Dhari Devi Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Shakti, locally venerated as Maa Dhari Devi or Dhari Mata, this ancient pilgrimage centre draws devotees and spiritual seekers throughout the year.

The temple’s unique riverbank and hilltop setting, combined with its status as a living heritage temple, make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand.

The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering ample opportunities for darshan. Entry for darshan is free, allowing pilgrims to seek blessings without any fee.

The serene atmosphere is especially enchanting during the Morning Aarti around 7:00 AM and the Evening Aarti just before sunset, both conducted in Sanskrit and Hindi. The best times to visit are early mornings, during the morning hours, or at evening aarti time.

The temple is also less crowded on weekdays, and both winter (November to February) and summer (March to May) are considered ideal for a peaceful visit.

Festival seasons, such as Navratri (Chaitra in March-April and Ashvin/Sharad in September-October) and the Dhari Mela or special fairs in May and on auspicious lunar days, bring vibrant celebrations and local bhandaras. Reaching Dhari Devi Temple is a spiritual journey in itself.

Pilgrims can start from Rishikesh or Haridwar, traveling along NH-7 toward Devprayag, then onward past Srinagar Garhwal for about 13-15 km toward Rudraprayag.

At Kalyasaur, visitors park near the designated approach point, then descend 100-150 stone steps, cross a suspension bridge, and climb stairs to reach the temple platform.

The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh (120 km) and Haridwar Junction (145 km), while Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is 133 km away. Roadside parking is available near Kalyasaur, but space is limited and the path is not wheelchair accessible due to steps and the suspension bridge.

For accommodation, a wide range of hotels, lodges, and guesthouses can be found in Srinagar (14 km away), with additional pilgrim hotels and homestays in Rudraprayag (19 km), and basic guesthouses and motels near Kalyasaur.

Nearby attractions include Srinagar Garhwal, Devprayag Sangam, Rudraprayag, Koteshwar Temple, and Chopta, making Dhari Devi Temple an excellent base for exploring the region.

Visitors are expected to follow a traditional dress code: men should wear full-length trousers or dhotis/kurta pyjamas, while women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or modest kurtis with a head covering inside the sanctum.

Photography is allowed only outside the temple; photos and videos of the main idol are strictly prohibited. Standard offerings such as flowers, sweets, coconuts, and vermillion are accepted, with local refreshments available during festivals. For more details, pilgrims can visit the official website at https://pauri.nic.in or contact +919760439644.