Danda Nagraja Temple
Pauri, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Danda Nagraja Temple is one of the most venerated hill shrines of Pauri Garhwal, perched atop a forested ridge roughly 34 km from Pauri town and about 49 km from Devprayag. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna in the distinctive local form of Nag Devta, the serpent lord (Nagraja), and is counted among the region's important Siddha-peeths (seats of spiritual accomplishment). According to Garhwali tradition, Krishna so loved this ridge that he arrived here in the form of a serpent, crawling all the way up the hill to the very crest where the temple now stands. The compound word in the name captures the setting itself: 'danda' is the Garhwali word for a high ridge or mountain crest, so Danda Nagraja is literally the 'Nagraja of the ridge.'
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Temple-side stalls on the ridge - simple satvik fare: jaggery prasad, chai, biscuits and light snacks; confirm what is freshly available, as options are minimal and seasonal.
- ✦Roadside dhabas along the Adwani-Baganikhal route - basic vegetarian hill food such as aloo paratha, dal-rice, Maggi and tea; ask before ordering, as this is a mixed district and menus vary by outlet.
- ✦Pauri town bazaar (about 34 km) - several pure-vegetarian eateries and sweet shops serve thali, chole-bhature and mithai; verify each place is fully vegetarian before eating.
- ✦Carry your own water and packed vegetarian food for the drive - the hilltop is remote and reliable dining is limited until you return toward Pauri.
About
Danda Nagraja Temple is one of the most venerated hill shrines of Pauri Garhwal, perched atop a forested ridge roughly 34 km from Pauri town and about 49 km from Devprayag.
- It is dedicated to Lord Krishna in the distinctive local form of Nag Devta, the serpent lord (Nagraja), and is counted among the region's important Siddha-peeths (seats of spiritual accomplishment).
- According to Garhwali tradition, Krishna so loved this ridge that he arrived here in the form of a serpent, crawling all the way up the hill to the very crest where the temple now stands.
- The compound word in the name captures the setting itself: 'danda' is the Garhwali word for a high ridge or mountain crest, so Danda Nagraja is literally the 'Nagraja of the ridge.' The shrine's greatest gift to the traveller, beyond its devotional atmosphere, is the extraordinary view.
- From the temple courtyard the horizon opens onto a long wall of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, while far below the Ganga can be glimpsed threading through the valleys toward Devprayag.
- The climb up from the road is short but steep, and the last stretch is done on foot; the effort is repaid by clear mountain air, oak and rhododendron forest, and the quiet of a place still largely untouched by mass tourism.
- Devotees traditionally offer jaggery (gur) to the deity, which is then distributed as prasad, and after darshan they perform parikrama (circumambulation) around the sanctum.
- The temple's calendar peaks each spring with the Danda Nagraja fair, held on 13-14 April around Baisakhi, when thousands of pilgrims from across the Garhwal hills converge on the ridge.
- Folk music, ritual, and village trade fill the normally still hilltop for two lively days, making it the single best time to witness the shrine's living tradition.
- A practical note on food and diet: Pauri Garhwal is a mixed hill district, so travellers who keep strictly vegetarian should choose carefully in the town below.
- On the ridge itself the offering culture is simple and satvik — jaggery prasad, tea, and modest snacks from the handful of stalls outside the temple.
- Carry water and some food for the drive, as the road up is remote and dining options are sparse until you return toward Pauri.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Hilltop shrine near Silsu/Ree village, Patti Kandwalsyun, off the Adwani-Baganikhal road, Pauri Garhwal, Pauri, Uttarakhand, 249301
How to Reach: The temple sits on a ridge off the Adwani-Baganikhal road, about 34 km from Pauri (roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive) with a short, steep final walk up to the crest. From Pauri, hire a taxi or take a local bus toward Baganikhal/Adwani; from Devprayag (about 49 km) only hired taxis are practical. Nearest railhead is Kotdwar (about 100 km) and nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (about 131 km). The Pauri approach is smoother than the Devprayag or Marora routes; there is no metro or rail to the shrine itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is worshipped at Danda Nagraja Temple?
The shrine is dedicated to Lord Krishna, worshipped here in the local form of Nag Devta, the serpent lord (Nagraja). Garhwali tradition holds that Krishna arrived on this ridge in the form of a serpent, crawling up to the hilltop where the temple now stands. It is regarded as an important regional Siddha-peeth, and devotees traditionally offer jaggery (gur), which is distributed as prasad.
Is there an entry fee for Danda Nagraja Temple?
No, entry is free. As an active Hindu hill shrine it is open to all visitors with no admission ticket. You may wish to carry small change for a jaggery offering or a donation, but there is no compulsory charge.
How do I reach Danda Nagraja Temple from Pauri?
The temple is about 34 km from Pauri, roughly a 2 to 2.5 hour drive along the Adwani-Baganikhal road, followed by a short but steep walk up to the ridge. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Pauri toward Baganikhal/Adwani. From Devprayag (about 49 km) only hired taxis are practical. The nearest railhead is Kotdwar (about 100 km) and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun (about 131 km).
What are the timings of Danda Nagraja Temple?
It is reported to be open from roughly 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, though closing can extend on busy days and this is a remote hilltop shrine, so it is best to confirm locally and start early. Arriving in the morning gives you the clearest Himalayan views and comfortable time for the mountain drive back.
When is the Danda Nagraja fair held?
The main annual fair falls on 13-14 April, around Baisakhi, when large crowds of pilgrims from across the Garhwal hills gather at the shrine. It is the most vibrant time to visit, with folk music, ritual and village trade filling the ridge, though it is also the busiest, so expect crowds on the narrow approach.
What can I see from the temple, and where can I eat vegetarian food nearby?
The ridge offers a superb panorama of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, with the Ganga visible far below in the valleys toward Devprayag, set among oak and rhododendron forest. For food, keep it simple: satvik stalls near the temple serve jaggery prasad, tea and light snacks, and basic vegetarian dhabas dot the drive. Pauri Garhwal is a mixed district, so if you eat strictly vegetarian, verify each roadside outlet before ordering and consider carrying your own packed vegetarian food and water for the remote stretch.
Categories