Daksheshwar Mahadev Mandir, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Location: Haridwar District, Uttarakhand

Daksha Mahadev temple is one of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva, situated in Kankhal. The temple is approximately 4 km away from the main township of Haridwar.

Famous for: One of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand. Believed to be the same place where Sati (Uma) sacrificed her life by jumping into Yagya Kund organised by her father Daksha Prajapati.

Mythology

Lord Brahma had two sons. “Narad” And “Daksha”. Lord Brahma asked Narad to create "Srishti" Universe but Narad was divine sage and not interested, Brahma asked his other son Daksha who created Universe. Daksha was unanimously selected as the leader and was named as Daksha Prajapati.

Daksha Prajapati once organised a Yagya at Prayag (Allahabad). During the yagya, when Daksha arrived at the venue, all present showed respect to him by standing except Lord Shiva who was in deep meditation so couldnot notice Daksha. Daksha took offend and said unpleasant things. Later, he again organised another Yagya at Kankhal, Haridwar and invited all Devtaas except Lord Shiva and Goddess Uma (Sati) – his daughter. Uma (Sati) although was advised against attending the Yagya without invitation however attended the Yagya where she was insulted by her father. When she couldnot take the insult to herself and Lord Shiva, she sacrificed her life by jumping into the Yagya Kund and killed herself. Finally Daksha Prajapati was killed by Virbhadra on orders by Lord Shiva.

It is believed that it was on the site of the yagya, and Sati's sacrifice, that Daksha Mahadev temple was later built. There is a pit within the grounds of the temple which marks the exact location of the sacrificial fire.

History

One of the five most Holy places in Haridwar, the temple stands as a tribute to the sacrifice of Sati Mata. Also known as Shri Daksheshwar Temple, it was initially built by Queen Dhankaur, in 1810 AD. It was, however, reconstructed in 1962.

Temple

The holy Shiv idol, in phallic form, is situated at the centre of Shri Daksheshwar Temple. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees in August, also known as the holy month of Sawan, the month of Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri, the temple is filled with devotees and the festival is celebrated grandly. The temple compound consists two other temples as well which belong to the Das Mahavidyas, dedicated to the ten wisdom goddesses or aspects of the divine Mother, depicting the wide spectrum of feminity, from horrifying and frightful goddess to the stunningly beautiful one. Special pujas (worships) are held on Navratris here. Close to this temple are two other holy places, Daksha Ghat and Nileshwar Mahadev Temple.

How to Reach

Haridwar is well connected by Rail & Road with all major cities. Delhi is just 251 kms from Haridwar
Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is about 35 kms from Haridwar.