Char Dham Yatra

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Shiva
Location	Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Darshan Timings	06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Maha Shivratri, Magh Mela

The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi.

The Shiva lingam in the temple is 56cm in height and is tilted towards South.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi – Aarti Timings

Here are the timings of the temple:

Timings	From	To
Mangala Aarti	3 AM	4 AM
Bhoga Aarti	11:15 AM	12:20 PM
Sandhya Aarti	7 PM	8:15 PM
Shringara Aarti	9 PM	10:15 PM
Shayana Aarti	10:30 PM	11 PM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Timings — Temple Timings : 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

What is the significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

The significance of the temple is that Lord Shiva is present here in the form of a self-manifested lingam, immersed in deep meditation. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also has Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

Nandi is also present in the outer chamber of the temple.

According to beliefs, a true devotee of Shiva attains ‘Moksha‘ (salvation) and also lives with Shiva in his abode at Mount Kailash after truthful service and worship at the Temple.

Devotees also believe that Lord Shiva himself blows the mantra of salvation in the ears of the people who die naturally at the temple. Hence, it is an important halt in the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi History — Sage Parshuram installed the temple initially.

However, as per records, Maharani Khaneti, the wife of Sudarshan Shah renovated the temple in 1857.
The current temple is present over its pre-existing altar. Also, it has a traditional Himalayan architecture.
As per beliefs, Lord Vishwanath considers this his abode from the second part of Kalyuga.
Devotees also believe that Lord Kashi Vishwanath will be shifted to this location when Varanasi (Kashi) will get submerged.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself protected Rishi Markandeya from Lord Yama, the God of death.
Moreover, the temple has an image of Sakshi Maharaj and Rishi Markandeya in meditating posture.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Temple are:

Maha Shivratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva also popular as Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd, honey, cow ghee as well as water. Also, women pray for the well being of their husbands and children. Girls keep fast so that they get a good and understanding husband. During this festival, the devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the Abhishek with milk.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Festival — Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, popular as Shankara

Magh Mela: It is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu calendar. Traditional and cultural activities take place in the Magh Mela such as taking out a procession of dolls to the Vishwanath temple.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Here’s how to reach the Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, at a distance of 171 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh as well as Dehradun (about 167 km from the temple)
Road: The temple is located near NH 34 and state transport buses are available for commuting.

Where to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the places where one can stay near the Temple area:

Hotel Bahuguna Palace: This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Other facilities also include a terrace and free WiFi is available. Moreover, guest rooms at the hotel have a seating area and a TV.
5 Elements Hotel: With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort on the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
River- View Resort: Featuring a shared lounge, the resort has air-conditioned rooms as well as free WiFi. There is also a restaurant. Moreover, all rooms have a toaster, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries, and a desk. The resort also provides certain rooms that include a balcony.

lease carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi are:

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for Goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth‘, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi Temple present at the Neel parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in the honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. Moreover, the presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishul’ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old. One amazing feature of the trishul is that it cannot be moved with your entire body force but it vibrates the moment you apply pressure with one of your fingers.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations of Uttarakhand.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

What are the temple timings of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

The temple timing of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

What is the location of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

The Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is dedicated to which God?

The Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Dhari Devi Temple – Timings, Significance and History

September 23, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Dhari Devi temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. It is an ancient, spiritual temple located on the strands of the Alaknanda River between Srinagar and Rudraprayag in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand. The temple is the protector of the Char Dham (Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri) in Uttarakhand.

Dhari Devi shrine is one of the 108 shakti sthals.

Devotees worship Goddess Dhari as the upper half of the idol. According to devotees, the goddess changes appearance from a girl, to a woman, and then to an old lady during the day. The lower half of the idol is located in Kalimath where she is worshipped as a manifestation of the Goddess Kali.

Dhari Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Kali
Location	Kalyasaur, Uttrakhand, India
Best Time to Visit	November to June
Darshan Timings	6:00 am to 12:00 pm 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Dussehra, Deepavali, Kartik Purnima, and Navratras

Dhari Devi Idol — The deity believed to change appearance during the day from a girl to a woman, and then to an old lady.

