Daksh Mahadev Temple

One of the best attractions in Haridwar is a temple long associated with Hindu mythology. This temple is none other than the Daksh Mahadev Temple. Daksheswar Mahadev Temple has deep religious roots in Hindu mythology. The temple is also known as the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple. The temple is located at Kankhal, which is 4 km from Haridwar. If you want to visit the best places in Haridwar, then you should visit this temple. The temple is named after Daksh Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma. This temple has a strong spiritual connection with Vedic yagna rituals, which were performed by ancient ascetics and sages.

Mythology About Daksha Mahadev Temple

To know about the history of Daksh Mahadev Temple, you will have to look at an episode from the Shiv Purana. Daksh Prajapati, the son of Lord Brahma, performed a huge yagna at Kankhal. This yagna, or Vedic ritual, was done without inviting Lord Shiva. On knowing this, Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva and daughter of Daksh Prajapati, immolated herself, and this angered Lord Shiva. He ordered Virbhadra to destroy the Yagna and kill Daksh Prajapati. Virbhadra cut off the head of Daksh Prajapati and put the head of a goat on his body. Kankhal is the exact place where the temple stands today. Although the temple is named after Daksh Prajapati, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sati Kund

There is a pond, or kund, near Daksh Mahadev Temple, which has huge religious significance. It was here that Devi Sati immolated herself in the sacred fire of the Yagna. Due to its immense role in Hindu mythology and direct connection with Devi Sati, Sati Kund has huge spiritual significance.

Religious Importance of Daksh Mahadev Temple

For devotees of Lord Shiva, Daksh Mahadev Temple is like a place of pilgrimage. The temple is still an active place of worship where the temple priests practice puja and daily religious rituals. The main deity is the Shiv linga, and it is the physical form of Lord Shiva on this earth. Followers of Lord Shiva, or Shaivites, have tremendous faith in this temple. Locals of Haridwar come here daily to pray and worship Lord Shiva.

Festivals Celebrated in Daksh Mahadev Temple

As the deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, Mahashivratri is celebrated with great festivities in the temple. Saavan Maas or Shravan is also an auspicious month for devotees, and they come here in large numbers to seek the blessings of the lord. They perform Rudrabhishek and other rituals on the Shiv linga.

Things to Do at Daksh Mahadev Temple

You can spend 2-3 hours in Kankhal and explore the various religious temples and ashrams.

Worship Lord Shiva and offer your prayers to the god.
Visit Sati Kund and realize its immense religious importance and role in Hindu mythology.
Go for a holy bath in the nearby Daksha Ghat.
Explore Das Mahavidya Temple, which is a small temple dedicated to Goddess Kali and divine forms of Shakti.
Discover the other religious sites in Kankhal like Parad Shivlinga and Maa Anandmayi Ashram.

Nearby Places to Visit

Plan your visit to Kankhal in such a way that you also get time to visit the nearby places and attractions.

Har Ki Pauri – Sacred river ghat on the Ganga in Haridwar, where the Haridwar Ganga Aarti takes place, and you can take a holy dip.
Mansa Devi Temple – This is the main temple in Haridwar, accessible via a ropeway ride and trekking. Mansa Devi, the goddess of the temple, is a divine form of Shakti.
Chandi Devi Temple – The temple on top of Neel Parwat, where goddess Chandi Devi is the main goddess, and you can reach the temple via a short trek or ropeway ride.
Maya Devi Temple – The oldest temple in Haridwar, and the original temple, after which Haridwar was called Mayapuri in olden days.
Kankhal Temples and Ashrams – Temples like Harihar Ashram, Maa Anandamayee Ashram, and others.

Best Time to Visit Daksh Mahadev Temple

Nowadays, Daksh Mahadev Temple can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Daksh Mahadev Temple in Haridwar is between October and March. This is the main tourist season in Haridwar. You can also book the Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela Package from Shrine Yatra and visit the temple.