Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen 24 hrs
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir is a Shakta (goddess-worship) shrine on the Cheela–Rishikesh road at the eastern edge of Haridwar, a short distance beyond Har Ki Pauri where the built-up ghats give way to the river and the forested Rajaji foothills. It is dedicated to Dakshin Kali — the "southward-facing" form of the goddess Kali, whose image looks toward the south and stands with her right foot forward upon a reclining Shiva. In the tantric tradition this Dakshina form is regarded as the most approachable and benevolent aspect of Kali, the fierce mother softened into a protector; genuinely established Dakshin-Kali temples are rare in India, which is why this Haridwar shrine, alongside the celebrated Kali temples of Kolkata, is singled out by pilgrims.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Hoshiyar Puri (Bara Bazaar, near Har Ki Pauri) – a long-running pure-vegetarian institution famed for puri with spiced aloo and its signature dal; busiest at breakfast. Confirm hours locally.
- ✦Mathura Walon Ki Prachin Dukan (Bara Bazaar) – old pure-vegetarian sweets-and-snacks house near the ghats for kachori, jalebi and mithai; pilgrim-friendly.
- ✦Mohan Ji Puri Wale (Subhash Ghat / upper road) – simple pure-veg puri-sabzi counter popular with early-morning devotees; hedge on timings and seasonal crowds.
- ✦The entire Har Ki Pauri–Chandi Ghat neighbourhood is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free by custom, so most thali and snack stalls near the ghats are safe for pure-veg travellers — look for busy, freshly-cooked counters.
About
Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir is a Shakta (goddess-worship) shrine on the Cheela–Rishikesh road at the eastern edge of Haridwar, a short distance beyond Har Ki Pauri where the built-up ghats give way to the river and the forested Rajaji foothills.
- It is dedicated to Dakshin Kali — the "southward-facing" form of the goddess Kali, whose image looks toward the south and stands with her right foot forward upon a reclining Shiva.
- In the tantric tradition this Dakshina form is regarded as the most approachable and benevolent aspect of Kali, the fierce mother softened into a protector; genuinely established Dakshin-Kali temples are rare in India, which is why this Haridwar shrine, alongside the celebrated Kali temples of Kolkata, is singled out by pilgrims.
- The temple is classed by devotees as a Siddh Peeth or Tantra Peetha — a "seat of spiritual accomplishment" rather than one of the fifty-one classical Shakti Peethas — and local tradition holds that the presiding deity is consecrated over 108 yantric bases (mystical diagrams), a number carrying deep symbolic weight in Hindu ritual.
- The site's devotional traditions are old, reportedly predating the mid-eighteenth century, and its riverside position gives it an atmosphere quite unlike the crowded central ghats: the Ganga runs almost at the temple's feet, the Shivalik ridges of Rajaji National Park form a green backdrop, and the air carries the sound of moving water rather than city bustle.
- Sunrise and dusk here are especially atmospheric, when lamps are lit and the river catches the light.
- Worship follows the daily rhythm of aarti and puja, and the shrine comes fully alive during Navratri — both the spring (Chaitra) and autumn (Sharad) nine-night festivals — when special goddess rites, chanting and larger congregations fill the compound.
- As with any active temple, visitors of every faith are welcome to observe respectfully: remove footwear before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep quiet during rituals, and ask before photographing the sanctum, as many shrines discourage cameras at the deity.
- The setting rewards an unhurried visit and pairs naturally with the nearby Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi hill temples.
- Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so travellers need not hunt for suitable food — every eatery around Har Ki Pauri and Chandi Ghat is pure-vegetarian by custom and by local norm.
- There is no restaurant at the shrine itself, but a short e-rickshaw ride returns you to the bazaars near Har Ki Pauri, where century-old puri-sabzi houses, kachori-jalebi counters and traditional sweet shops serve the pilgrim crowd from early morning.
- Carry a bottle of water, and confirm the current aarti timings locally, as they shift with the season and festival calendar.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Cheela (Chila) Dam–Rishikesh Road, near Chandi Ghat, east of Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249401
How to Reach: On the Cheela (Chila)–Rishikesh road near Chandi Ghat, about 1–2 km east of Har Ki Pauri. An e-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Har Ki Pauri costs roughly ₹30–60 and takes 10–15 minutes; a cycle-rickshaw also works for the short hop. Haridwar Junction railway station is about 4 km away (auto ₹80–120). Private vehicles can reach the temple, and basic parking is available nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Dakshin Kali temple in Haridwar?
It is a Dakshin-Kali shrine — dedicated to the "southward-facing" form of the goddess Kali, considered her most benevolent, protective aspect in the tantric tradition. Genuine Dakshin-Kali temples are rare in India, which is why this Haridwar Siddhpeeth (alongside the famous Kali temples of Kolkata) is singled out by pilgrims. It is revered as a Siddh Peeth or Tantra Peetha, with the deity traditionally said to be consecrated over 108 yantric bases, and it sits scenically on the Ganga bank below the Rajaji hills.
Where exactly is Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir located?
It stands on the Cheela (Chila)–Rishikesh road near Chandi Ghat, at the eastern edge of Haridwar about 1–2 km beyond Har Ki Pauri, where the ghats give way to the river and the forested foothills of Rajaji National Park. The riverside setting makes it noticeably calmer than the central ghats.
Is there an entry fee, and what are the timings?
There is no entry fee — like most Hindu temples it is free and open to all. It is generally accessible through the day, with some sources noting round-the-clock access; the main aarti and puja are held around dawn and dusk. Timings shift with the season and festival calendar, so it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
How do I reach the temple from Har Ki Pauri?
It is a short hop east along the Cheela–Rishikesh road. An e-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from Har Ki Pauri costs roughly ₹30–60 and takes 10–15 minutes; a cycle-rickshaw also manages the distance. Haridwar Junction railway station is about 4 km away. Private cars can reach the temple and there is basic parking nearby.
When is the best time to visit?
Navratri — both the spring (Chaitra, March–April) and autumn (Sharad, September–October) festivals — brings special goddess rites and the most vibrant atmosphere. For a quieter experience, come at early morning or sunset when lamps are lit by the river. October to March offers the most comfortable weather. Remember to remove footwear, dress modestly, stay quiet during rituals, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so every eatery here is pure-vegetarian by custom — there is nothing to hunt for. There is no restaurant at the shrine itself, but a short ride back toward Har Ki Pauri brings you to long-established pure-veg institutions such as Hoshiyar Puri (celebrated for puri and dal) and old sweet-and-snack houses in Bara Bazaar serving kachori, jalebi and mithai to the pilgrim crowd. Do confirm opening hours locally.
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