Dhari Devi Temple, Uttarakhand: A Guide to Visiting the Sacred Shrine

Dhari Devi Mandir is one of the most sacred temples dedicated to Goddess Kali in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is considered as one of the 108 Shakti Sthals. The devotees believe Maa Dhari as a guardian deity of the Garhwal region and protector of the Char Dham. According to local tradition, the upper part of the goddess is worshipped at Dhari Devi Temple, while the lower half is believed to be at Kalimath, where the deity is worshipped in the form of Goddess Kali.

Thousands of devotees visit Dhari Mata Mandir every year for darshan and to seek the blessings of the goddess. Along with its religious importance, the temple is also loved for its peaceful surroundings, Alaknanda River and beautiful mountain views. This mix of spirituality and nature makes a visit to Dhari Devi feel special.

Quick Summary: Dhari Devi Temple

Where is Dhari Devi Mandir Located?

Dhari Devi Temple is located near Kalyasaur in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Situated around 14 km from Srinagar, it lies along the Rishikesh-Badrinath road.

Due to its location, Dhari Devi is a convenient stop for those travelling towards the Garhwal region. You can visit this religious destination along the way when travelling towards places like Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Chopta or Badrinath.

Dhari Devi Temple Distance from Rishikesh, Dehradun & Other Places

The route is straight via Rishikesh- Badrinath Road, but travel time can change depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.

How to Reach Dhari Devi Mandir, Uttarakhand

Dhari Mandir is well connected by road and is located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on the Rishikesh-Badrinath route. You can reach the temple by bus, taxi or your own car. The easiest way to reach Dhari Devi Temple is Rishikesh-Devprayag-Srinagar-Dhari Devi route.

• From Srinagar to Dhari Devi Temple: Buses and shared vehicle are available along the route. Local taxi is another convenient option.
• From Rishikesh to Dhari Devi Temple: Public transports are available. Take shared vehicle or local bus towards Srinagar. Get down near Dhari Devi.
• From Dehradun to Dhari Devi Temple: Drive yourself, book taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh first. Then continue to Srinager via local transport to reach Dhari Devi
• By Car or Taxi: A private car or taxi is the most convenient option if you want more flexibility. You can stop at any place you won’t have to plan your visit around bus timings.

After reaching Dhari Devi, you need to walk downhill to reach the temple as the shrine is below the main road.

Tip: If you are travelling by public transport, check timings your return transport before visiting, as vehicles may be available easily later in the day.

Drive From Rishikesh to Dhari Devi Temple, Pauri Garhawal

The route from Rishikesh passes through Devprayag and Srinagar before reaching Maa Dhari Devi.

Early in the drive, you will pass through Byasi and Kodiyala, small but vibrant roadside market areas known for adventure camps and lively rafters along the River Ganga.

Further ahead you will reach Teen Dhara, which is around 12 km before the Devprayag Sangam. It is famous place with local dhabas and tea stalls. Have lunch or breakfast there before continuing the journey.

Devprayag Sangam is one of the highlights along the way, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga. If you have time, stop and see the confluence before continuing towards Srinagar. Or visit while your way back after Dhari Devi Darshan.

You will also pass through Kirti Nagar and Srinagar, a local market area where you can find shops and places to stop for tea, food or basic supplies before continuing towards Maa Dhari Mandir.

As you move ahead, you will see Alaknanda River as constant part of the journey. Its clear greenish-blue water is clearly visible alongside the road. The mountains, hill road along with the river view makes the drive worth experiencing.

After Reaching Dhari Mata Mandir

• Park Your Vehicle and Get Prashad: Once reached, park your vehicle at the entrance and buy Prashad from the shops outside.
• Walk Towards the Temple: Remove your shoes at designed place and walk down on cement pathway for around 700-800m (15min) towards the temple. Follow the pedestrian route and cross the bridge to reach the temple. The shrine is located below the road, surrounded by mountains and Alaknanda River.
• Darshan and Photography: Photography inside the temple is generally restricted, so keep your phone and camera away while entering the shrine.
  • Recently few reports have mentioned that the phones will not be allowed inside and lockers facilities will be available for keeping belongings. So, it is advised to check the instructions and follow the temple guidelines.
• Water Activities: After Dhari Mata Darshan, you can spend time near the Alaknanda River and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. River-rafting is also available in the area through local operators. These water activities are seasonal and not operated when the waterflow is high.
• Explore the Stalls while Coming Back: There are various stalls along the walkway between the parking area and the temple, selling religious items and other local things. You can explore them out on your way to the temple or while coming back after darshan.
• Food Options Outside Temple: Outside the temple there are few cafes and hotels where you can eat and relax before heading back.

Temple Experience at Dhari Devi

Inside the temple premises, the experience becomes quieter and more focused on darshan. The shrine’s setting beside the flowing Alaknanda River and mountains at the background gives the temple visit a unique riverside feel. The surrounding is peaceful, but this site can feel busier during festivals like Navratri, weekends and pilgrimage periods.

The temple is not very large, so the visit mainly involves darshan and following the local rituals. Follow the queue, keep silence where needed and avoid touching & enetering restricted. Photography and mobile phones may also be restricted, so follow the instructions given at the temple.

Dhari Devi Mandir Timings for Darshan

Maa Dhari Temple is generally open for devotees during the day. No specific darshan timings are available and the temple timings may change due to special occasions, festivals, or local conditions. So, it is better to check the timings locally before planning your visit.

Things to Know Before Visiting Dhari Devi Temple

• Keep some cash with you to buy prasad and items from local stalls as not every vendor may accept UPI.
• The walk to the temple is not difficult, but you have to walk downhill for around 15 minutes so wear comfortable shoes.
• Keep a water bottle with you, especially during warmer days.
• Do not use phone inside main temple.
• You may not be able to find washrooms near temple premises. So, it’s better to use near parking area.
• Dress properly and remove your footwear at safe place.

Best Time to Visit Dhari Devi Temple, Uttarakahnd

Devotees visit the temple throughout the year. But for a comfortable journey, plan between March to June and October to November when the weather is usually pleasant for the mountain drive and the walk downhill to the temple.

July to September can still be a good time to visit if you enjoy the greenery of the monsoon. But generally, it is recommended to avoid because heavy may lead to landslides, road disruptions and stronger flow in Alaknanda River.

Places to Stay Near Dhari Devi Temple

Small hotels and homestays are available at Kalyasaur (few minutes away from temple). It is an ideal option if you want to visit early morning or not want to continue drive after darshan.

Srinagar is a more practical place to stay for better facilities & choices. You can find multiple stays that suits your budget, restaurants, and local shops. It is only 14 km from away which usually takes 25-30 min to reach. You can easily visit Dhari Devi Temple from here.

Rudraprayag is another option if you are exploring multiple temples in the region. Situated 18.9 km ahead from Dhari Devi (45-50 minutes), this town has good lodging and dining facilities that makes it a convenient stop only if you are travelling to Chopta or other attractions.

Places to Visit Near Dhari Devi Temple

FAQs Related to Dhari Devi