Bhadra Kali Temple
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Bhadra Kali Temple is one of the quiet, deeply local shrines of old Rishikesh, standing in the narrow Mayakund lanes a short walk west of the ancient Bharat Mandir. Dedicated to the goddess in her Bhadra Kali (auspicious Kali) aspect — a benevolent, protective form of the Devi rather than a fearsome one — the temple is regarded by residents as the guardian goddess of the town. Local tradition and pilgrim literature glorify the shrine in the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purana, the same body of sacred geography that maps the wider Kedar-tirtha region of the Uttarakhand Himalaya, and the temple is spoken of as a Siddha Pitha — a seat where devotion is believed to bear fruit.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Triveni Ghat food stalls (5–7 minute walk) – a run of pure-vegetarian thali, chaat and snack counters serving the pilgrim crowd; the whole area is satvik. Choose a busy, freshly-cooked stall.
- ✦Mayakund bazaar sweet shops (adjacent lanes) – traditional pure-veg mithai, kachori and chai near the temple; entirely vegetarian neighbourhood.
- ✦Chotiwala-style pure-veg thali houses around Triveni Ghat – hearty vegetarian thalis are the old-town staple; confirm the specific outlet's current standing locally.
- ✦Ganga-front vegetarian cafes near Triveni Ghat – simple South Indian and North Indian veg fare; hours vary, so check timings before an early or late visit.
About
Bhadra Kali Temple is one of the quiet, deeply local shrines of old Rishikesh, standing in the narrow Mayakund lanes a short walk west of the ancient Bharat Mandir.
- Dedicated to the goddess in her Bhadra Kali (auspicious Kali) aspect — a benevolent, protective form of the Devi rather than a fearsome one — the temple is regarded by residents as the guardian goddess of the town.
- Local tradition and pilgrim literature glorify the shrine in the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purana, the same body of sacred geography that maps the wider Kedar-tirtha region of the Uttarakhand Himalaya, and the temple is spoken of as a Siddha Pitha — a seat where devotion is believed to bear fruit.
- The temple is small and unassuming, and that is precisely its character: this is a working neighbourhood shrine woven into the daily rhythm of Mayakund, not a monument built for visitors.
- The sanctum enshrines the Devi adorned with red cloth, vermilion, bangles, flowers and a crown, and the atmosphere thickens with bells, incense and the murmur of the surrounding market.
- Because it sits within the old bazaar rather than on the riverfront, it stays calmer than the crowded ghats, and many pilgrims fold a visit into the same morning that takes them to Bharat Mandir — Rishikesh's oldest temple, traditionally dated to the eighth century — and onward to Triveni Ghat.
- Worship intensifies during the two annual Navratri seasons (spring Chaitra and autumn Sharad), when Devi temples across the region fill with recitations of the Durga Saptashati, and on Tuesdays and Fridays, days customarily associated with the Goddess.
- The temple is open to all, regardless of faith.
- Simple etiquette applies: remove footwear before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep phones silent during aarti, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
- Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city by law, so the pure-veg question answers itself here — the entire Mayakund and Triveni Ghat neighbourhood around the temple is satvik, from simple thali dhabas to sweet and chaat counters serving the pilgrim crowd.
- A short stroll toward Triveni Ghat brings you to a run of dependable vegetarian eateries, making this shrine an easy, unhurried stop on an old-town temple walk.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Mayakund, near Bharat Mandir, Main Bazar Road, old Rishikesh, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249201
How to Reach: Mayakund, in the old-town lanes just west of Bharat Mandir, near Triveni Ghat. From Rishikesh railway station it is about 2.5 km — an auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹50–80 (10 minutes). From the Triveni Ghat main gate it is a 5–7 minute walk through the bazaar. Vehicles cannot enter the narrow lanes, so the final stretch is on foot; ask locally for 'Bhadrakali Mandir, Bharat Mandir ke paas'.
More places in Rishikesh
- Triveni Ghat & Ganga AartiRishikesh's largest and holiest bathing ghat, where the nightly Maha Aarti of lamps, conch and chanting draws thousands to the Ganga's edge.
- Neelkanth Mahadev TempleA revered hilltop Shiva shrine about 32 km from Rishikesh, marking the spot where Shiva is said to have held the churning-ocean poison in his blue throat — set amid forested Garhwal peaks at ~1,330 m.
- Lakshman JhulaRishikesh's most iconic iron suspension footbridge over the Ganga, completed in 1929 and named for Lakshman — ringed by riverside temples and ashrams. The historic deck is currently closed for safety; the views from the banks remain unmissable.
- Ram JhulaA broad 1986 iron suspension bridge over the Ganga linking Sivananda Ashram with Swarg Ashram — the spine of Rishikesh's densest cluster of ashrams, temples and riverside aarti.
- Parmarth Niketan AshramRishikesh's largest ashram in Swarg Ashram — 1,000-plus rooms, a nightly riverside Ganga aarti and a towering meditating-Shiva murti at the water's edge.
- Kunjapuri Devi TempleA hilltop Shakti Peeth at ~1,676 m near Rishikesh, revered for its Himalayan sunrise panorama of Gangotri, Swargarohini and Chaukhamba over the Doon Valley.
- Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia)The abandoned Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram where the Beatles stayed in 1968 — now a forest-department heritage site of moss-green meditation domes covered in psychedelic murals and graffiti.
- Bharat MandirRishikesh's oldest temple — a shrine to Vishnu as Hrishikesh Narayan, traditionally re-consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya in 789 CE, tucked in the old-town lanes near Triveni Ghat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bhadra Kali Temple in Rishikesh?
It is in the Mayakund area of old Rishikesh, in the narrow bazaar lanes just west of (behind) the ancient Bharat Mandir and close to Triveni Ghat. The postal area is 249201. Because vehicles cannot enter the lanes, the last stretch is a short walk — locals know it as 'Bhadrakali Mandir, near Bharat Mandir'.
Is there an entry fee for Bhadra Kali Temple?
No, entry is free. Like most active neighbourhood shrines in Rishikesh, it is open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Offerings are voluntary.
What are the temple timings?
Timings are informal for this small local shrine — it is reported to open roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, often with a midday break, and with morning and evening aarti. As hours can vary, it is best to confirm locally or plan your visit around the morning or evening worship.
Why is Bhadra Kali Temple significant?
It is regarded as the guardian-goddess shrine of Rishikesh, dedicated to the Devi in her auspicious Bhadra Kali form, and is glorified in the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purana. Devotees describe it as a Siddha Pitha. Its setting beside Bharat Mandir — traditionally counted as Rishikesh's oldest temple — makes it a meaningful, low-key stop on an old-town temple walk away from the busier riverfront crowds.
When is the best time to visit?
The two Navratri seasons (spring, around March/April, and autumn, around September/October) bring the most devotional atmosphere, with recitations of the Durga Saptashati. Tuesdays and Fridays are customarily associated with the Goddess and see steady worship. For comfortable weather, October to March is ideal, and early mornings in the old town are especially calm. Remove your shoes, dress modestly, and stay quiet during aarti.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Bhadra Kali Temple?
Rishikesh is a vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, so the whole neighbourhood is pure-veg. The Mayakund bazaar around the temple has traditional sweet, kachori and chai shops, and a short walk to Triveni Ghat opens up a run of vegetarian thali, chaat and snack stalls plus simple Ganga-front cafes. Pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter, and confirm any specific outlet's timings locally.