Dhari Devi Temple Timings

Here are the timings of the temple:

Morning Darshan	6 AM to 12 PM
Evening Darshan	2 PM to 7 PM

What is the significance of Dhari Devi Temple?

The significance of Dhari Devi lies in the place of Kalinath. The place where Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktabija and after that, the goddess had gone under the earth.

Dhari Devi significance — Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktabija at Dhari Devi Temple.

On June 16, 2013, people uprooted the idol of the goddess to make way for a 330 MW hydel project. After a few hours, a severe cloudburst took place which resulted in devastating floods and landslides washing away the entire shrine town and killing hundreds of people. As per the devotee’s beliefs, the place had to face the Goddess’s wrath as she was shifted from her ‘mool sthan’ (original abode).

A similar attempt in 1882 by a local king had resulted in a landslide that has flattened Kedarnath.

The deity believed to change appearance during the day from a girl to a woman, and then to an old lady.

What is the history of Dhari Devi Temple?

The history of the temple denotes a popular lore about the temple. It states that once because of the flood in the Alaknanda River and the idol of Goddess Kali got struck against a big rock. Afterwhich, the people of the “Dharo” village heard the divine voice of the diety and they fixed the idol of Goddess Kali at the spot, where the temple is present. After this incident, It’s known as the Dhari Devi temple.

Dhari Devi Temple History — Adi Guru Shankaracharya took rest and worshiped in the temple area when he was on an excursion.

Another lore states that when Adi Guru Shankaracharya went for an expedition, he took some rest in this area and worshiped. IF this is true then it is the possibility that this temple belongs to the Dwaparyug era. Priests have placed the idol in an open sky. Devotees believe that the idol of the goddess is not to be placed under a roof.

What are the festivals celebrated in Dhari Devi Temple?

The festivals celebrated at Dhari Devi are:

Dussehra – This is also called Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. The day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.
Deepavali– It’s is one of the most prominent festivals celebrated in India. The festival indicates the triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil.
Kartika Purnima – It’s a Hindu, Sikh and Jain cultural festival, celebrated on the Purnima (full moon) day or the fifteenth lunar day of Kartik.
Navratri or Durga Puja– Navratri festival is a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma.

Dhari Devi Temple Festivals — Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘ratri’, which means ‘night’.

How to reach Dhari Devi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Dhari Devi:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (136 km).
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (119 km).
Road: Buses are available to Srinagar from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From there, one can avail a bus or taxi to get to the temple.

Where to stay near Dhari Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near the temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Hotel Taj Himalaya, Khirsu– Hotel Taj Himalaya is an elegant hotel to stay in. It provides all the basic facilities with free Parking, Airport shuttle, restaurant and is good for kids.
Hotel Urvashi – Hotel Urvashi is a decent hotel that delivers all the basic facilities including free breakfast, free Parking, Restaurant, Room service and Laundry service too.
Shiv Shakti Lodge – The Shiv Shakti Lodge imparts a variety of facilities which include Concierge, easy Currency exchange, Fireplace(highlights), Wheelchair accessible entrance, Car/bicycle hire, and Sauna. They accept payment in cash, cheque and debit cards.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are some temples near Dhari Devi Temple?

Some of the temples near-by are:

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main god of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat as an aftereffect of consuming poison. There is a Shivalingam here and devotees tie a thread around it while worshipping.
Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi: This temple is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is in honor of Lord Shiva. It bears a resemblance to the Vishwanath temple of Kashi. Moreover, devotees believe that it is at this temple that Lord Shiva proposed Goddess Parvati to marry him.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath: Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath is an ancient Hindu temple present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It houses the deities Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar during winters (November- April) when the temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar remain closed.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dhari Devi Temple-

What changes are made in Dhari Devi Temple after the flood?

