Daksha Mahadev Temple

Introduction to Daksha Mahadev Temple

Daksheshwara Mahadeva temple, known as Daksha Mahadev Temple, lies in Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It stands on the River Ganga's bank at the Shivalik Ranges' foothills. The temple is named after King Daksha, Sati's father. The town of Kankhal is mentioned in Mahabharata as Kanakhal. It is also said to be the Tapas sthali of the great sage Sanatkumar. The primary deity of the Daksha Mahadev Temple is Shiva. This is one of the most ancient temples in India.

Legend of Daksha Mahadev Temple

As per the Daksha Mahadev Temple legend, this is where Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Parvati), performed the Yagna. Sati showed her interest in marrying Shiva. But, Daksha did not agree to her wish as Shiva was only a Yogi. So, without his consent, Sati married Shiva. Daksha wanted to insult both. Hence, he organized a Yagna, inviting everyone except Shiva and his Deva Ganas.

Sati went to the Yagna spot in a rage and asked her father to apologize to her husband. But he insulted Sati before his guests. She could not tolerate it. So, she jumped into the Yagna fire. On hearing about the incident, an infuriated Shiva ordered Veerabhadra to destroy the Yagna and kill Daksha. Accepting his command, Veerabhadra went along with Kali and the Shiva Ganas, destroyed the Yagna, and beheaded Daksha.

Later, to complete the disrupted Yagna, Shiva revived Daksha by giving him the head of a male goat. Then, Shiva declared that every year in the month of Shravan, Kankhal would be his abode.

The Architecture of Daksha Mahadev Temple

The Daksha Mahadev Temple reflects the Nagara style of architecture, otherwise known as the North Indian style of architecture.

Queen Dhankaur built the Daksha Mahadev Temple in 1810 AD. Mahanirvan Akharas Kankhal renovated it in 1962. It has a square plan with a multi-tiered shikhara (tower). The tower is made of stone. It rises to a height of 30 meters. Intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythical creatures adorn the tower.

People can enter the Daksha Mahadev Temple through a small Mandapa or porch. Carved pillars support the porch. The holy idol of Shiva is installed in the sanctum sanctorum in phallic form. Next to the sanctorum is a temple for the Das Mahavidyas. The Das Mahavidyas are Kali, Tara, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhairavi, Chhinnamasta, Dhumavati, Bagalamukhi, Matangi, and Kamala.

In the temple complex, devotees can find a large courtyard where they can offer prayers and perform rituals. Pilgrims can see a separate shrine for Daksha Yagna Kund. A 1000-year-old banyan tree is the unique feature of the Daksha Mahadev Temple. This is not a single tree but three trees whose combined roots give the appearance of a large tree. The Daksha ghat (a series of steps leading down to a body of water) allows devotees to bathe in the holy Ganges.

Festivals in Daksha Mahadev Temple

The Daksha Mahadev Temple celebrates Maha Shivratri with great pomp. This auspicious day is considered to be the marriage day of Shiva and Shakti. Navratri, Diwali, Janmashtami, and Holi are also celebrated. Devotees gather here in August, the holy month of Sawan in the Hindu calendar.

Benefits of Worshipping at Daksha Mahadev Temple

Worshipping at the Daksha Mahadev Temple is believed to grant liberation or Moksha from the cycles of rebirth.