About Shakti Temple
Opening Hours: 05:00 AM - 09:30 PM
Prime Day & Hours: All days, Morning Aarti
Suggested Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station, about 139.7 km away
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 168.3 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Uttarkashi Bus Stand, about 500 m away
The Shakti Temple in Uttarkashi is an ancient and well-known shrine that is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located along the beautiful banks of the Bhagirathi River. This temple is most famous for its 6-meter-high trident, locally known as the “trishul,” featuring a copper base and an iron shaft. This trident is believed to be used by the goddess herself in the battle, and it is said that it cannot be moved by hard force but vibrates when touched gently. It is a phenomenon that draws pilgrims to this temple from across India, making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.
The temple showcases classic Himalayan stone architecture and sits directly opposite the renowned Kashi Vishwanath Temple, forming a significant part of Uttarkashi’s religious circuit. Inside, visitors will find smaller shrines dedicated to deities like Shiva, Kali, Ganesh, and Hanuman.
The peaceful riverfront location, daily aartis, and vibrant festival celebrations, especially during Navratri, add to the temple’s powerful spiritual ambience. It is a must-visit destination for seekers of devotion, culture, and tranquillity, to club with your Uttarakhand pilgrimage tour package.
Shakti Temple Highlights
• Witness the legendary trishul in Shakti Temple, Uttarkashi, which is known for its majestic size and significance tied to Goddess Durga’s victory.
• Attend soulful aartis by the beautiful Bhagirathi River, especially during Navratri, with radiant devotional fervour.
• Admire traditional Himalayan stone architecture, featuring rustic pillars and ornate temple gates.
• Explore Uttarkashi’s sacred temple circuit, including Vishwanath, Kuteti Devi, and Sakshi Golpal temples.
How To Reach Shakti Temple
- By foot- The Shakti Temple is approximately 450 m away from the Uttarkashi city centre, and you can reach it in around 3 minutes via NH 34. Visitors with mobility issues can also take a taxi from the city centre to reach the Shakti Temple.
Best Time To Visit Shakti Temple
Peak Season (March - May, September- November)
- Weather Insight: Clear skies, pleasant 10 - 25 °C, ideal for outdoor prayers.
- Things to Do: Attend pristine aartis, enjoy riverside views, and explore nearby shrines.
Moderate Season (June - August)
- Weather Insight: Warm and wet, 15 - 30 °C with summer rains.
- Things to Do: Temple remains open; bring rain gear. Roads may be slick; check local conditions.
Low Season (December - February)
- Weather Insight: Chilly 0 - 10 °C and occasional snowfall.
- Things to Do: Quiet darshan, kirtans, and picturesque snow-draped ambience; dress in warm layers.
Shakti Temple Other Essential Information
Know Before You Go
- Dress respectfully in modest attire suitable for temples; scarves for women are appreciated.
- Touch the trishul gently, using just a fingertip to feel its mystical vibration without force.
- Time your visit to coincide with dawn or dusk aartis for a powerful spiritual experience.
- Carry some cash, as donations and small puja items are usually cash-only.
- Combine nearby shrines by walking along the riverside ghat, with parking and benches, making it easy even for older visitors.
Touch the Trishul and Feel the Vibration
Gently place your fingertip on the temple’s iconic six-meter trident and sense its subtle tremble, a mystical phenomenon tied to local beliefs about divine energy. It’s a quiet, spine-tingling moment that resonates with power beyond mere myth and makes for a unique spiritual highlight of your visit.
Attend Aarti by the Bhagirathi River
Join one of the temple’s daily dawn or dusk aartis beside the flowing Bhagirathi. Watch priests offer chants and diya-lit prayers by the riverfront. The fusion of ambient river sounds, mountain whispers, and devotional singing creates a transcendental moment unique to Uttarkashi’s spiritual landscape.
Experience Navratri Celebrations
Walk the Riverside Shrine Circuit
Combine your visit to Shakti Temple with a peaceful walk across to Kashi Vishwanath and nearby shrines like Kuteti Devi, Sakshi Gopal, and Markandeya Rishi. This compact pilgrimage circuit along the riverbank offers architectural variety and spiritual depth within a short, contemplative stroll.
Tourism Board Alliances
Shakti Temple FAQs
Where is the Shakti Temple located in Uttarkashi?
The temple is located centrally in Uttarkashi, perched right on the Bhagirathi River bank, opposite the Vishwanath Temple. It’s about a 1 km walk or short auto ride from the town’s bus stand, making it easily accessible even for elderly visitors.
What is the story behind the giant trishul and its vibration?
According to legend, the six-meter trident was thrown by Goddess Durga to vanquish demons. Its base is copper, with an iron shaft. Local belief says the trishul remains immovable by force but vibrates when touched gently, symbolising the activation of divine energy.
When is the best time to attend festivals?
The ideal times to explore are between March and May, as well as September and November. You’ll be greeted with sunny skies, mild temperatures, and a vibrant arts scene. Navratri, celebrated in both spring and autumn, is a particularly lively occasion. Winter has its own tranquil allure, while the monsoon season can bring some rain, so be sure to carry a raincoat if you’re visiting during the summer months.