The new temple is now being constructed at its original location. The height of the temple was raised so that it stood above the spouting Alaknanda river.

What’s the temperature in summer at Dhari Devi Temple?

The temperature is moderate here ranging from 20 to 36 degrees Celsius.

What’s the best time to visit Dhari Devi Temple?

The months between November and June are favorable to witness the calmness of the temple and it’s best to visit the place during any Hindu festival.

What is the mystery behind Dhari Devi Temple?

It is believed that natural calamities occur in the valley whenever anyone tries to shift the shrine from its said place.

How much is the distance from Srinagar Garhwal to Dhari Devi Temple?

The distance from Srinagar Garhwal to Dhari Devi Temple is 14.2 k.m

How much is the distance from Dhari Devi Temple to Kedarnath?

The distance from Dhari Devi to Kedarnath is 56 k.m.

How much is the distance from Rishikesh to Dhari Devi Temple?

The distance from Rishikesh to Dhari Devi Temple is 122.5k.m.

How much is the distance from Haridwar to Dhari Devi Temple?

The distance from Haridwar to Dhari Devi Temple is 146.8 k.m.

How much is the distance from Delhi to Dhari Devi Temple?

The distance from Delhi to Dhari Devi Temple is 368.1 k.m.

Which network is best for Char Dham Yatra? – Kedarnath, Badrinath Mobile Coverage

January 21, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

BSNL is the best mobile network for Char Dham Yatra. It is available in all the four Dhams including Kedarnath and Badrinath. Airtel sim also works well. However, there are chances of not getting a connection everywhere. Apart from these two, you can also opt for Idea and Vodafone. It is recommended not to use Jio and other similar networks.

Book Chardham Tour Package

It is best to carry a BSNL sim as the other networks don’t work properly in the Char Dhams and the major cities.

https://youtu.be/l8EazMZCd5E

As the Char Dhams of this Yatra are located in the Himalayan terrain, you will lose network at many places. However, these networks work the best among all.

The more you travel and go towards the elevation, the chances of losing the network connectivity increases. As you move towards the city like Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi etc, you will get back the network connection.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

March 11, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi shares the same name with the one in Varanasi, however, it stands in the Guptakashi town of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Further, the temple is dedicated to one of Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Vishwanath, meaning the ‘Lord of Universe’.

The architecture of the temple closely resembles the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Moreover, the word ‘Guptkashi’ has historical relevances in the epic of Mahabharata. However, the religious significance of Guptkashi is equated next to that of Varanasi which is referred to as the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Another temple of utmost importance present in the town is Ardhnareshwara temple. Further, this temple contains a half-man and half-woman form of Shiva-Parvati. Moreover, this temple is also a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. Take this divine yatra now.

Introduction of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Ardhnareshwara Temple is present in Guptkashi and houses an idol of Lord Shiva in half-man and half-women form.

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashu – Facts

Temple Timings	5 am – 12 pm 2 pm – 9 pm
Time required for Darshan	30 minutes
Entry Fee	No Fee
Best Time To Visit	March – October
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Diety	Lord Shiva

What are the timings of Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Here are the timings of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 am	12 pm
Evening	2 pm	9 pm

What is the significance of Guptakshi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi holds significance as the place where Lord Shiva put out the matrimonial proposal before Goddess Parvati. However, the wedding ceremony was organised at Triyuginarayan Temple. Moreover, this temple draws similarities in structure with other temples in Uttarakhand, such as the Kedarnath temple.

This beautiful site is made of stone and has a high tower above the sanctum. Furthermore, the main gate of the temple portrays an image of ‘Bhairav’, which is a form of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the walls have lotus images. Also, the entrance has two ‘dwarpalakas’ or entrance-guards inscribed on it.

The temple complex has a pond called Manikarnika Kund where the Shivlingam is bathed by two river springs that represent rivers namely, Yamuna and Ganga.

