About Dhari Devi Temple
Dhari Devi Temple stands in the Alaknanda river at Kaliyasaur, on the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway between Srinagar and Rudraprayag in Pauri Garhwal district. The goddess Dhari is regarded as a form of Kali and is honoured across Garhwal as the protector of Uttarakhand and of the pilgrims who travel to the Char Dham shrines. Many yatris on their way to Kedarnath and Badrinath stop here to ask for her blessing. Only the upper half of her image is worshipped at this shrine; the lower half is said to be worshipped at Kalimath.
Local tradition tells of a young girl, the only sister of seven brothers, who was killed and thrown into the river. The upper part of her body is said to have floated down to Kaliyasaur, where a villager was guided to place it on a rock, and a shrine grew up there. Devotees believe that the face of the goddess changes through the day, appearing as a girl, a woman and an old woman. In June 2013 the image was moved from its rock to make way for a hydroelectric project, and the devastating Kedarnath floods struck soon after; many devotees connect the two events. A new temple was later raised at the original spot, and the goddess was installed in it in 2023.
The present shrine stands on a raised platform above the river, reached by a footbridge and steps from the highway. Inside, the image of the goddess shows a calm face, adorned with ornaments and red cloth. Bells offered by devotees hang along the approach, and the sound of the Alaknanda fills the shrine, making it a striking place to pause on the hill road.
Dhari Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Dhari Devi Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 135 km away.
By train
Rishikesh (Yog Nagari Rishikesh) is the nearest major railway station, about 120 km away.
By road
The temple is beside the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway, about 15 km beyond Srinagar towards Rudraprayag; buses and shared taxis on the Char Dham route pass the spot.
Festivals at Dhari Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavaratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavaratriSep/Oct
- Char Dham yatra seasonMay/Jun
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Carry warm layers in the cooler months.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Expect a walk down steps and across a bridge from the road; take care in wet weather.
- Check the road status before travelling in the monsoon, as the highway is prone to landslides.
- Char Dham pilgrims often stop here on the way up; mornings in May and June can be busy.
- Keep your vehicle parked only in the marked area along the narrow highway.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer, as it gets breezy by the river.
Places to visit near Dhari Devi Temple
- Srinagar (Garhwal)Riverside town with the Kamleshwar Mahadev temple, about 15 km away
- RudraprayagConfluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini, about 20 km away
- Koteshwar MahadevCave shrine of Shiva near Rudraprayag, about 22 km away
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dhari Devi Temple located?
It is at Kaliyasaur on the Alaknanda river, beside the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway, about 15 km from Srinagar in Uttarakhand.
Why is Dhari Devi called the guardian of Uttarakhand?
Garhwalis believe the goddess protects the region and the Char Dham pilgrims, so many yatris seek her blessing on the way.
What happened to Dhari Devi Temple in 2013?
The image was shifted from its original rock for a dam project in June 2013, and the Kedarnath floods followed soon after. A new temple was later built at the original site.
Is Dhari Devi a form of Kali?
Yes, she is worshipped as a form of Kali. Tradition says the lower half of her image is worshipped at Kalimath.
What is the aarti time at Dhari Devi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Dhari Devi Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to evening, with a break in the afternoon at many times of the year. Check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Dhari Devi Temple?
Modest, traditional clothing is recommended. Carry warm layers in the cooler months.
How to reach Dhari Devi Temple?
By air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 135 km away. By train: Rishikesh (Yog Nagari Rishikesh) is the nearest major railway station, about 120 km away. By road: The temple is beside the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway, about 15 km beyond Srinagar towards Rudraprayag; buses and shared taxis on the Char Dham route pass the spot.
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