and spiritual significance. The state has numerous temples and shrines, each with a unique history and significance. One such temple is the Dhari Devi Temple, located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it is believed to be one of the Shaktipeeths (a place where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell).
The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, which is a tributary of the Ganga River. The temple is built on a large rock, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. The temple is located at a height of 1,675 meters above sea level, and it can be reached by trekking for about 1.5 kilometres from the nearest road.
Why is Dhari Devi temple famous?
The temple is famous for its historical and religious significance. According to the local legend, the temple is associated with the story of the goddess Dhari, who is said to have saved the people of the region from a devastating flood. It is believed that when the idol of the goddess was moved from its original place, the region witnessed a series of natural calamities, leading to the demand for the restoration of the idol to its original location. The temple’s current location is believed to be the spot where the goddess had appeared in front of the locals.
The temple is also known for its scenic location on the banks of the Alaknanda River and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists throughout the year. The temple is situated at an altitude of around 1,318 meters and is located on the route to Badrinath, one of the four pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. The temple is also considered an important stopover for pilgrims on their way to the Char Dham Yatra.
History of Dhari Devi Temple:
The history of the Dhari Devi Temple dates back to ancient times. It is said that the temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya during his visit to this region. According to the legends, the temple is associated with the Mahabharata. It is believed that the Pandavas visited this place during their exile, and they worshipped the goddess here.
Another legend associated with the temple is that of the tragic love story of Dhari and Devi. According to this legend, Dhari was a brave warrior who fell in love with a beautiful girl named Devi. However, their love was not accepted by Devi’s family, and they were separated. Dhari then went to the forest to meditate and seek the blessings of Goddess Kali. The goddess was pleased with his devotion and granted him a boon that his love would be reunited with him in the form of a divine idol. Thus, the Dhari Devi Temple was built in honour of their love.
Significance of Dhari Devi Temple:
The Dhari Devi Temple is considered to be a very important temple in the Garhwal region. The temple is one of the Siddhpeeths, which are considered to be a potent place of worship. The temple is also believed to be one of the Shaktipeeths, where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is considered to be a place of immense spiritual significance, and it attracts devotees from all over the country.
The temple is especially significant for the people of Uttarakhand. It is believed that the goddess protects the region from natural disasters like landslides and floods. The temple is also considered to be the protector of the Char Dhams (four holy shrines of Uttarakhand), and it is said that the goddess is the guardian of the Char Dhams. It is believed that if the goddess is not appropriately worshipped, it can lead to natural disasters in the region.
In 2013, Uttarakhand was hit by a massive flood, which caused extensive damage to the region. However, the Dhari Devi Temple was left untouched by the floodwaters, and it is considered to be a miracle. The locals believe that the goddess protected the temple and the surrounding areas from the flood.
Rituals and Festivals:
The Dhari Devi Temple is open for worship throughout the year. The temple opens early in the morning, and the first puja of the day is performed at 6 am. The temple closes in the afternoon, and it reopens in the evening for the evening puja.
The main festival celebrated at the temple is Navratri, which is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights,
and devotees flock to the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. Another important festival celebrated at the temple is the Kali Chaudas, which falls on the 14th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin. On this day, special pujas are performed at the temple, and devotees offer sweets and fruits to the goddess.
Apart from these festivals, there are other important rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple. One such ritual is the Rudrabhishekam, which is a puja performed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This puja is performed to remove any obstacles or problems in one’s life and to seek peace and prosperity.
Another important ritual is the offering of milk to the goddess. Devotees offer milk to the goddess as a sign of their devotion and seek her blessings for their well-being. The milk offered to the goddess is then distributed among the devotees as prasad.
Visiting the Dhari Devi Temple:
The Dhari Devi Temple is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road. The nearest town to the temple is Srinagar, which is about 19 kilometres away. From Srinagar, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
The trek to the temple is about 1.5 kilometres long and can be covered on foot. The trek is a bit steep, and it can take about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the temple. However, the trek is quite scenic, and one can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding forests and mountains.
When visiting the temple, it is important to follow the dress code and other rules and regulations. Devotees are required to remove their shoes before entering the temple, and men are required to wear a dhoti or a lungi while women are required to wear sarees or salwar kameez. Photography is not allowed inside the temple, and one is required to maintain silence and decorum inside the temple premises.
Conclusion:
The Dhari Devi Temple is a place of immense spiritual significance and is considered to be one of the most important temples in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it is believed to be one of the Shaktipeeths. The temple is also believed to be the protector of the Char Dhams and the region from natural disasters.
The temple has a rich history and is associated with various legends and stories. The temple attracts devotees from all over the country, and it is especially significant for the people of Uttarakhand. The temple is open for worship throughout the year, and there are various rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple.
Visiting the Dhari Devi Temple is a unique and spiritual experience. The trek to the temple is scenic, and the temple itself is a beautiful structure nestled amidst the mountains and forests. The temple is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual solace and peace in the lap of nature.
