Hariyali Devi Temple

Dedicated to Hariyala Devi, a revered form of the feminine divine, the temple is situated in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Siddh Peeths in the region, which is believed to have been established during the time of revered Aadiguru Shankracharya. The deity is said to be the protector of more than 250 nearby villages, where local villagers offer their prayers daily and celebrate festivals and rituals with great pomp and show.
 

Hariyali Devi Mandir is one of the most significant temples in the region. The idol enshrined in the temple was seated on the lion's back. The deity known as Hariyali Devi in Uttarakhand is also known as Sitala Mata in the Kumaun region.

Three Hariyali Devi Temple

Rudraprayag is particularly known for the three Hariyali Devi Temples. Among them, Hariyali Devi Temple at Kantha and Hariyali Devi Mandir at Jasoli are the prominent ones. The Jasoli temple is believed to be the deities' in-laws' home, while the temple at Kantha is her maternal home. The distance between these two Hariyalai Devi Mandir is around 7 km. Besides these two temples, there is another Hariyali Temple in Syund, which is just 15 km away from Rudraprayag and is located on the Chopta-Pohkri road.

Hariyali Kantha Yatra 2025

Every year on the occasion of Dhanteras, villagers and the temple committee organise the Hariyalai Kantha Yatra. During this event, the palanquin of the Goddess Hariyali Devi was brought to her maternal home at Hariyal Parvat. Devotees from nearby and far gather to seek the deity's blessing. The ritual during this yatra was performed in a satvik manner, which is why the men who participate in this yatra must give up non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic at least one week before the yatra.
 

In 2025, the Haryali Devi's Hariyali Kantha Yatra is scheduled to take place on 18 October 2025. This pious yatra is conducted through four phases. At each stage, it stops at specific places, where the local villagers welcome the palanquin. With the first ray of the sun, the doli reaches its final place, i.e. Haryali Parvat.

Phase Wise Yatra

• In the first phase, the sacred journey starts from the Jasoli temple on the evening of Dhanteras and proceeds to its first halt at Kodima. The palanquin of the deity is primarily led by the symbols of the goddess's brother, heet and latu devta.
• After marching forward, the doli reaches its second halt at Banso. Despite the severe cold, several villagers eagerly await the deity singing hymns and doing bhajan and kirtan.
• Around midnight, the doli will reach its third phase at Panchrangya, where the deity is given a ritual bath.
• After resting for some time, the doli moves toward its final destination, which is Kankhal.

With the first ray of sun around 5 am, the doli reaches the temple complex. Interestingly, the palanquin is not kept inside the shrine; instead, it is placed on its roof. It is believed that if the doli enters the shrine, it will be difficult to bring it back. After worship and a havan, the yatra departs for Jasoli. The entire yatra is undertaken barefoot, which passes through the dense forests while chanting praises of Bhagwati.

Janmashtami and Navratri Celebration

Along with the Hariyali Kantha Yatra, the temple committee organises a three-day fair during Janmashtami. People from nearby areas with a deep faith participate in this fair. In addition, Chaitra and Sharad Navratri are also celebrated with utmost devotion, which attracts a large crowd during these festivals.

History

As per the legend, when Maata Devaki and Vasudev gave birth to their seventh child, a daughter named Mahamaya, Kamsa (Kans) wanted to kill her. As soon as Kamsa threw her to the ground, her body scattered into pieces. It is believed that the hand of Mahamaya fell at Jasoli. Since then, the deity has been worshipped here as Hariyali Devi.

Location and Accessibility

Hariyali Devi Temple at Kantha is located around 225 km from Rishikesh, near Nagrasu on the Badrinath Highway. From the main highway, the temple is around 21 km away, which also includes a short trek of 200 meters. Buses and shared taxis up to Rudraprayag are easily available from the Rishikesh Bus Stand. From there, visitors can take a shared taxi to reach the temple.

Accommodation

Accommodation facilities are not available near the site. Visitors can find such an option on the Badrinath Highway or near Rudraprayag.

Important Tips for Travellers

• Shared taxis are available from the Rudraprayag bus stand.
• Roadside parking is available near the entrance gate.
• During Navratri, the temple attracts a large crowd.
• On Dhanteras, the palanquin of the Goddess is brought to her maternal home.
• To participate in the Hariyalai Kantha Yatra, devotees must give up non-veg items at least a week before the yatra.
• Keep enough cash during your visit, as ATM are not available near the site.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the temple is around 200 meters away from the main road and passes through dense forest.
• Avoid visiting during the monsoon, as it brings various challenges.

Nearby Attraction

Rudraprayag is surrounded by various tourist places, which can also be discovered during your visit to Hariyali Devi Temple. Some prominent places are: -

• Dhari Devi Temple
• Kartik Swami Temple
• Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
• Omkareshwar Temple