Daat Kali Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, this living heritage temple stands as a spiritual landmark near the Uttarakhand-Uttar Pradesh border, easily accessible for devotees and travelers alike.

Established in 1804 by Mahant Sukhbir Gusain during the British colonial era, the temple’s origins are attributed to a British-era highway engineer who was inspired by a divine vision.

The temple’s unique location alongside the highway near the Daat Kali tunnel makes it a prominent stop for those traveling between Dehradun and Saharanpur.

Pilgrims can reach the temple by heading south from Dehradun City Center via Saharanpur Road (NH 72), passing through Subhash Nagar and Mohabbewala, or by taking local transport such as auto-rickshaws, shared Vikrams, or mini-buses that run regular services along this route.

The temple is also accessible from ISBT Dehradun and is about 13 km from Dehradun Railway Station, 52 km from Haridwar Junction, and 36 km from Jolly Grant Airport.

Daat Kali Temple is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with early mornings (5–8 AM), winter months (November to February), and the festival season being the best times to visit.

The temple observes a traditional dress code: men are expected to wear dhoti or mundi and may need to remove upper garments during specific rituals, while women should wear saree or long skirts; if wearing trousers or salwar suits, a dhoti must be wrapped over before entering the core worship area.

Devotees can participate in free darshan and various poojas, including General Darshan (5:00 AM – 9:00 PM), Vahan Puja (Vehicle Consecration) during daytime hours, and daily aarti and prayers conducted in Sanskrit and Hindi.

Major festivals celebrated here include the Temple Anniversary/Foundation Festival in Ashadha (June–July) and Navratri during Chaitra and Sharad (March–April, September–October).

The temple offers prasadam such as consecrated coconut pieces, mishri, and flowers, and regularly hosts Bhandara (Annadanam) providing free meals to devotees. Roadside and designated parking is available, and the outer courtyard is accessible by car, taxi, or bus.

Photography is not allowed inside the main premises and near the sanctum. For accommodation, most travelers stay in central Dehradun or Clement Town, 20–30 minutes away, where a range of options from budget lodges to luxury hotels is available.

Nearby attractions include Mindrolling Monastery, Robber’s Cave, Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Dehradun Zoo, and Mussoorie, making the Daat Kali Temple a significant spiritual and cultural destination in Dehradun. For inquiries, devotees can contact +91 9910402252.