Guardian of Char Dham - Dhari Devi
Introduction
Guardian of Char Dham - Dhari Devi-Nestled in the serene mountains of Uttarakhand, India lies a temple that holds immense significance for the people of the region. The Guardian of
Char Dham, Dhari Devi is a revered deity worshipped by locals and pilgrims alike. With an intriguing legend behind it and a breathtaking temple to visit, Dhari Devi is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual solace or just wanting to soak in some natural beauty. Join us on this journey as we explore the history, mythology, and significance of this enchanting place.
What is the Dhari Devi?
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
Char Dham Yatra 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. With its stunning scenery and religious significance, this enchanting place offers a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else.
The Legend of the Dhari Devi
The legend of the Dhari Devi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore. According to the legend, centuries ago, a devastating flood swept across the valley where the temple of Dhari Devi now stands. 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 Significance of the Dhari Devi
The Dhari Devi is an important deity in the Hindu religion. Devotees believe her to be a protector of the
Char Dham pilgrimage. It includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The significance of the Dhari Devi lies in her role as a guardian of these holy sites.According to legend, when the idol of Dhari Devi was relocated from her original location near the Alaknanda River, a catastrophic flood occurred. This led many people to believe that she must remain at her current location in order to protect them from natural disasters.The belief in the power of Dhari Devi extends beyond natural calamities. It is said that those who pray to her with pure intentions are blessed with protection and prosperity.The temple dedicated to Dhari Devi also holds great significance for devotees. It is considered auspicious to visit this temple before beginning the
Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage.In addition, it is believed that offering prayers at this temple can help one overcome obstacles and achieve success in their endeavors.The Significance of Dhari Devi lies not only in its role as a protector but also as a source of spiritual guidance for devotees seeking blessings and divine intervention.
The Temple of the Dhari Devi
The temple of the Dhari Devi is located on the banks of river Alaknanda .It is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges. The temple is built in a traditional Kumaoni style, using stone and wood as primary construction materials.The main deity of the temple is Goddess Kali. Devotees consider her to be one of the most powerful goddesses in Hindu mythology. The idol inside the sanctum sanctorum depicts her with eight arms holding weapons like a sword, trident, mace and others.According to legend, during heavy floods that hit Uttarakhand region in 2013, people tried to shift the statue from its original location. However, it was believed that this angered the goddess which resulted in even more devastating floods later on.One unique feature of this temple is its changing appearance throughout the year based on different seasons and weather conditions. During summers when water level decreases there are two visible rocks resembling feet at original spot where statue was kept initially before shifting it to new shrine.Pilgrims visiting
Char Dham yatra make sure they visit this temple too because they believe that their pilgrimage would remain incomplete without paying homage here first.
How to Reach the Dhari Devi Temple?
Reaching the Dhari Devi Temple requires a bit of effort, but it's definitely worth the journey. The temple is situated in Uttarakhand and can be reached via roadways. One can take a bus or hire a taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar to reach Srinagar, which is the nearest town to the temple.From Srinagar, one needs to travel another 16km towards Rudraprayag on NH58 before reaching Kalyasaur. Then comes an arduous trek of 1 km that leads up to the temple complex. This trek includes crossing a suspension bridge over Alakananda river and climbing around 200 stairs.The best time to visit Dhari Devi is during summers.At this time the weather conditions are favorable for traveling and 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.
Significance with Char Dham
The Dhari Devi temple holds great significance in relation to the
Char Dham yatra. 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 incident led many locals and devotees alike to believe in the power of Dhari Devi as not only a guardian of
Char Dham but also as a protector against natural calamities. The religious belief surrounding this powerful goddess has elevated her status among Hindu pilgrims all over India.Visiting Dhari Devi temple can be an important aspect for those undertaking
Char Dham Yatra .As People believe paying homage here ensures safe passage throughout their journey while seeking blessings for divine protection from any possible dangers along their way.
Conclusion
Dhari Devi is an important deity and guardian of the
Char Dham region. The temple dedicated to her has a rich history and significance in Hindu mythology. It is not just a place of worship but also an important pilgrimage site for people seeking spiritual solace.The legend surrounding the idol's form change during floods only adds to its mystique and power. Despite facing many challenges over the years, including natural disasters and political turbulence, this sacred shrine has persevered as a symbol of faith, resilience, and devotion.If you're planning to visit Uttarakhand anytime soon or are interested in exploring India's diverse cultural heritage, we highly recommend adding Dhari Devi Temple to your itinerary. It's not just another temple; it's a unique experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. You get inspired by its beauty, spirituality, and history.We have some other chardham Yatra Packages Services.
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