The Dhari Devi Temple

The Dhari Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Uttarakhand, India. This beautiful Temple located  on the banks of the Alaknanda  in the Garhwal region. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Dhari Devi, who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Kali.

The original Dhari Devi Temple was located in the village of Kalyasaur, but it was destroyed during the construction of the Tehri Dam project in the 1970s. A new temple was constructed at the village of Chandrabhagha, which is about 16 kilometers from Srinagar in Uttarakhand.

The temple is located on a large rock in the middle of the Alaknanda River. It is believed that the idol of Goddess Dhari Devi changes its appearance during the day. In the morning, it is said to resemble a girl, in the afternoon a woman, and in the evening an old lady. There are many devotees at the temple all times , during Navaratri festival  thousands of devotees visit temple .

 Dhari Devi is considered the guardian deity of the Char Dham Yatra, which includes the four sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Devotees often visit the Dhari Devi Temple before starting their pilgrimage to seek the blessings and protection of the goddess.

The temple is an important religious site in Uttarakhand and holds significance for the local people. It is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a serene environment for spiritual seekers and tourists alike.

However, during the construction of the Tehri Dam in the 1970s, the government decided to relocate the village and submerge it under the dam's reservoir. Despite protests from the villagers and their plea to spare the temple, the authorities went ahead with their plans.

 

As the temple was being dismantled, the young girl transformed into a massive stone statue. The stone was then placed on a rock in the middle of the Alaknanda River, which became the present location of the Dhari Devi Temple. It is believed that the goddess took this form to continue safeguarding the region and its inhabitants.

 

Another popular story is about the wrath of the goddess. According to this tale, Dhari Devi is said to be a fierce deity who guards the region against any threats or evil forces. It is believed that if her idol is not worshiped with utmost devotion and reverence, it can result in calamities and misfortunes for the surrounding area.

 

There have been instances in the past where the idol was temporarily removed or relocated from its original place, and it is said to have caused natural disasters like floods and landslides. To prevent any such calamities, the local people have traditionally performed regular prayers and rituals to please the goddess and seek her blessings.

 

These spiritual stories and beliefs associated with the Dhari Devi Temple have contributed to its significance and the faith of the devotees who visit the temple seeking protection, blessings, and guidance from the goddess.