HARIDWAR KANKHAL
Haridwar is a bustling
pilgrimage site of the state of Uttarakhand which is surrounded with the quaint
and majestic Himalayan Ranges. The Ganges, which emerges on the northern plains
first in Haridwar, is another holy attraction of the place. With such sacred
appeals, Haridwar is always buzzing with pilgrims and tourists.
Kankhal is comparatively a calm location placed at a distance from Haridwar. The
Daksha Mahadev temple is one of the main shrines of Kankhal, which is visited by
huge number of devotees. The historic past of this temple speaks of a rather
interesting mythological incident. It is believed that Daksha once arranged a
yagna and to humiliate his son-in-law Lord Shiva � did not invite him. Realizing
this Sati, who was the daughter of Daksha, sacrificed her life in the fire of
the same yagna. Lord Shiva, on being informed about his consort's death, went to
Daksha's kingdom, lifted Sati's body and started the Tandava dance. This is also
known as the dance of destruction in Hindu mythology.
Daksha Mahadev Temple is a famous temple in Kankhal, Haridwar dedicated to Lord
Shiva. A sacred place of great devotion and faith among Lord Shiva devotees,
this Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is a centre of attraction in holy month of Savan
as per Hindu calender. This temple of Lord Shiva is named after King Daksha
Prajapati, father of Sati.
Daksha Mahadev Temple History
As per mythology, King Daksha Prajapati was the son of
Brahma and had a daughter Sati who married to Lord Shiva. Once King Daksha
organized a big Yagya and all gods, sages and saints were invited except his
son-in-law, Lord Shiva. King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva in the presence of Sati
and she jump to the fire of Yagya. Lord Shiva then in anger send one of his
Ganas Virbhadra, a great warrior to Kankhal. Virbhadra chopped off the head of
King Daksha. After the long behest by all the Gods, Lord Shiva gave life to King
Daksha and put a head of male goat on him. King Daksha realise his mistakes and
repented before Lord Shiva. Then Lord Shiva declared that during holy month
Savan, he will reside in Kankhal. At the place of Yagya Kund, Daksha Mahadev
Temple was built.
How To Reach Daksha Mahadev Temple
Daksha Mahadev Temple is located in Kankhal, 4 kms from Haridwar. One can reach
at Daksha Mahadev Temple by bus or taxi from Haridwar. Nearest railway station
to reach Daksha Mahadev Temple is Haridwar railway station (03 km) and airport
at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (38 kms).