Daat Kali Temple, also known as Daat Kali Mandir and Maa Daat Kali Siddhpeeth, is a famous temple of Maa Kali set among the Shivalik hills on the road from Dehradun to Saharanpur. It stands near the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh border, about 14 to 15 km from Dehradun city. It is believed that the temple was founded in 1804, when the British were cutting through the hill here to build a tunnel, and that Maa came to be called “Daat wali Kali” after that very tunnel.
For people in and around Dehradun, the blessing of Maa Daat Kali is part of every auspicious beginning. Whether it is a new vehicle, a new job or a wedding, many families come here first to bow before Maa. Travellers heading to or from Dehradun also stop on the way to ask Maa for a safe journey.
This guide brings together the history of Daat Kali Temple, the legend of the tunnel and Maa’s appearance, the meaning of the name “Daat”, the full procedure of the new vehicle puja, darshan timings, how to reach from Dehradun and Delhi, Navratri, and other famous temples of Dehradun.
Daat Kali Temple at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Daat Kali Temple, Daat Kali Mandir, Maa Daat Kali Siddhpeeth |
| Location | Dehradun Saharanpur Road, Asharodi area, Dehradun, Uttarakhand |
| Border | Near the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh border |
| Main deity | Maa Kali |
| Founded | 1804 (according to temple tradition) |
| Meaning of “Daat” | An arched tunnel cut through the hill |
| Darshan timings | Daily, 5 AM to 9 PM |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Special traditions | New vehicle puja, akhand jyoti |
| Busiest days | Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday and both Navratris |
| Distance from city | About 14 to 15 km from Dehradun city |
How the Name “Daat” Kali Came About
In the local language, an arched tunnel or arch cut through a hill is called a “daat”. Around 1804, the British were cutting through the Shivalik hill here to build a tunnel linking Dehradun with Saharanpur. This tunnel came to be known as the “daat”, and people began calling Maa Kali, who resides next to it, Daat wali Kali or Daat Kali.
The name does not come from the Hindi word “daantna” (to scold), as some people assume. It is directly linked to that old tunnel, next to which the temple still stands today.
The Legend of Daat Kali Temple: The Tunnel and Maa’s Appearance
According to temple tradition, when the tunnel was being built here in British times, the work kept running into obstacles. However much digging was done in a day, some problem would arise and the work could not move forward.
The legend says that Maa Kali then appeared in a dream, revealed her presence and expressed her wish to be installed here. In some versions the dream came to an officer overseeing the tunnel work, and in others to the ancestors of the mahant family associated with the temple. A murti of Maa was then installed near the tunnel, and it is believed that the tunnel was completed without further obstacles.
From then on, this place became famous as Maa Daat Kali. According to temple tradition, the first mahant here was Sukhbir Gusain, and the temple is still served by people from the same tradition.
The Akhand Jyoti
An akhand jyoti (eternal flame) burns constantly before Maa in the temple, and devotees consider its darshan very auspicious. Some sources say it has been burning since 1804 and others since 1921. Whatever the date, for devotees this flame is a symbol of Maa’s unbroken grace.
Why Daat Kali Temple Is Special
Among the many temples of Dehradun, Daat Kali has its own identity, for several reasons:
- Protector of the road: For two hundred years, every traveller has come to and left Dehradun along this route. So Maa Daat Kali is regarded as the protector of this road and its travellers, and drivers and people in the transport trade have special faith here.
- The first stop for every good beginning: A new vehicle, a new home, a new business or a new job; many families come here for Maa’s blessing before any new beginning.
- Newlyweds: After the wedding, many couples come for Maa’s darshan and pray for a happy life.
- The wish chunri: Devotees tie a chunri here while making a wish, and when the wish is fulfilled they return to thank Maa.
- The natural setting of the Shivaliks: Surrounded by sal and other forest, the temple sits in a peaceful spot among the hills, away from the noise of the city.
The Meaning of Worshipping Maa Kali
Maa Kali is the fierce form of Goddess Durga, who destroys evil, fear and negativity. Yet for devotees she is a loving mother who protects them in times of trouble. That is why devotees come to Daat Kali not out of fear but out of faith, asking Maa for protection on every road of life.
The Tunnels of Daat Kali: From the Old Daat to the Expressway
Three different tunnels are mentioned around Daat Kali Temple, and many articles mix them up:
- The old “daat” tunnel: The historic tunnel from British times after which the temple is named. It is said that it was originally unpaved and was made pucca in the 1930s.
- The new tunnel: Because of growing traffic, a new two lane tunnel was built next to the old one a few years ago.
- The Delhi Dehradun Expressway: The final stretch of this expressway, opened in April 2026, also passes near Daat Kali, with its own tunnel and an elevated corridor built for wildlife.
