On the road from Srinagar to Rudraprayag, a stunning temple sits right in the middle of the Alaknanda River. This is Dhari Devi, considered the guardian deity of Uttarakhand and the protector of the Char Dham Yatra.
The Legend & The 2013 Flood Local folklore is powerful here. On June 16, 2013, the original idol of the Goddess was removed from her rock to make way for the Alaknanda Hydro Electric Power Plant.
- The Coincidence: Mere hours after the idol was shifted, the devastating cloudburst hit Kedarnath, causing massive destruction.
- The Belief: Locals firmly believe the Goddess expressed her fury at being displaced. Whether you believe in miracles or coincidence, the story adds a layer of awe to this site.
The New Temple (Current Status) After years of construction, the deity has been reinstated in a grand new temple structure built directly above her original spot, safe from the dam’s water levels.
Traveler’s Guide
- Location: Kaliyasaur (15 km from Srinagar Garhwal).
- Parking: There is ample parking on the roadside. A hanging bridge connects the road to the temple.
- Prasad: Do not buy expensive thalis unless you want to. A simple offering of coconut and flowers is enough.
- Photography: Strictly prohibited inside the main sanctum, but allowed from the bridge.
