A Sacred Gem
Nestled in the serene town of Kankhal near Haridwar, Daksha Mahadev Temple is one of the most spiritually significant places in Uttarakhand. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is not only a pilgrimage site but also a historical treasure attracting thousands of tourists and devotees every year.
📍 Location & Accessibility
The temple is located just 4–5 km from Haridwar city center, in the peaceful locality of Kankhal. It’s easily accessible by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or even on foot for those who enjoy walking pilgrimages. Nearby railway stations and road networks make it a convenient stop on any Haridwar itinerary.
🕉️ Historical & Mythological Significance
The Daksha Mahadev Temple holds deep mythological roots. It is believed to be the spot where King Daksha Prajapati, father of Goddess Sati, performed a great yagna (sacrifice). According to legends, Sati immolated herself here after being insulted by her father for marrying Lord Shiva. In anger, Shiva destroyed the yagna and beheaded Daksha, later restoring him with a goat’s head.
This makes the temple a symbol of divine love, sacrifice, and cosmic balance.
🏛️ Temple Architecture
Though the original temple dates back centuries, the current structure was rebuilt in 1810 A.D. by Queen Dhankaur. The architecture is simple yet spiritually rich, with a Shiva Lingam placed in the sanctum sanctorum. Surrounding the main temple are smaller shrines dedicated to Goddess Sati and Lord Vishnu.
The temple is especially vibrant during Shivratri and the Shravan month, when it sees an influx of devotees and tourists.
🌊 Nearby Attractions
After visiting the temple, tourists can explore:
- Sati Kund – a sacred pond associated with Sati’s self-immolation.
- Maya Devi Temple – one of the 51 Shaktipeethas in India.
- Har Ki Pauri – the iconic Ganga ghat, just 15 minutes away.
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