Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Its holy relevance is due to the fact that the holy Ganga River touches the plains from the hills at this very spot. It used to be the hotspot for sages, saints, philosophers and at one point even the gods themselves used to reside and perform intense meditation. Daksheshwar Mahadev or Daksha Mahadev Temple is located 4 kms away from the main town of Haridwar in the Kankhal town. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is visited by avid Shiva devotees throughout the year. Just like Haridwar, the temple is famous for its mythological and legendary relevance.

About Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple

The main temple is built right on the spot where Raja Daksh had performed the infamous havan. Due to its location, the temple is frequented not only by Shiv Bhakts but also by Haridwar visitors. The town especially springs to life during the auspicious occasion of Saavan as it is believed to be a very holy time of the year for Shiva devotees. The temple is easily reachable and makes for a great spiritual retreat for anyone looking to feel closer to nature and the lord.

History

Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is named after Raja Daksh, the father of goddess Sati. The temple is mentioned in the iconic epic Mahabharat as being the place where Raja Daksh had first performed his Yajna. During that time Sati felt insulted that her father had not invited Lord Shiva but she decided to attend the Yajna. As a protest, Sati jumped into the Yajna fire. This greatly angered Lord Shiva and he sent one of his Ganas, Virbhadra, the great warrior of Kankhal, as revenge. Virbhadra had chopped off Raja Daksh’s head and after a long behest of gods, Lord Shiva saved the king’s life by putting the head of a male goat on him. The king then repented deeply for his mistakes to the lord. It was during the holy month of Sawan that the lord had decided to reside in Kankhal, and at the place of the Yagya, the temple was built.

Architecture

The temple is dawned completely in white and is built in a typical North Indian temple style of architecture. The distinguishing feature of the structure is the tall dome that can be seen from far. On entering there is a very expressive life-size structure of Lord Shiva holding his Trishul. Standing right next to the temple is the das Mahavidyas which is dedicated to the Mahavidyas. It is the place where devotees gather to perform special puja rituals and celebrate Navratri. There is also a temple in the complex next to the main structure dedicated to the goddess Ganga. Outside the temple, right next to the entire temple complex is the Daksh Ghat, on the Ganges. A visit to the temple feels like a deep dive into the rich historical past the holy town is known for.

Temple Timing

The temple remains open throughout the week from 6 am to 7 pm. No fees or entry pass is required to enter the temple for Darshan.

Best Time to Visit

The town experiences moderate temperature conditions throughout the year, but the best time to visit Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar is from November to March. During the winters it is much easier to cover many different tourist places in Haridwar. During this time the weather remains clear with wide-open blue skies and brilliant sunlight throughout the day. Other than the weather during that time, there are many different fairs and festivals that take place here. Be careful while traveling during the monsoon season.

How to Reach

The temple is located 4 kms away from the main city of Haridwar in Kankhal. The temple can be easily reached by road via a bus or a taxi cab service that is available easily here. The nearest railway station is the Haridwar railway station which is just 3 kms away from the temple. The nearest airport to the temple is the jolly grant airport in Dehradun which is 38 kms away from the temple. People can also get their private vehicle to the temple as the roads leading up to it are very good.

Travel Tips

• The best way to reach Daksheshwar Mahadev is via road or your private vehicle.
• The best time to visit is during the saavan months of autumn to winter.
• Carry a motion sickness tablet in case you are adept at motion sickness. Although the roads are good they are winding in some parts which may make the passengers woozy.
• Make sure to attend the special Aarti ceremonies or try to visit during Navratri time in order to make the best of your spiritual trip.
• Wear comfortable clothing and make sure to wear a good pair of shoes in order to be more comfortable during the entire journey.