Temples of Uttarakhand: Daat Kali Temple.
Uttarakhand is a state located in the northern part of India, this state is referred to as “Devbhoomi” (meaning ‘land of the gods’), due to its religious importance as numerous Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites are found throughout the state. Because of its divinity and spirituality, the state is best known for its spiritual tourism, which forms a major portion of tourism in the state.
Among the many temples and religious sites, “Maa Daat Kali Temple” is one of the most popular centre of religious sentiments near Dehradun. Located 14 kms from main Dehradun city on Saharanpur road, Daat Kali Mandir is visited by hundreds of Goddess Kali devotees all round the year.
Religious Importance of Daat Kali Temple:
The Daat Kali Temple has unconditional religious importance for Hindus, even today people who buy a new vehicle bring it to the kali temple to seek blessings of the devi (goddess). A priest conducts a special pooja in which coconut is offered and a black thread is tied to the vehicle. A Yantra (instrument), is attached to the vehicle known as the Vahan Durghatna Yantra to protect it from the evil eye, accidents and any other danger. People travelling on the Dehradun – Saharanpur road stop their vehicles here specifically to pay obeisance.
History of Daat Kali Temple:
Built on the 13th of June, 1804, the Daat Kali Temple is considered one of the most eminent- Devi Maa Temple in Dehradun.
Legend Related to Daat Kali Mandir:
It is believed that, Goddess Kali once appeared in the dream of an engineer who was working on the national highway project. In this dream, Maa Kali handed the engineer an idol of her and ordered him to construct a temple at this site. So, the engineer handed over the idol to Mehant Sukhbir Gusain who established the temple and named it Daat Kali Temple, where the goddess resides now.
A perpetual fire continuously burns here since 1921. The visitors or worshippers wait patiently for their turn to offer oil, flour and ghee to the deity. The temple has a large hall, where the worshippers can rest.
Significance of Daat Kali Temple in Hinduism:
Daat Kali is one of the best places to visit for the people who are on a spiritual tour to Dehradun. According to beliefs, Mata Daat Kali Temple is also known as Seedhi peeth.
During Navratri, the temple hosts a grand puja, attended by a large number of devotees. Bhandara is organized here and offered to the devotees.
Best Time to Visit Daat Kali Temple:
Daat Kali Temple can be visited any time of the year, but since it is located on a highway there is heavy traffic during March-June, which is also the tourist season. Hence one should avoid visit during these months.
How to Reach Daat Kali Temple in Dehradun:
- Data Kali Temple is around 14 km from Dehradun on Saharanpur road.
- It is located 7.7 kms from ISBT, Dehradun.
- Railway Station is around 13 km away.
- Jolly grant airport is 41 km away and is the nearest air connectivity from here.
Location of Daat Kali Temple:
Address: NH 72A, Ashkrodi, Uttarakhand – 247662.
Hours: open 24 hours.
Places Nearby Daat Kali Temple:
Dehradun is a beautiful city with a lot of sightseeing places which also adds on to the tourism of the state, which include;
- Sahastradhara, Dehradun.
- FRI (Forest Research Institute), Dehradun.
- Buddha Temple, Dehradun.
- Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun.
- RIMC Dehradun.
- IMA Dehradun.
- Shree Prakasheswar Mahadev Madir, Dehradun.
- Lacchi Wala Nature Park, Dehradun.
Entry type:
As there is no entry fee, the temple is free for all devotees. Although some temple in India and Uttarakhand do charge an entry fee but not here, entry is free over here.
Travel Tip:
The basic things to carry on a trip to Uttarakhand are :-
- Back pack and rain cover
- 1 litre of pet water bottle
- Day pack & rain cover
- LED torch/Headlamp
- Poncho
- Umbrella
- Floaters or sandals
- Trekking shoes
- Identity card
AUTHOR – SHUBHAM MULLICK
