Daksha Mahadev Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is a significant site for pilgrims as it is associated with the Hindu mythological tale of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, and her father Daksha Prajapati.
The temple is famous for its religious significance stemming from the legend of Daksha Yagna and Sati's self-immolation. According to mythology, it is at this site that Goddess Sati immolated herself in the yagna (ritual fire) conducted by her father Daksha because he insulted Lord Shiva. This event is one of the reasons for the temple's significance and the reason for its name.
The best time to visit the Daksha Mahadev Temple is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. However, the temple is open throughout the year, and during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August), the temple sees a significant increase in pilgrims due to festivities related to Lord Shiva.
Yes, the temple is the site of numerous festivals, with the most prominent being Maha Shivaratri. The festival is celebrated with great fervor, and devotees from across the nation come to offer prayers. During Shravan Mela, the temple attracts a lot of pilgrims who come to worship and pay homage to Lord Shiva.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Daksha Mahadev Temple. The temple is open to devotees and tourists free of charge.
The Daksha Mahadev Temple generally opens around 6 AM and closes around 8 PM. However, these timings can change during festivals or special occasions, so it's advisable to check with the temple authorities or local sources before planning a visit.
As is the case with most Hindu temples, visitors to the Daksha Mahadev Temple are expected to dress modestly. Western outfits such as shorts or sleeveless tops are generally discouraged. It is also customary to remove your shoes before entering the temple premises.
The temple provides basic facilities such as drinking water and restrooms. During festivals and peak times, additional amenities like medical aid and food stalls are available for the visitors.
Daksha Mahadev Temple is easily accessible by road. If you are traveling by train, Haridwar railway station is the nearest, and from there, one can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw. For those coming by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 35 kilometers from Haridwar.
Photography and videography inside the temple are usually allowed, but it is advised to seek permission from temple authorities, as it may vary during special ceremonies or festivals.
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