Sati Kund, Kankhal
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · lake
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sati Kund is a small, walled sacred pond tucked into a leafy garden compound in Kankhal, one of Haridwar's oldest neighbourhoods on the fringe of the Ganga. In Hindu tradition it is revered as the yajna-kund — the sacrificial fire-pit — into which Goddess Sati, daughter of King Daksha Prajapati and consort of Lord Shiva, immolated herself. The story belongs to the Daksha-yagna cycle, one of the foundational legends of Shaivism: Daksha staged a grand fire sacrifice at Kankhal but pointedly did not invite his son-in-law Shiva. Sati attended uninvited, and unable to bear her father's public insult to her husband, she gave up her body in the sacred fire. The spot where this is said to have happened is marked today by the Sati Kund, while the adjacent Daksheshwar Mahadev (Daksha Mahadev) Temple marks the seat of Daksha's ill-fated yagna. Together they form one of the most storied pilgrimage clusters in the Haridwar–Kankhal belt.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Small pure-veg satvik bhojnalayas along the Daksha Mandir approach road in Kankhal – simple thalis and puri-sabzi for pilgrims; entirely vegetarian neighbourhood (confirm the specific outlet on the day).
- ✦Sweet shops near Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple – peda, laddoo and prasad-style mithai; typical Haridwar pilgrim fare, all vegetarian.
- ✦Kankhal / Jagjeetpur market eateries – chaat, kachori and chai stalls a short auto ride away; hedge and check hygiene, but the area is uniformly pure-veg and alcohol-free by custom.
- ✦Har Ki Pauri lanes (a 15-minute ride) – a wide choice of trusted pure-veg thali houses and sweet shops if you want a fuller meal after the visit.
About
Sati Kund is a small, walled sacred pond tucked into a leafy garden compound in Kankhal, one of Haridwar's oldest neighbourhoods on the fringe of the Ganga.
- In Hindu tradition it is revered as the yajna-kund — the sacrificial fire-pit — into which Goddess Sati, daughter of King Daksha Prajapati and consort of Lord Shiva, immolated herself.
- The story belongs to the Daksha-yagna cycle, one of the foundational legends of Shaivism: Daksha staged a grand fire sacrifice at Kankhal but pointedly did not invite his son-in-law Shiva.
- Sati attended uninvited, and unable to bear her father's public insult to her husband, she gave up her body in the sacred fire.
- The spot where this is said to have happened is marked today by the Sati Kund, while the adjacent Daksheshwar Mahadev (Daksha Mahadev) Temple marks the seat of Daksha's ill-fated yagna.
- Together they form one of the most storied pilgrimage clusters in the Haridwar–Kankhal belt.
- The kund itself is modest and contemplative rather than grand — a rectangular tank ringed by a low parapet, small shrines, and shade trees, with a garden setting that many visitors find unexpectedly peaceful after the crush of Har Ki Pauri.
- Devotees, especially married women, come to offer prayers here; a folk belief holds that reverence at this spot is associated with the wellbeing and long life of one's husband.
- Because the site sits within a living devotional landscape, it stays low-key and local in feel, visited mostly by pilgrims doing the rounds of Kankhal's Panch-Tirth temples rather than by tour crowds.
- For the traveller, Sati Kund pairs naturally with the neighbouring Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple and the wider Kankhal circuit, and needs only twenty to thirty minutes on its own.
- Kankhal, like the rest of Haridwar, is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town by long custom, so every eatery nearby is pure-vegetarian: simple satvik bhojnalayas, thali kitchens, and sweet shops line the lanes toward the Daksha temple and Jagjeetpur, many following a no-onion-no-garlic style suited to pilgrims.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear where signage asks, and treat the compound as an active place of worship — quiet observation is welcomed, and the setting rewards an unhurried, respectful visit.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Sarvapriya Vihar, Jagjeetpur–Kankhal, near Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249408
How to Reach: In the Kankhal–Jagjeetpur area, about 4–5 km (15–20 minutes) south of Har Ki Pauri. From Har Ki Pauri or Haridwar Junction railway station, an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹80–150; shared vikrams (tempos) run toward Kankhal and Daksha Mandir. It sits right beside the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, so ask for 'Daksha Mandir' — everyone locally knows it. There is no metro in Haridwar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sati Kund in Kankhal, and why is it sacred?
Sati Kund is a small walled sacred pond in Kankhal, Haridwar, revered as the yajna-kund (sacrificial fire-pit) where Goddess Sati, daughter of King Daksha and consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have immolated herself. It belongs to the Daksha-yagna legend and sits right beside the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, making it an important node in the Kankhal pilgrimage circuit.
Is there an entry fee for Sati Kund?
No, Sati Kund is a free-to-visit religious site with no admission ticket. As with most temple ponds and shrines in Haridwar, entry is open to all visitors regardless of faith, provided the compound is treated respectfully as an active place of worship.
How do I reach Sati Kund from Har Ki Pauri?
Sati Kund is in the Kankhal–Jagjeetpur area, about 4–5 km (15–20 minutes) south of Har Ki Pauri. An auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹80–150, and shared tempos run toward Kankhal and Daksha Mandir. It stands next to the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, so simply ask for 'Daksha Mandir' — it is well known locally. Haridwar has no metro.
What are the timings of Sati Kund?
There are no formally published hours, but the site is generally accessible in daylight, roughly 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, in line with the adjacent Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple. Since timings can vary seasonally and around festivals, it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
How much time do I need, and what else is nearby?
Sati Kund itself needs only about 20–30 minutes. It pairs naturally with the neighbouring Daksheshwar Mahadev (Daksha Mahadev) Temple and the wider Kankhal temple cluster, so most visitors see them together in a short half-morning outing before returning toward Har Ki Pauri.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Sati Kund?
Kankhal, like all of Haridwar, is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free town, so every eatery nearby is pure-veg. Simple satvik bhojnalayas and thali kitchens line the Daksha Mandir approach road, sweet shops near the temple serve peda and prasad-style mithai, and the Kankhal–Jagjeetpur market has chaat and chai stalls. For a wider choice of trusted pure-veg thali houses, the Har Ki Pauri lanes are a 15-minute ride away.