What is the history of Guptkashi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi has a fascinating relevance with the Pandavas of Mahabharat. Legends state that after the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas desired to get rid of the sins they committed during the war. Hence, they wished to meet Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins, however, Lord Shiva did not wish to have a meeting with them.

So, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi) and appeared before the Pandavas. However, the Pandavas recognised him and began to follow Nandi until they reached a place where Lord Shiva vanished in a cave. Hence, this place later became popular as ‘Guptkashi’.

History of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Aurangzeb was the mughal emporer who destroyed Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi hence the idol was shifted to Guptkashi.

Also, when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb turned the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi into rags, the priests shifted the main idol of the temple to Guptkashi in order to keep it safe.

What are the festivals celebrated at Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Mahashivratri: This festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva. Devotees signify Shiva as the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. On this day, devotees pay a visit to Shiva temples, make offerings, keep fasts and offer milk to the Shivlingam.
Dussehra: This Hindu festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Dussehra recounts the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees also burn an effigy of Ravana and put diyas around their houses.

How to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Here’s how to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant Airport. It is 198 km away from Guptakshi.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 192 km from Guptakshi.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere gate. From there, one can avail state transport buses to Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi.

Where to stay near the Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Cedar Valley Resorts: The resort has 16 rooms, all of which are packed with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. Moreover, the resort also has a restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines for the guests.
Chopta Meadows Camps: The property provides 8 lodgings, each equipped with a desk as well as a private bathroom. Chopta Meadows Camp’s restaurant offers 3-time meals and is budget-friendly.
Himalayan Comforts: The resort has 17 rooms that have all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. The resort also offers a restaurant facility. Moreover, the place also provides easy access to Kalimath.

What are some temples near Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Some of the temples near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi are:

Dhari Devi Temple: This temple is present at the banks of river Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. It is home to the upper half of the idol of Goddess Dhari, while the lower half is in Kalimath. Moreover, the devotees look upon the Goddes as the guardian of Uttarakhand.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath: Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, or Omkareshwar Pith is an ancient Hindu temple present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It houses the deities Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar during winters (November- April).
Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This is the venue of marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Moreover, the temple is 3.1 miles away from Sonprayag, which is the confluence of river Mandakini and Songanga.

The temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Maya Devi Temple Haridwar Guide – Timings, Poojas and History

August 3, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Goddess Maya is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is the Adhisthatri of the city. The temple is one among the three prominent Siddha Peetha in Haridwar. The Chandi Devi temple and the Mansa Devi temple being the other two of the trio.

It is a popular belief that the goddesses of the Siddha Peethas fulfil the desires of her sincere devotees. This temple is also among the Char Dham Yatra package within Uttarakhand.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Char Dham Yatra Tour Package.

Maya Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Maya (Goddess Shakti)
Location	Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Significance	Siddha Peetha
Tours	Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings	6:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Festivals	Navratri

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar.

What are the timings of Maya Devi Temple?

The temple opens at 6:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm.

Timings	From	To
Morning	6 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	8 PM

What is the significance of the Maya Devi Temple?

The significance of Maya Devi Temple relates to the main deity, Goddess Maya, who has three heads and four arms. The inner shrine of the temple consists of the idols of the three forms of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Maya commands attention in the centre, with Kali Mata on her left and Kamakhya on her right. A pradakshina path around the sanctum sanatorium of the temple has illustrations of the ten Dash Mahavidayas. This makes this shakti peetha an important pilgrimage destination in Shaktism.

What is the history of Maya Devi Temple?

Shiva Tandava — Shiva performed the cosmic dance of destruction after Sati’s death.

According to history, Haridwar was formerly called ‘Mayapuri,’ named after the city’s guardian deity, Goddess Maya. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the three ancient temples which dates back to the eleventh century. The Narayana-Shila and the Bhairav temple are among the other two undamaged temples of the same era.

Sati was an incarnation of Goddess Adishakti, born as a blessing to Prajapati Daksha and Queen Prasuti. Goddess Shakti took birth as human to reunite with her consort, Lord Shiva.

