About Daksheswar Mahadev Temple
The Daksheswar Mahadev Temple, also called Daksha Mahadev, stands in Kankhal, the old southern part of Haridwar, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri and right beside the Ganga. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a linga named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati. The temple is closely tied to one of the best-known stories in Hindu tradition, the one that also explains the origin of the Shakti Peethas, which makes Kankhal an important stop for pilgrims to Haridwar.
According to the Puranas and the Mahabharata, Daksha held a great yajna at this place and invited all the gods except his son-in-law Shiva. Sati came anyway, and when she heard her husband insulted she gave up her life in the sacrificial fire. In his grief and anger Shiva sent Virabhadra, who destroyed the yajna and beheaded Daksha; later, at the request of the gods, Daksha was revived with the head of a goat. Tradition holds that Shiva, having forgiven Daksha, promised to stay at Kankhal during the month of Sawan, which is why devotees flock here then. The present temple was built in 1810 by Queen Dhankaur of the Landhaura estate and was rebuilt in 1962.
The temple is a white North Indian style shrine with a tall spire, set in a busy courtyard. Inside, devotees offer water and bel leaves to the linga, and a small pit is shown as the place of the yajna kund. Next to the main shrine is a temple of the Das Mahavidyas, the ten wisdom goddesses, which is busy during Navratri, and there is also a shrine of Ganga. Steps lead down to Daksha Ghat on the river.
Daksheswar Mahadev Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a short break around midday on some days. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Daksheswar Mahadev Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 40 km away.
By train
Haridwar Junction is about 4 km away.
By road
Kankhal is part of Haridwar town; autos and e-rickshaws run from the railway station and Har Ki Pauri. Haridwar is well connected by road to Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh.
Festivals at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple
- Sawan month and Kanwar YatraJul/Aug
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Navratri at the Das Mahavidya templeMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Footwear must be left outside.
- Entry
- Free.
- Visit early on Sawan Mondays, when queues grow long through the day.
- During the Kanwar Yatra traffic in Haridwar is heavily restricted; plan to walk or use e-rickshaws.
- Carry a small bag for footwear, or use the counter near the gate.
- Take a dip or offer prayers at Daksha Ghat next to the temple, keeping to the safe, chained areas.
Places to visit near Daksheswar Mahadev Temple
- Sati KundAncient tank linked with the Sati legend, about 1 km away
- Har Ki PauriHaridwar's main ghat for the evening Ganga aarti, about 4 km away
- Maya Devi TempleHaridwar's presiding goddess, about 4 km away
- Mansa Devi TempleHilltop goddess temple reached by ropeway, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is Daksheswar Mahadev Temple famous?
It marks the traditional site of King Daksha's yajna, where Sati gave up her life, and Shiva is believed to reside here during Sawan.
Where is Daksheswar Mahadev Temple?
It is in Kankhal, the southern part of Haridwar, about 4 km from Har Ki Pauri.
What are the temple timings?
It usually opens around 6:00 AM and closes around 9:00 PM. Check locally before visiting.
Is Daksheswar Mahadev a Shakti Peetha?
No, it is a Shiva temple. It is linked with the Sati story that explains the origin of the Shakti Peethas, but it is not itself counted among them.
What is the aarti time at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Daksheswar Mahadev Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Footwear must be left outside.
How to reach Daksheswar Mahadev Temple?
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 40 km away. By train: Haridwar Junction is about 4 km away. By road: Kankhal is part of Haridwar town; autos and e-rickshaws run from the railway station and Har Ki Pauri. Haridwar is well connected by road to Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh.
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