Introduction
Dhari Devi is essentially the protecting god or goddess of Char Dham - Very deep in the silent mountains of Uttarakhand, India, is a temple that is considered highly important by people above this region. Dhari Devi is otherwise the worship place-guarding deity in Char Dham, religiously quite well worshipped by the locals and the pilgrims.
With such an interesting legend and a marvellous temple to experience, Dhari Devi is one of those places each and every one should try and visit, therefore get spiritual solace or merely get an opportunity to breathe in some natural beauty. Let's walk through this journey through the history, mythology, and significance of this beautiful place. Visit Dhari Devi temple during Luxury Chardham Yatra Package.
Dhari Devi is a Hindu goddess and the presiding deity of the Dhari Devi temple located in Uttarakhand, India. The word "Dhari" means 'one who holds' or 'the bearer', while "Devi" denotes 'goddess'. As per local beliefs. Devotees consider her as the protector of the region from natural disasters like floods and landslides. The idol of Dhari Devi is believed to be that of Goddess Kali, one of the most powerful deities in Hindu mythology. It has three forms - head and arms representing Maa Kali, torso representing Maa Shakti, and feet symbolizing Maa Lakshmi. According to popular folklore.
When attempts were made by authorities to shift the original location of this temple during road construction work on Luxury Char Dham Yatra Packages route in 2013-14. It led to devastating floods causing massive loss of life & property. Since then locals believe that shifting Dhari Devi's shrine from its original spot would lead to more catastrophic events. Devotees come here with great reverence throughout the year seeking blessings for their well-being and good fortune. The site is believed to have an enchanting melody emanating from the gushing flows of water making it a " Garland beyond compare".
The legend of the Dhari Devi is deep-rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore. Legend says that centuries ago, a flood swept across the valley where this temple of Dhari Devi stands today.The villagers prayed fervently for protection from the raging waters and sought refuge atop a hill. As they were praying to Goddess Kali, an idol of her emerged out of the water on a nearby rock. The villagers then constructed a small makeshift temple around it. Later they started worshipping her as their guardian deity. Over time, it became known as Dhari Devi – "the bearer goddess." Another version states that when Adi Shankaracharya was travelling through this part of Uttarakhand, he had a vision about Goddess Kali here at this spot. He immediately established an idol at this place.
It is believed that whenever attempts have been made to move or shift the idol from its original position since then, natural calamities like floods and landslides would occur in the region causing widespread destruction. This has led many people to believe that she is indeed guarding them against any harm. The belief in her powers is so strong among locals that even today during times of natural calamities or impending danger, prayers are offered seeking her divine grace and blessings for protection against all evils.
The Dhari Devi is an important deity in the Hindu religion. Devotees believe her to be a protector of the Char Dham Yatra Package From Haridwar pilgrimage. It includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The The importance of the Dhari Devi is that she has been the protector of these sacred places. It is said that when her original idol of the Dhari Devi was shifted from the close proximity to the Alaknanda River, a great calamitous flood took place, and many people felt that she has to be here now in order to save them from calamitous floods, etc. The belief in the power of Dhari Devi extends to more than the natural calamities.
According to belief, those people who pray to her with pure intentions receive protection and prosperity. The temple dedicated to Dhari Devi is considered very important for devotees. According to beliefs, one is said to be lucky if they visit this temple before the Char Dham Yatra Package from Mumbai pilgrimage begins.
Furthermore, it is believed that worshipping here would overcome the problems and bring one success in everything. Dhari Devi, therefore, is not only a protector but also a guide on the spiritual path for the devotees seeking blessings and divine intervention for good.
The temple of the Dhari Devi lies on the banks of river Alaknanda .The entire temple complex is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. The temple has been constructed in a conventional Kumaoni style, using stone and wood primarily. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Kali. Devotees consider her to be one of the most powerful goddesses in Hindu mythology.
The idol in the sanctum sanctorum has eight arms holding up weapons including sword, trident, mace and many more. According to mythology, when heavy floods occurred in the Uttarakhand region in the year 2013 people tried to move the deity from the current location. It is, however said that it irked the goddess and in return she sent the much severe floods later. One uniqueness about this temple is that it has a changed look every season and according to the weather changes.
In summer, when the level of water decreases, there are two rocks at the original place where the statue was placed initially before this statue was shifted to a newly built shrine and they look exactly like feet. The pilgrims who are coming to Char Dham yatra Package from Delhi make sure that they visit this temple too because they think that their pilgrimage has not been fully completed unless the shrine is visited first.
The Dhari Devi Temple is a bit away from the main road. It is surely worth all the hassle. Located in Uttarakhand, it is accessible by roadways. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can hire a bus or a taxi to reach Srinagar, which is the closest town to the temple. From Srinagar, one has to travel another 16km towards Rudraprayag on NH58 to reach Kalyasaur. Then comes the arduous trek of 1 km that brings you to the temple complex. It covers a suspension bridge over the Alakananda river and climbs around 200 stairs. The best time to visit Dhari Devi is summers. Since at this time weather conditions are fair for traveling as well as trekking.
Monsoons should be avoided as landslides may occur, making access difficult. Reaching Dhari Devi Temple takes some exertion but gives an opportunity for experiencing nature's beauty while also getting closer to religious beliefs and spirituality.
The Dhari Devi temple holds great significance in relation to the Char Dham yatra Package with Gomukh. People believe that the goddess protects and guards the four sacred shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. According to legend, it was during the 2013 flash floods that swept through Uttarakhand that the sacred idol of Dhari Devi was relocated. It was transferred from her original location near Alaknanda river to a safer spot on higher ground. It is said that this relocation angered the deity. Who unleashed her wrath with full force, causing widespread devastation across Uttarakhand.
The incidence led many locals and devotees to believe in the power of Dhari Devi as not only a guardian of Char Dham but also as a protector against calamities. The religious belief regarding this powerful goddess has elevated her status among Hindu pilgrims all over India. Dhari Devi temple is a visitation that can be considered important for those who come for Char Dham Yatra Tour from Haridwar. People believe that paying homage here will ensure a safe journey, as well as offering prayer to attain divine protection from any possible danger on the way.
Dhari Devi is one of the major gods and mentors in the Char Dham region. This place is associated with a lot about history and Hindu mythology. The site itself is not only for religious worship; people coming here require comfort for the spiritual self. Truly, the mystique of the change of form of the idol during floods is an extraordinary testimony to the mystique and power surrounding this deity. Since its creation.
The shrine has seen its share of wars and natural calamities. But has withstood time as a phenomenon of devotion, faith, and resilience. If ever you thought to visit Uttarakhand in the coming year. Or interested in the Indian heritage of its culture then do not miss Dhari Devi Temple. Here's a lot more than just another shrine. You get inspired by its beauty, spirituality, and history.
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