Coming of age, Sati was mesmerised by Lord Shiva and wished to marry him. Daksha, however, was enraged by Shiva as he cut off one of Lord Bramha‘s five heads. As a bid to avenge his father’s beheading, Daksha refused to give Sati’s hand to Shiva for marriage. Eventually giving in to wishes of the Gods, Sati and Shiva were wed.

A yajna, organized by Daksha, soon after the wedding saw him invite all the gods and goddesses with an exception of Sati and Shiva. Since Sati was Daksha’s daughter, she did not feel the need for seeking an invitation. She attended the yajna despite Shiva’s warnings.

The yajna saw Daksha’s insolence when he disrespected Lord Shiva. Humiliated and unable to hear impolite remarks against her husband, Sati immolated herself. Goddess Shakti left the body.

Shiva, anguished, carried Sati’s charred body in his arms and performed Tandava. Fearing destruction due to Shiva’s cosmic dance, the gods sought help from Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu sent his Sudharshan Chakra which cut Sati’s body into 52 parts which fell on earth.

The places where the goddess’s remains fell are called shakti peethas. The Maya Devi Temple is one of the 52 shakti peethas and it is believed to be the site where the goddess’s heart and navel fell.

What are the festivals celebrated at Maya Devi Temple?

A major festival celebrated in the temple is Navratri.

Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Maya Devi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Maya Devi Temple Haridwar:

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 35 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 0.5 km from the temple.
Road: Buses for Haridwar are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Adhisthatri of Mayapuri — Goddess Maya is the presiding deity of the city of Haridwar.

Where to stay near Maya Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Maya Devi Temple Haridwar while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It provides spacious rooms, excellent food, high speed wireless internet, a steam room and a gym. It is at a distance of 13 km from Mansa Devi Temple.
Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. It also provides a peaceful and aesthetically appeasing interior along with a great view of Ganga.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel at a 7.6 km drive from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel boasts off excellent service in food as well as cleanliness. Moreover, guests can also avail massage therapies at the in-house massage centre.

What are some temples near Maya Devi Temple?

Some of the temples near Maya Devi Temple Haridwar are:

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Present atop the neel parvat in Haridwar, this temple is in the honour of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
Har ki pauri, Haridwar: Har ki pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. Literally translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is on the banks of Ganga, at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains. It is said that a dip in the Ganges at Har ki pauri absolves one of his/ her sins.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar. Also, popular as ‘Bilwa Teerth’, this temple is among the panch teerth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat due to effect of consuming poison. It also contains various scriptures depicting ‘Samudramanthan’ by Devas and Asuras, which is mythologically relevant to the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar: It is a temple dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’ or ‘Mother India’. The temple is present alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of Ganga. It is 8 storeys tall, with each storey depicting an era in Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Indian Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maya Devi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Maya Devi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fees?

The entry to the Maya Devi Temple is free.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Maya Devi Temple?

Although you can visit the temple any time of the year, ideally, February, March, August, September, and October are the best times to visit the Maya Devi Temple.

Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Maya Devi Temple?

Mansa Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 11 minutes to travel via Haridwar Industrial Area.

Is Chandi Devi Temple close to Maya Devi Temple?

Chandi Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 6 minutes to cover the said distance via NH34.

When is the Maya Devi Temple most crowded?

Maya Devi Temple is the most crowded during the Navratri season.

What is the weather like during summers?

The temperature during summers is mild and ranges from 35º C to 45º C. It is advisable to carry cotton clothing in summers.

What are winters like in Haridwar?

Weather in winter is very unpredictable. The temperature varies from 10º C to 30º C. It is therefore advised to carry warm, woolen clothing as winters can get very cold here.

Which is the nearest airport to Haridwar?

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is 36 km away.

Which is the nearest railway station to Haridwar?

The Haridwar railway station is the closest to the main city. The railway station is just 600 meters away from the Maya Devi Temple and takes only 3 minutes to travel.

If you have any questions about the Maya Devi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.