According to Hindu legends, Daksh Mahadey temple or Shri Daksheshwar temple was built at the site of the yagna held by Daksh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The holy shrine is known to be built in 1810 AD by Queen Dhankaur. It is located about 6 km from the heart of the city and is one of the most important temple sin Haridwar.
The holy Shiv idol, in phallic form, is situated at the centre of Shri Daksheshwar Temple. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees in August, also known as the holy month of Sawan, the month of Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar. Special rituals are also performed here on the Shivratri, the marriage day of Shiva and Shakti. Close to this temple are two other holy places, Daksha Ghat and Nileshwar Mahadev Temple.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
About Chandi Devi
Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh on the top of the Neel Parvat . The distance from Haridwar to the temple is about 6 kms and the there is an option of trekking uphill for the last three 3 kms or taking the cable car. There is an interesting story behind this temple. Legend has it that two demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha waged a war against Lord Indra and captured his kingdom. Then they threw all the Gods out of heaven and started to make merry. Taking pity on the God’s plight, Goddess Parvati took the form of Chandi Devi to slaughter the demon kings and return the kingdom to Indra. The Goddess Chanda Devi is believed to have rested on this very hill top for a while. Hence the temple was built on that sacred spot to commemorate her. The main idol of Goddess Chanda Devi is said to have been established in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple is known as one of the Siddha Peethas where one’s wishes are fulfilled and every year, millions of devotees make their way to seek the blessings of Chanda Devi.
Mahadev Neelkanth
According to mythological accounts, during Sagar Manthan, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue. Hence, Shiva also became famous as Neelkanth. A four hour walk from Lakshman Jhoola, this temple is situated at a height of 1700 meters. Quite truly, a not-to-be-missed travel destination away from the madding crowd.
