Daksheswara Mahadev Temple

Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, this temple also enshrines other deities such as Das Mahavidya (the ten forms of Goddess Shakti), Ganga, Brahmeshwar Mahadev, Sheetala Mata, and Lord Hanuman, making it a significant spiritual destination for devotees seeking darshan and blessings.

The temple’s architecture reflects the Nagara (North Indian) style, and its historical roots trace back to the British colonial era. It was originally built by Queen Dhankaur of Landhaura State in 1810 AD and later rebuilt by the Mahanirvani Akhara in 1962.

As a living heritage temple managed by a local panchayat trust, Daksheswara Mahadev Temple continues to attract pilgrims year-round. Devotees can participate in various poojas and rituals at the temple.

Daily aartis are held at set times: Morning Aarti at 5:00 AM, Afternoon Aarti at 12:00 PM, and Evening Aarti at 7:00 PM. Special poojas such as Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek are also performed, with rituals conducted in Hindi and Sanskrit.

The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with extended hours during festivals. The best times to visit include early morning hours, during evening aarti, in the winter months (November to February), and throughout the festival season.

Major festivals celebrated here include Maha Shivaratri (February-March), Shravan Month and Shravan Poornima (July-August), both Sharad and Chaitra Navratri (September-October and March-April), Ganga Dussehra (May-June), and Somwati Amavasya & Kartik Poornima.

During these times, large-scale annadanam is organized by local trusts and volunteers, while standard prasadam such as vibhuti, kumkum, mishri, and fruits or sweets is distributed regularly.

Reaching the temple is convenient: arrive in Haridwar by road, rail, or air, then travel south to Kankhal via Jwalapur-Kankhal road or Napier Road. Local e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available from Haridwar Railway Station (4.5 km away) or Bus Stand.

The nearest airports are Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (41 km) and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi (215 km). Designated parking is available outside the main entrance, and the outer complex is accessible for elderly and specially-abled visitors.

For accommodation, options such as Sukoon By The Ganges, Sitara Premium The Ramawati, Hotel Park Grand, and several local ashrams and dharamshalas are within walking distance.

Nearby attractions include Sati Kund Mandir, Parad Shivling at Harihar Ashram, Maa Anandamayee Ashram, Har ki Pauri ghat, Manasadevi temple, and Bilvkeshwar Mahadev Temple.

Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main inner sanctum but is permitted in the outer courtyards and near Daksha Ghat, subject to local customs. For further information, visitors may contact the temple at +91-9997177772. Modest traditional attire is recommended for all visitors.