Guardian of Char Dham - Dhari Devi Introduction Guardian of Char Dham - Dhari Devi-Nestled in the serene mountains of Uttarakhand, India lies a temple that holds immense significance for the people of the region. The Guardian of Char Dham, Dhari Devi is a revered deity worshipped by locals and pilgrims alike. With an intriguing legend behind it and a breathtaking temple to visit, Dhari Devi is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking spiritual solace or just wanting to soak in some natural beauty. Join us on this journey as we explore the history, mythology, and significance of this enchanting place. What is the Dhari Devi? Dhari Devi is a Hindu goddess and the presiding deity of the Dhari Devi temple located in Uttarakhand, India. The word "Dhari" means 'one who holds' or 'the bearer', while "Devi" denotes 'goddess'. As per local beliefs. Devotees consider her as the protector of the region from natural disasters like floods and landslides. The idol of Dhari Devi is believed to be that of Goddess Kali, one of the most powerful deities in Hindu mythology. It has three forms - head and arms representing Maa Kali, torso representing Maa Shakti, and feet symbolizing Maa Lakshmi. According to popular folklore, when attempts were made by authorities to shift the original location of this temple during road construction work on Char Dham Yatra route in 2013-14; it led to devastating floods causing massive loss of life & property. Since then locals believe that shifting Dhari Devi's shrine from its original spot would lead to more catastrophic events. Devotees come here with great reverence throughout the year seeking blessings for their well-being and good fortune. With its stunning scenery and religious significance, this enchanting place offers a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty that cannot be found anywhere else. The Legend of the Dhari Devi The legend of the Dhari Devi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore. According to the legend, centuries ago, a devastating flood swept across the valley where the temple of Dhari Devi now stands. The villagers prayed fervently for protection from the raging waters and sought refuge atop a hill. As they were praying to Goddess Kali, an idol of her emerged out of the water on a nearby rock. The villagers then constructed a small makeshift temple around it. Later they started worshipping her as their guardian deity. Over time, it became known as Dhari Devi – "the bearer goddess." Another version states that when Adi Shankaracharya was travelling through this part of Uttarakhand, he had a vision about Goddess Kali here at this spot. He immediately established an idol at this place. It is believed that whenever attempts have been made to move or shift the idol from its original position since then, natural calamities like floods and landslides would occur in the region causing widespread destruction.