DHARI DEVI GUFA

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An unspecified ancient cave or sacred rock shelter (temple cave) near the temple dedicated to Dhari Devi, who is obviously a traditional local goddess now officially identified with Kali. SITUATION: At the village of Dharo or Dari (note 1), which lies at a distance of 15 km along the 34 km long part of the Delhi - Niti National Highway NH58 connecting the Srinagar (N30°13': E078°47') in Garhwal with Rudraprayag (N30°17': E078°59': 618 m asl) at the concluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini. A one kilometre long concrete path leads from the road to the temple on the northern (right) bank of Alaknanda river. CULTURAL HISTORY - religious folklore: People are of the opinion that the stone carved deity changes face of a girl, woman, and of old lady as the day progresses. A mythological account says that once a severe flood washed away a temple and Dhari Devi's idol was trapped against a rock near the village Dharo [sic!]. Villagers heard the wail of the idol and a divine voice diected them to install the idol there (pauri.nic.in/Nextpage512.htm accessed 05.09.2004).ected them to install the idol there (pauri.nic.in/Nextpage512.htm accessed 05.09.2004).