Ancient Radha Krishna Temple at Paliwal Dharamshala Stands Firm Since 1970 Floods Located on Upper Road in Haridwar, the two-century-old Radha Krishna temple houses a rare touchstone idol and holds deep spiritual significance linked to surviving the historic deluge of 1970. Situated in the bustling Upper Road area of the holy city of Haridwar, the ancient Radha Krishna temple located inside the Paliwal Dharamshala complex holds a unique place in local religious heritage. Constructed during the British era roughly two centuries ago, the architectural endurance of this historic guest house is demonstrated by its exceptionally thick walls, which measure around 20 inches across. This solid build helped the structure withstand serious natural challenges over generations. Beyond its architectural legacy, the inner sanctum commands reverence owing to an extraordinary deity idol sculpted out of rare touchstone, locally celebrated as kasauti stone. The Rare Touchstone Deity and Spiritual Beliefs According to the temple chief priest, Pandit Yogesh Pant, idols crafted from authentic touchstone are extraordinarily scarce across India. Aside from the world-famous Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan and a sacred shrine in Kankhal, this sanctuary at Paliwal Dharamshala is among the very few sanctuaries in the country where devotees can witness such a divine representation. Devotees believe that prayers offered before this sacred black stone image never go unanswered. Worshippers visiting the shrine frequently seek blessings for domestic prosperity, relief from hardship, and enduring inner serenity, viewing the stone deity as a timeless symbol of dependability and grace. The Deluge of 1970 and the Receding Waters A central chapter in the temple lore involves the devastating flood that swept through Haridwar in the year 1970. That catastrophic flood submerged residential neighborhoods and tore through key marketplaces across the pilgrim town. As torrents of water rushed through Upper Road, the deluge entered the corridors of the historic Paliwal Dharamshala and reached the sanctum sanctorum. Tradition holds that the moment the rising floodwaters reached and touched the feet of the Lord Krishna idol, the ferocious current abruptly diminished. The waters rapidly receded back, saving the surrounding town and neighborhoods from catastrophic destruction. Fulfillment of Vows and Daily Worship Schedule Head priest Pandit Yogesh Pant highlights that sincere prayers made with devotion in this shrine fulfill essential life desires. Devotees regularly pray here seeking the gift of children, generational wealth, family happiness, and mental clarity. Pointing out the spiritual value of this heritage site, the temple management invites pilgrims traveling to Haridwar to include a stop at this Upper Road shrine alongside their sacred dip in the river Ganga. For worship and community prayers, the temple conducts its traditional grand morning aarti daily at 6:15 AM, followed by the evening prayer service scheduled precisely at 6:15 PM. What this means for you Pilgrims visiting Haridwar now have a clear worship schedule to plan their visit to this historic shrine and participate in its daily ceremonial rituals. • In Haridwar and Uttarakhand: Travelers navigating Upper Road can attend the temple daily aarti held at 6:15 AM and 6:15 PM to view the historic touchstone idol. For the local community and nearby shopkeepers, the shrine continues to serve as an enduring cultural and spiritual sanctuary. • Across India: Religious travelers interested in rare sacred iconography have an accessible destination alongside Vrindavan and Kankhal to observe an authentic touchstone murti. Devotees seeking blessings for children, business success, and peace of mind can integrate this 200-year-old landmark into their holy pilgrimage itineraries. Why this happened The historical preservation of this temple is anchored in its sturdy colonial-era masonry and an enduring tradition tracing back to the catastrophic 1970 flood. • Robust Structural Design: Erected roughly 200 years ago during the British period, the dharamshala was constructed with massive 20-inch thick walls. This sturdy architecture enabled the complex to withstand powerful natural pressures without suffering structural collapse. • The Deluge of 1970: When excessive flooding struck Haridwar in 1970, surging waters swept across commercial streets into the temple sanctuary. According to longstanding records and faith traditions, the flood rapidly receded the moment it reached the feet of the deity, sparing the shrine and town from total ruin. • Rarity of Kasauti Stone: The sanctum houses a sacred image sculpted from authentic touchstone. Because similar idols exist only in select locations such as Vrindavan and Kankhal, the shrine acquired unique historical prestige and deep regional reverence. Questions & Answers 1. Where is this ancient Radha Krishna temple located in Haridwar? The temple is located within the 200-year-old historical Paliwal Dharamshala situated on Upper Road in Haridwar. 2. What material is the Lord Krishna idol made of in this temple? The sacred idol of Lord Krishna in this temple is sculpted from rare touchstone, commonly known as kasauti stone. 3. Where else in India are such touchstone idols found? According to the priest, such rare touchstone idols are found only at the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan and a shrine in Kankhal. 4. What happened at the temple during the 1970 Haridwar floods? When floodwaters reached the shrine and touched the feet of the Krishna idol, the deluge suddenly receded, preventing massive destruction in the city. 5. How thick are the walls of this historic temple complex? Built during the British period, the walls of the Paliwal Dharamshala temple complex are built 20 inches thick. 6. What are the timings for the daily aarti at the temple? The temple holds its morning ceremonial prayer at 6:15 AM and its evening prayer service at 6:15 PM every day. https://trendkia.com/en/uttarakhand/paliwal-dharamshala-ke-prachina-radha-krishna-mndira-ka-chamatkari-itihasa-1970-ke-jalapralaya-men-bhi-raha-adiga-48944 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.