Daat Kali Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Daat Kali Mandir is located near Asarodi checkpost on Dehradun- Saharanpur Road. After Tapkeshwar Temple and Chaar Siddh Temple, it is the most popular and revered shrine in Dehradun and the nearby areas. Situated just 7 km from Dehradun ISBT, the temple is visited daily by several devotees seeking the blessings of Goddess Kali. Newly married couples and people bought a new vehicle often visit the shrine for the deity's blessing. Being located on the Dehradun-Uttar Pradesh national highway, the temple is equally popular among devotees from both states.

Blessings of other deities

Alongside the main idol, the temple also houses small idols of other deities. After offering prayer, devotees break a coconut received in their prasad and offer it at the havan kund. Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday are the days when the temple is most frequently visited by the devotees. On these days, devotees often organise a bhandara after their wishes are fulfilled. After seeking the blessing of the deity, devotees must visit the Shri Bhadrakaali and Bhairav temple situated near the cave entrance. It is important to offer a prayer here; otherwise, their wishes will not be fulfilled. After offering prayer at the Bhairav Temple, there is a small Hanuman temple, which is the last stop for prayers at this shrine. However, this temple remains closed, and devotees can offer their prayers from outside. Caution is required while offering prayer and prasad here, as the temple is surrounded by many monkeys.

Eternal Flame

Situated in the midst of the Jungle, the temple is surrounded by trees, giving it a tranquil environment. Due to its surroundings, the temple also houses several monkeys, which often cause problems for the devotees. A small cave near the temple is always a major attraction among the devotees. Maa Daat Kali Temple is one of the oldest temples in the region, which was established in 1804. The main complex of the shrine houses a large black idol of the Goddess Kali, with an eternal flame that has been constantly burning for over 220 years. Whenever people organised a Jagrata, they lit up their jyot (sacred fire) using this eternal flame. Behind the shrine, there is a Havan Kund (sacrificial fire pit), and it is believed that the sacrificial fire of the kund has been burning eternally. Devotees usually collect the ashes of this kund for blessings.

A Common Ritual

Maa Daat Kaali Mandir is also known as Siddh Peeth. The temple is known for several customs, usually followed by the devotees. Among them, the most common practice is visiting the temple after purchasing a new vehicle. After performing a pooja, the priest installs a 'Vahana Durghatna Yantra', which is believed to safeguard the vehicle from accidents and evil eye. Additionally, for a trouble-free journey, passerby often stops at the temple to seek the goddess's blessing.

Temple Timing

The temple is open daily for the devotees from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. However, during the festive season, especially during Navratri, the opening and closing times may vary.

History

The temple's history dates back to 1804, during the construction of the Dehradun and Saharanpur highway. As per the local folklore, the engineer overseeing the project saw Goddess Kali in his dream during the construction, which signifies her presence near the site. Later, the engineer handed over the idol of Goddess Kaali to Sukhbir Gosain, who built the temple.

Another folklore suggests that Sukhibar Gosain constructed the temple to safeguard the Gorkha troops who were ruling the area at that time. The ancient name of the temple is Maa Ghate Wali Devi. Since the cave near the temple was constructed, it was renamed as Daat Kali Temple, where the 'Daat' means 'Teeth' in Hindi. The temple was named after the fierce form of the deity with protruding teeth.

Important Tips for Travellers

• Direct Transportation options are limited; visitors must book a taxi/auto/vikram for their visit.
• Mobile Networks are limited in the region; it is advisable to carry sufficient cash.
• Roadside free parking is available for both cars and bikes.
• A free shoe rack stand is available at the entrance.
• Be aware of monkeys and keep your bag and other items safe.
• Prasad shops are available near the temple.
• During weekends and on Navratri, the temple may feel extremely overcrowded.
• On weekends, a bhandara (big feast) is organised by the devotees.
• Do not forget to seek a blessing at the Hanuman Temple and other temples situated near the shrine.

Nearby Attraction

• Temple is surrounded by a few popular places, which can also be visited by the devotees, such as: -
  • Buddha Temple.
  • Shri Shakambhari Devi Mandir
  • Forest Research Institute.
  • Manak Sidh Temple.
  • Jhanda Sahib.

How To Reach

By Road: - Daat Kali Temple distance from Dehradun ISBT is around 7 km and is easily accessible by city mini bus. Alternatively, visitors can book an auto, Vikram, or a Tata Magic to reach the temple.

By Rail: - The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station, situated around 13 km away. Auto, taxi, and Vikram can be easily booked from the station.

By Air: - The nearest Airport is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport, around 36 km away. From there, visitors can book a cab to access the temple directly.

Best Time to Visit

The temple can be visited throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit is considered to be during Navratri and other festivals. However, during these days and particularly on weekends, the temple attracts a large number of devotees.

Height From Sea Level

The Daat Kali temple is located around 700 meters (approximately 2,300 feet) above sea level.