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Uttarakhand

Daksh Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund

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Major Airports :

Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

Nearest Railway Station :

Haridwar Junction Railway Station (HW)

Major Airports :

Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

A sacred shrine steeped in mythology

The holy city of Haridwar is a vibrant tapestry of beautiful temples that astound with their spiritual significance. Among these hallowed shrines stands the Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund (tank), a beautiful sanctuary devoted to Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati that holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims.

The temple's very name echoes its connection to Daksha Prajapati, the father of Goddess Sati, whose cosmic union with Lord Shiva remains etched into the fabric of Hindu lore. This ancient sanctum, also reverently known as the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, is located on the southern fringes of Kankhal town. The presence of the hallowed Sati Kund, the Yagna Kund in which Sati self-immolated herself due to her father's non-acceptance of her husband, heightens its spiritual atmosphere.

The best time to experience the divine allure of this sacred spot is during the pious month of saavan (monsoon) when devotees embark on the sacred sojourn to this beloved shrine.

The tale of love, sacrifice and destruction

The current temple structure dates back to 1810 when Queen Dhankaur built it and underwent renovations in 1962, but its roots go back to the ancient annals of Hindu mythology, where a cosmic saga of love, arrogance, and divine wrath unfolded.

According to lore, King Daksha Prajapati, blinded by his ego, organised a grand Yagya (Hindu holy ritual) but intentionally refused to extend an invitation to Lord Shiva. Incensed by this unforgivable insult, Shiva's beloved consort Sati chose to attend uninvited, only to face humiliation from her father in front of the assembled guests. Overcoming the anguish, the goddess took the ultimate step, immolating herself in the very fires of the Yagya.

Consumed by grief that shook the cosmos, Lord Shiva embarked on a path of terrifying vengeance. Carrying Sati's lifeless body, the lord unleashed catastrophic devastation upon the earth. Sending forth his ferocious warrior Virbhadra to behead the arrogant King Daksha for his transgressions against the beloved Sati.

Yet, after the intervention of other gods in an act of ultimate compassion, Lord Shiva resurrected his forgiven father-in-law, granting him a goat's head. Today, the Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund are a testament to this event, a symbol of remorse, forgiveness, and divine grace where the grand saga unfolded. Steeped in immense historical and spiritual significance, it is no wonder this hallowed shrine draws devotees and pilgrims from far and wide into its transcendent fold.

Holy rituals and celebrations

The divine energy pulsating through the Daksha Mahadev Temple reaches its crescendo during sacred celebrations and festivals, when the hallowed corridors reverberate with the sincere devotion of countless faithful. During the auspicious month of saavan, devotees perform sacred rituals like the soulful Abhishekam—the ritualistic bathing of the deity with holy waters and offerings.

However, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Daksha Mahadev Temple and Sati Kund emerge as the luminous epicentre of Shiva's veneration. Exquisitely adorned and pulsating with joyous celebrations, the sanctum sanctorum becomes an arena of mystical recitations as devotional hymns honouring Lord Shiva resound through every brick. At the same time, the festival of Navratri bears witness to this outpouring of devotion towards Goddess Sati, painting the temple's ancient visage with the colours of unbound spiritual exaltation.


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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 07:00 PM

The ultimate spiritual sojourn

A journey to the hallowed Daksha Mahadev Temple is made all the more enriching by the surrounding sacred sites that await your visit. Just a short distance away, you can experience the spiritual magnificence of the renowned Har Ki Pauri - the revered flight of steps descended by thousands of devotees taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga River. The sacred precinct of Brahma Kund evokes tales of the great creator's reverence for this blessed land. Those seeking an aerial vantage can ascend the gilded spires of the Chandi Devi Temple, which offers panoramic views of Haridwar's breathtaking landscape.