DHARI DEVI TEMPLE

Located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on the banks of Alaknanda River in Kalyasaur, Dhari Devi is an ancient Hindu temple in Uttarakhand. This shrine has the deity of Maa Dhari Devi and it was relocated from the 20 m high rock to a man-made structure in the year 2013. A manifestation of Goddess Kali, Dhari Devi is reckoned to be the protector of the Char Dhams. Since a long time now this temple has been a center of faith for the people of Garhwal. According to the legend, Dhari Devi is the guardian deity of Uttarakhand, whose idol was removed from her temple on 16th June 2013 by priests and locals, just a few hours before the cloudburst. As per believers, Uttarakhand had to also face the Goddess' ire when she was shifted from her 'mool sthan' which means the 'original abode' to make way for a 330 MW hydel project that lies in ruins after the flood.

A similar attempt was done in the year 1882 by a local king which resulted in a landslide that had flattened Kedarnath. The legend also has it that the idol of Dhari Devi should not be kept under a roof, so the idol is always kept under the sky. Taking pictures in the temple is prohibited. Devotees come here to worship the goddess round the year but during the Navratras, the number of pilgrims increases and people come here to get blessings. Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratra are observed and celebrated in this temple. The festivals of Dussehra, Deepavali and Kartik Purnima are celebrated with great zeal.