Dhari devi temple: a sacred shrine amid the waves of Alaknanda near Srinagar
Dhari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand, located in the Alaknanda River near Srinagar, is a sacred and mysterious shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali and revered as the guardian of Char Dham.
Uttarakhand (The Uttam Hindu): A unique and mysterious temple known as the Dhari Devi Temple is located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Situated about 14 kilometers from Srinagar, this temple stands in the middle of the Alaknanda River. It is believed that a daily miracle occurs here, making it a major center of faith and attraction for devotees.
The Dhari Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Built right in the middle of the river, the shrine can be accessed by boat or a bridge. Apart from its religious importance, the temple is also known for its grandeur and scenic beauty. Devotees from far-off places visit to witness this unique form of the goddess, while the peaceful surroundings and natural landscape captivate tourists.
On Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the significance of the temple on social media platform X. He stated that the temple, located in the sacred Alaknanda River, is a divine confluence of faith, power, and devotion. He added that it is not just a temple but a symbol of unwavering belief for the people of the state, and is considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham.
Located at Kaliyasaur on the Srinagar–Rudraprayag route along the banks of the Alaknanda River, the temple is an ancient Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Kali, one of the ten Mahavidyas. The upper part of the idol is स्थापित here, while the lower part is believed to be in Kalimath. It is said that the idol changes form throughout the day—appearing as a girl in the morning, a young woman in the afternoon, and an elderly woman in the evening.
The temple is believed to be over 500 years old. According to local beliefs, the Pandavas passed through this region on their journey to heaven. The goddess is worshipped as the protector of Uttarakhand and the guardian of the Char Dham.
There is also a strong belief that removing the idol from its original place can bring disaster to the state. In 2013, the idol was temporarily shifted due to a hydroelectric project, and within hours, the devastating Kedarnath disaster occurred. After this, the idol was reinstalled at its original location.