Harihareshwar Temple / Kalbhairav Temple, Harihareshwar - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

At a distance of 500 m from Harihareshwar Bus Stop, Harihareshwar Temple, also known as Kalbhairav Temple is a Hindu temple located at Harihareshwar town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The temple complex comprises two adjacent temples. One of them is a small Kalbhairav temple that needs to be visited first and the other is the main Harihareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva created Kalbhairava and blessed him with all mantras. Harihareshwar Temple is one of the most renowned temples in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and among the most famous places to visit to as part of the Harihareshwar tour packages.

History of Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

Built in the late medieval period, Lord Harihareshwar, the presiding deity of Harihareshwr Temple is regarded as the ancestral deity of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the great Maratha Empire. Pradakshina Marg or the circumambulatory path around the temple was built by Chandrarao More. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj visited the Harihareshwar temple in 1674. The temple was renovated completely in 1723 by Bajirao Peshwa I after having been almost destroyed in a fire.

Architecture of Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

Situated atop the Harihareshwar Hill, the architecture of the temple is unique and attractive. Inside the main sanctum of the temple, there are idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Vishnu, and Brahma. Quite close to the temple, there are also two temples dedicated to Lord Kalbhairav and Goddess Yogeshwari, which are also must visit. A pradakshina path goes around the temple, along the seashore. It is not advisable to go on this route during high tide. There is also a huge boulder divided into two segments just behind the temple. It is believed that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, broke a huge boulder into two separate pieces since it stood in the way to the temple. There is also a viewpoint situated near the temple that offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, and Harihareshwar Beach.

Festivals of Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

Many significant festivals are celebrated at Harihareshwar temple. The most prominent celebration is Maha Shivaratri, occurring in February or March, during which all-night prayers, processions, and unique rituals honoring Lord Shiva take place. Additionally, Navratri, Kartik Poornima, Kalbhairav Jayanti, and Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated with great pomp and fervor at this temple.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

While the Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple doesn't have a strict dress code, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 8 PM

Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

The best time to visit the Harihareshwar Temple is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant, and suitable for sightseeing. The temple attracts huge crowds during the festival of Maha Shivratri that usually occurs in February/March. The summers in Harihareshwar are quite warm, followed by a humid monsoon.

How to Reach Harihareshwar/Kalbhairav Temple

Mumbai Airport is the nearest airport which is about 207 Km from Harihareshwar. Pune Airport, located at a distance of approximately 181 km from the town can also be an option for travelers traveling through airways. About 60 Km away, Mangaon is the nearest railhead to Harihareshwar and has trains from many cities like Madgaon, Mumbai, Kochuveli, Sriganganagar, Okha, Ratnagiri, Kochi, Sawantwadi, and Mangalore. Harihareshwar is well connected by bus with Mumbai, Lonavala, Pune, Alibaug, Ratnagiri, Dapoi, and Srivardhan.