Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Kankhal Town very close to the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. The Temple is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati. Daksha is one of the fourteen Prajapatis, creator deities, who preside over procreation and are the protector of life in Hindu mythology. The place where the temple stands today was once the place where King Daksha Prajapati performed the Yajna and Sati self-immolated herself in the Yagna Kund.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2019/12/daksheswara-mahadev-temple-kankhal-haridwar-legends.html

History

The present temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and this temple was renovated in 1963 by the Mahanirvan Akharas Kankhal, which now looks after the management of the temple.

The Temple

The Daksha Temple carries more significance due to the fact that it occupies a place in the list of five sacred sites in the town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The Daksheswara Temple, along with some other temples in the precinct, such as Hanuman Temple, Das Mahavidya temple, stands on the banks of River Ganges at the foothills of the Shivalik Ranges. One part of the Temple consists of the Yajna Kund where the Daksha Yagna took place, while in the other part, a Shiva Linga has been installed, which is worshipped by devotees by the offering of water.

The entire story of the yajna of King Daksh and the following episodes have been vividly depicted on the walls of the temple. A very old banyan tree, which is said to be thousands of years old and is considered sacred, is present in the precincts of the temple. The tree is located opposite to the Yajna Kund of the temple. Standing next to the main temple is the Das Mahavidya temple, dedicated to the Mahavidyas. It is a venue for devotees of Devi to congregate for special pujas during the Navratri celebrations.

There is also a temple in the complex dedicated to Ganga river. Next to the temple is the Daksha Ghat on the Ganges and close by is the Nileshwar Mahadev Temple. In front of the main temple Shri Maa Anandamayi temple is located and another temple of Lord Shiva housing Shiva Linga made up of mercury is can be found near the temple. Also, the Rudraksha tree is also an attraction among the nearby celebrated places of Daksheswara Mahadeva temple.

Festivals

This temple throngs with devotees in the month of August (Sawan). This month is also known as the month of Lord Shiva, according to the Hindu calendar. Special rituals are also performed here on the Shivaratri, the marriage day of Shiva and Shakti.

Prayers

On Shivaratri, a large number of devotees congregate here to pay obeisance to the Lord and seek his blessings and benediction.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Haridwar, 4 Kms from Haridwar Railway Junction, 4 Kms from Haridwar Bus Stand, 5 Kms from Har Ki Pauri, 23 Kms from Rishikesh, 42 Kms from Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, 57 Kms from Dehradun and 221 Kms from New Delhi Airport. Haridwar is situated on highway No. 45 and is connected to all major centers in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach the Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

Location