Dhari Devi Temple Srinagar
Published on August 23, 2025
Dhari Devi: The Guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand
She is known as the “Living Protector of the Char Dhams”.
She is called the “Angry Mother who moves rivers”.
And she is the only goddess in India whose temple was lifted 25 metres up by a crane in 2013 — because she refused to be submerged.
This is the full story of Dhari Devi — the fiery upper-half form of Maa Kali who sits on the Alaknanda, 18 km before Devprayag.
Exact Location & How to Reach
Village: Dhari Gaon, Kalyasaur (on NH-7, Rishikesh–Badrinath highway)
Distance:
– Srinagar Garhwal → 18 km
– Devprayag → 35 km
– Rudraprayag → 45 km
– Delhi → 320 km
The temple is visible from the highway itself — a red-roofed structure perched on a high concrete platform right in the middle of the roaring Alaknanda river.
The Great Myth: Why Dhari Devi is Only the Upper Half of Kali
According to the Skanda Purana and local Garhwali legend
When Sati sacrificed herself in Daksha’s yagna, Lord Shiva carried her body and danced the Tandava of destruction. To stop him, Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s body into 52 pieces with his Sudarshan Chakra.
The upper half of Maa Kali fell exactly at the spot where Dhari Devi temple stands today. That is why the idol has no lower body — only the torso, neck, and fierce face of Kali, adorned with silver eyes and a golden crown.
She is the “Uttari Shakti” (northern energy) that protects the entire route to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The Second Legend: The Angry Goddess Who Changed the Course of Alaknanda
Centuries ago, the Alaknanda used to flow on the left (northern) side of the present temple rock.
Villagers say Dhari Devi became angry because a greedy priest tried to steal her gold ornaments. That night, the river roared, jumped its banks, and shifted to the right side — leaving the temple rock exactly in the middle of the river.
Even today, the old riverbed is visible as dry land on the left bank. Locals swear the river will never return to its old course as long as the goddess is worshipped.
The 2013 Kedarnath Disaster & the “Curse” Story
In June 2013, the government decided to build the 330 MW Srinagar Hydroelectric Project. To create the reservoir, they planned to submerge the original Dhari Devi temple.
On 14 June 2013, the idol was forcibly removed and kept in a shed at Kalyasaur.
Two days later — on 16–17 June 2013 — the Kedarnath tragedy happened. Flash floods killed thousands, and Srinagar town itself was nearly wiped out.
The entire valley exploded in protest: “You moved the guardian goddess — that’s why the disaster came!”
Within weeks, the government used massive cranes to lift the entire temple structure 25 metres higher and rebuilt the platform. The idol was reinstalled with full Vedic rituals. Since then, no major disaster has hit the Char Dham route (locals credit Dhari Devi).
The Living Tradition: She Changes Her Mood Every Few Years
The idol of Dhari Devi is believed to change its expression every 3–7 years:
Sometimes she smiles like Durga
Sometimes she becomes furious like Kali
Once every few decades, she shows three faces (Triyambika form)
Priests say the mood predicts the coming years: smiling face = peace and good monsoon; angry face = floods or earthquakes. In 2024–2025, she is in a calm, smiling form.
Practical Information & Updates
Best time to visit
Year-round. Winter (Dec–Feb) the river is lowest and you can walk almost till the temple steps. Monsoon = thunderous roar.
How to reach the temple now
A strong iron suspension bridge (built 2015) connects the highway to the temple island
150 steps down from parking → cross bridge → 50 steps up to the temple
Total time: 15–20 minutes from car
Darshan timing
6 AM – 7 PM (summer) | 7 AM – 6 PM (winter)
Aarti: Morning 7 AM & Evening just before sunset — most powerful experience
What to offer
Red chunari, coconut, red bangles, desi ghee. Alcohol and non-veg strictly prohibited — even carrying it near the temple is believed to anger her.
New facilities (2025)
Viewing gallery on the highway (₹20) with binoculars
Changing rooms & clean toilets at parking
Night floodlights on the idol (looks hauntingly beautiful after sunset)
Stay nearby
GMVN Kalyasaur (₹1500–2500)
Hotel Urvashi & many riverside resorts in Srinagar (15–18 km)
A Strict Warning from the Priests (Still Followed in 2025)
Never take photos of the idol directly — only the temple exterior.
Women must cover their head properly inside the sanctum.
Never turn your back towards the goddess while leaving — walk backwards till you exit the main gate.
Dhari Devi is not a tourist spot.
She is the living, breathing protector of the Alaknanda valley.
Stand on the swaying bridge at sunset.
Listen to the roar of the river.
Watch the red tilak on her silver face glow under the floodlights.
And if the wind suddenly picks up and the bells ring on their own — bow your head.
The guardian goddess is watching.
Dhari Devi Temple – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where exactly is Dhari Devi Temple located?
Dhari Devi Temple is located at Kalyasaur along the Rishikesh–Badrinath highway in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated on a platform in the Alaknanda River, making it an important stop for pilgrims travelling towards the Char Dham sites.
2. How do I reach Dhari Devi Temple from the highway?
Visitors can park near the temple access point and walk towards the river. The route includes steps and a suspension bridge before reaching the temple. The walk generally takes around 15–20 minutes, depending on walking pace and crowd conditions.
3. Why is the idol of Dhari Devi represented as the upper half of the body?
According to local religious tradition, Dhari Devi is associated with the upper half of Goddess Sati. The shrine is revered as a manifestation of Goddess Kali and holds an important place in the religious traditions of Uttarakhand.
4. Was Dhari Devi Temple moved in 2013?
The original shrine was relocated to a higher platform in 2013 as part of the development associated with the Srinagar Hydroelectric Project. The relocation has also become part of local discussions and religious beliefs surrounding the temple.
5. What are the darshan timings at Dhari Devi Temple?
Temple timings can vary according to the season and local arrangements. Visitors should check the latest timings locally before travelling, especially during festivals and special religious occasions.
6. Can visitors take photographs of the Dhari Devi idol?
Photography restrictions may apply inside the temple and around the sanctum. Visitors should follow the instructions of temple authorities and avoid photographing the idol where photography is prohibited.
7. Is Dhari Devi Temple open throughout the year?
Dhari Devi Temple is generally visited throughout the year. However, heavy monsoon conditions, road conditions and local circumstances can affect access, so travellers should check the latest situation before visiting.
8. Is the suspension bridge at Dhari Devi Temple difficult to cross?
The suspension bridge provides access to the temple from the roadside area. It may feel slightly challenging for people who are uncomfortable with heights or moving bridges, particularly when there are many visitors.
9. How much time is required to visit Dhari Devi Temple?
A visit usually requires time for walking from the parking area, crossing the bridge, darshan and returning to the highway. During weekends, festivals and busy pilgrimage periods, additional waiting time may be required.
10. What can devotees offer at Dhari Devi Temple?
Devotees commonly offer traditional items such as flowers, chunari, coconut and other forms of prasad. Offerings should follow the temple's current rules and instructions.