So over two hundred years the roads have kept changing, but every route still reaches Dehradun by passing Maa Daat Kali. Perhaps that is why Maa is also regarded as the guardian deity of this route.
New Vehicle Puja: Daat Kali’s Most Special Tradition
The best known tradition at Daat Kali Temple is the new vehicle puja. After buying a new car, bike, scooter, truck or bus, many people from Dehradun and nearby districts bring it here first, so that every journey stays safe with Maa’s blessing. A row of decorated new vehicles along the road outside the temple is a common sight here.
How the New Vehicle Puja Is Done
- Park the vehicle at the designated spot near the temple.
- Buy a chunri, coconut, flower garland, kalawa (sacred thread) and prasad from the shops outside the temple.
- First have darshan of Maa in the temple and pray for the vehicle’s safety.
- The priest then applies a swastik and tilak on the vehicle with roli, ties kalawa and Maa’s chunri on it, and performs the puja with mantras.
- Finally, a coconut is broken in front of the vehicle and prasad is distributed.
The dakshina and cost of puja items are according to your own devotion. On crowded days, especially around Navratri and festivals, there is a queue for vehicle puja, so it is better to go early in the morning.
To find an auspicious day and muhurat for buying a new vehicle, see our Vehicle Purchase Muhurat.
Darshan Timings and Aarti
Daat Kali Temple is open for darshan daily from 5 AM to 9 PM. Maa’s aarti is held in the morning and evening.
Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays are far busier than other days. During the nine days of Navratri, long queues form from early morning. For a peaceful darshan, go on a weekday morning between Monday and Friday.
How to Do Darshan
- Walk from the parking area to the main gate of the temple. You will find shops selling puja items and prasad along the way.
- Leave your shoes at the designated place.
- Have darshan of Maa Kali, offer the chunri and prasad, and have darshan of the akhand jyoti.
- Many devotees tie a chunri here for their wishes.
On ordinary days, darshan takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you also want a vehicle puja, allow an hour.
What to Offer at Daat Kali Temple
Maa is offered a red chunri, coconut, red flowers, sindoor, shringar items and prasad. Many devotees also offer ghee, oil and flour for the akhand jyoti and the bhandara. Reciting the Shri Durga Chalisa and singing the Jai Ambe Gauri aarti during darshan is also a tradition for many devotees.
How to Reach Daat Kali Temple
The temple is on the Dehradun Saharanpur road, so it is easy to reach from Dehradun city, Delhi or Saharanpur.
| From | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| ISBT Dehradun | 7 to 9 km |
| Clock Tower (Dehradun city) | 14 to 15 km |
| Dehradun Railway Station | 13 to 15 km |
| Jolly Grant Airport | About 40 km |
| Saharanpur | About 60 km |
| Delhi (via the expressway) | About 210 km |
These distances can vary slightly depending on the route.
From Dehradun city: From ISBT, head along the Saharanpur road to reach the temple. You can easily go by auto, cab, local bus or your own vehicle.
By train: From Dehradun railway station, you can reach the temple by cab or auto in about 30 to 40 minutes.
By air: From Jolly Grant Airport, a taxi takes about an hour to an hour and a quarter.
From Delhi: The Delhi Dehradun Expressway, opened in April 2026, has made the journey from Delhi to Dehradun much shorter, and the temple comes on the way just before you enter Dehradun. Follow the signboards on the expressway for the route to the temple. Many travellers from Delhi stop here for Maa’s darshan before going on to Dehradun or Mussoorie.
Parking
There is parking near the temple, but it fills up quickly on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and during Navratri. If you have come for a vehicle puja, ask the priest or temple staff before parking, so that no jam forms on the highway.
Navratri and the Annual Festival
Both Navratris, Chaitra and Sharadiya, are the biggest festivals at Daat Kali Temple. During these nine days the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, crowds of devotees remain from morning to night, and a bhandara is organised. Ashtami and Navami draw the biggest crowds.
Every year in June, the temple’s foundation day (annual festival) is also celebrated with great devotion, with special puja and a bhandara. You can find each year’s Navratri dates in our Vrat and Festival Calendar.
Latest Update (November 2026)
- 14 April 2026: Before inaugurating the Delhi Dehradun Expressway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had darshan and offered prayers at Daat Kali Temple.
- April 2026: With the Delhi Dehradun Expressway now open, reaching the temple has become easier for devotees coming from Delhi and nearby areas.
- 20 March 2026 and 27 September 2025: The Governor of Uttarakhand had darshan and offered prayers at Maa Daat Kali Temple.
We update this section every two to three months and whenever there is major news.
Best Time to Visit Daat Kali Temple
The temple is open all year round. The weather is most pleasant from October to March. In summer, choose the morning or evening. In the monsoon the Shivalik hills turn lush green, but drive carefully on the highway on rainy days.
