Sree Daksheswar Mahadev Temple Haridwar – History, Mythology, Timings & Festivals

Location

• Situated in Kankhal town, Haridwar district, Uttarakhand
• On the banks of the River Ganga, near Daksha Ghat

Significance

• Dedicated to Sree Daksheswar Mahadev, an incarnation of Lord Shiva
• Built at the site of the legendary Yagya Kund of King Daksha Prajapati
• One of the five sacred places in Haridwar

Architecture & History

• Constructed in 1810 in North Indian architectural style
• Rebuilt in 1962
• Central sanctum houses a Shiva idol in phallic form (Shiva Linga)

Mythological Background

• King Daksha Prajapati, son of Brahma, organized a grand Yagya excluding Lord Shiva.
• His daughter Sati, wife of Shiva, felt insulted and immolated herself in the Yagya fire.
• In anger, Lord Shiva sent Virbhadra, who beheaded Daksha.
• Later, Shiva revived Daksha by placing a goat’s head on him.
• Daksha repented, and Shiva declared he would reside in Kankhal during the holy month of Savan.
• The temple was built at the site of this Yagya.

Other Temples in the Complex

• Das Mahavidya Temple – dedicated to the Mahavidyas, important during Navratri pujas
• Ganga Temple – dedicated to River Ganga
• Daksha Ghat – sacred bathing spot on the Ganges

Festivals Celebrated

• Maha Shivaratri – attracts thousands of devotees with special rituals
• Savan Month – considered highly auspicious for Shiva worship
• Navratri – special pujas at the Das Mahavidya temple

Temple Timings

• 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (daily)

How to Get There

• By Air
• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 35 km from Haridwar).
• From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Haridwar.
• By Train
• Haridwar Junction Railway Station is about 3–4 km from Kankhal.
• Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local taxis can take you directly to the temple.
• By Road
• Haridwar is well connected by NH 58 to Delhi (approx. 220 km).
• Regular buses from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other towns stop at Haridwar.
• From Haridwar bus stand, Kankhal is about 5 km away.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit
• Early morning (6–8 AM) for peaceful darshan.
• Savan month & Maha Shivaratri are spiritually powerful but very crowded.
• Dress Code
• Wear modest, traditional attire suitable for temple visits.
• Duration
• Allocate 1–2 hours to explore the temple, Das Mahavidya shrine, Ganga temple, and Daksha Ghat.
• Festivals
• During Maha Shivaratri and Savan, expect long queues. Arrive early or late evening for smoother darshan.
• Photography
• Allowed in outer areas, but avoid taking pictures inside the sanctum.
• Accessibility
• The temple complex is spacious and flat, making it easier for elderly devotees compared to hilly shrines.