Srinagar, Uttarakhand, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : The sacred landscapes of Uttarakhand are renowned for their religious significance, natural beauty, and spiritual atmosphere. Among its prominent religious sites is the Maa Dhari Devi Temple, an ancient shrine located on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Revered as the guardian of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham, Maa Dhari Devi is believed to protect devotees from calamities.
Nestled amidst mountains and rivers, this temple serves as a focal point for worshippers, holding great importance due to its unique beliefs and rich mythology. Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the temple’s grandeur. He shared a special video of the temple on the social media platform X, stating, “Located in Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal district, the Maa Dhari Devi Temple is a center of faith for countless devotees. Thanks to the government’s ongoing efforts, the number of visitors has nearly doubled in the first six months of 2026. Our government remains committed to the comprehensive development of the state’s pilgrimage sites, enhancing facilities for devotees, and preserving our religious and cultural heritage.”
The temple, situated between Srinagar and Rudraprayag along the Alaknanda River, is believed to be the protector of the Char Dham. Devotees believe that sincere prayers at the temple fulfill their wishes. The upper part of Maa Dhari Devi is located along the riverbank, while the lower half of the idol is worshipped at Kalimath as the goddess Kali.
Local beliefs strongly assert that Maa Dhari Devi safeguards the four sacred shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Without her blessings, the Char Dham pilgrimage is considered incomplete. Many locals link the devastating Kedarnath disaster in June 2013 to the removal of the goddess’s idol from its original site for a hydropower project, viewing it as an expression of the goddess’s wrath.
Leave a Comment