To see the festive atmosphere, go during Navratri. For peace, or to get a vehicle puja done without a queue, go on a weekday morning.
Temple Rules and Useful Tips
- Wear modest clothes and keep silence in the temple.
- Avoid taking photos and videos in the sanctum.
- Leave your shoes only at the designated place.
- The temple is right next to the highway, so hold children’s hands and take care while crossing the road.
- Do not park on the road; use only the designated parking.
- Do not litter with plastic.
Other Famous Temples in Dehradun
After darshan at Daat Kali, you can also visit these famous temples of Dehradun:
| Temple | Why go |
|---|---|
| Tapkeshwar Temple | An ancient cave temple of Shiva where water drips naturally onto the Shivling |
| Prakasheshwar Mahadev Temple | A well known Shiva temple on the Mussoorie road |
| Santala Devi Temple | An ancient Devi temple on a hilltop |
| Laxman Siddh Temple | A siddh peeth in the forest near the Haridwar road |
| Darbar Sahib (Jhanda Ji) | The historic darbar of Guru Ram Rai ji in the city centre, famous for the Jhanda Mela |
One Day Plan
Start the day with darshan and a vehicle puja at Daat Kali Temple. Then return to the city and visit Tapkeshwar Temple, spend the afternoon around FRI or the Clock Tower, and in the evening have darshan at Prakasheshwar Mahadev on the Mussoorie road.
Common Misconceptions About Daat Kali Temple
| Misconception | Fact |
|---|---|
| “Daat” means scolding | “Daat” means an arched tunnel through the hill, after which the temple is named |
| The temple is in Uttar Pradesh | The temple is in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, just near the UP border |
| Daat Kali is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths | The temple calls itself a Siddhpeeth; it is not in the traditional list of 51 Shaktipeeths |
| There is a ticket for darshan | Darshan is completely free |
| Vehicle puja happens only in Navratri | New vehicle puja happens every day throughout the year |
Stay connected: Watch bhajans, aartis and temple videos on our YouTube channel, and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Daat Kali Temple?
Daat Kali Temple is in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, on the Dehradun Saharanpur road near the UP border, about 14 to 15 km from the city.
Why is it called "Daat" Kali?
“Daat” means an arched tunnel through a hill. Because the temple is next to the tunnel built by the British around 1804, Maa came to be called Daat Kali.
When was Daat Kali Temple founded?
According to temple tradition, Daat Kali Temple was founded in 1804.
What are the timings of Daat Kali Temple?
The temple is open for darshan daily from 5 AM to 9 PM.
What is the aarti time at Daat Kali Temple?
Maa’s aarti is held every morning and evening. The exact time may vary slightly with the season.
Why do people get new vehicle puja done at Daat Kali?
Devotees believe that Maa Daat Kali protects this road and its travellers, so they take Maa’s blessing for a new vehicle first and pray for safe journeys.
What is needed for the new vehicle puja?
A chunri, coconut, flower garland, kalawa, roli and prasad. All of these are available at the shops outside the temple.
Is there an entry fee at Daat Kali Temple?
No, darshan is completely free.
How far is Daat Kali Temple from ISBT Dehradun?
The temple is about 7 to 9 km from ISBT, a 15 to 20 minute ride by auto or cab.
How do I reach Daat Kali Temple from Delhi?
Take the Delhi Dehradun Expressway. The temple comes on the way before you enter Dehradun city; follow the signboards on the expressway towards the temple.
When is Daat Kali Temple most crowded?
Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and the Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratris are the busiest.
Is Daat Kali a Siddhpeeth?
Yes, the temple is known as Maa Daat Kali Manokamna Siddhpeeth, where devotees tie a chunri for their wishes.
Since when has the akhand jyoti been burning at Daat Kali Temple?
It is believed that the akhand jyoti has been burning continuously for many years. Some sources say since 1804 and others since 1921.
Is there parking at Daat Kali Temple?
Yes, there is parking near the temple, but it fills up quickly on crowded days.
What is offered at Daat Kali Temple?
A red chunri, coconut, red flowers, sindoor, shringar items and prasad. Many devotees also offer ghee and oil for the akhand jyoti.
Did Prime Minister Modi visit Daat Kali Temple?
Yes. On 14 April 2026, before inaugurating the Delhi Dehradun Expressway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had darshan and offered prayers here.
How long does darshan at Daat Kali Temple take?
On ordinary days, 20 to 30 minutes. If you also want a vehicle puja, allow about an hour.
Which temples can I visit near Daat Kali Temple?
In Dehradun, Tapkeshwar Temple, Prakasheshwar Mahadev, Santala Devi, Laxman Siddh and Darbar Sahib are well known.
