The Unique Tradition of Train Horns at Haridwar's Ancient Kali Temple

In Haridwar, a captivating tradition sees trains blowing their horns as they pass beneath an ancient Kali temple. This custom, believed to have started during the British era, symbolizes respect for the goddess. The temple, thought to date back to the Mahabharata, is uniquely situated above a railway line. A recent Instagram video highlights this fascinating practice, showcasing how every train honors Goddess Kali. Local beliefs suggest that the tradition began after a warning from the goddess to engineers during railway construction. The post has garnered significant attention, with many expressing their devotion in the comments. Discover the enchanting story behind this unique cultural phenomenon.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 27, 2026, 12:04 IST

A Unique Tradition at Haridwar's Kali Temple

In Haridwar, a remarkable tradition persists where trains blow their horns as they pass beneath an ancient Kali temple. This custom is believed to have originated during the British era, following a miraculous event involving Goddess Kali.

Located in Uttarakhand, this extraordinary temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is considered quite ancient, with some believing it dates back to the Mahabharata era. Nestled within a cave on a mountain, the temple is uniquely positioned above the railway line connecting Haridwar and Dehradun.

A travel content creator, Rishabh Sharma, recently shared a video on Instagram showcasing this temple's unique feature. The footage reveals that as a train passes directly beneath the temple, it sounds its horn—a gesture regarded as a sign of respect and reverence towards Goddess Kali.

Why Does the Train Horn Sound?

In a pinned comment on his post, Rishabh Sharma elaborated on the story behind this tradition. According to local beliefs, the temple houses a self-manifested idol of Goddess Kali. During the British era, when railway tracks were being laid, engineers demolished a bridge leading to the temple. Following this, all railway work came to an abrupt halt, and no progress could be made despite various attempts. Locals believe that Goddess Kali appeared in the dreams of a British engineer, warning him that the railway work would not resume until the bridge was rebuilt and the path to the temple restored.

Fearing repercussions, the engineers rebuilt the bridge, honoring the path to the temple. Only then did the railway work resume smoothly. Since that time, every train passing through this area has blown its horn in homage to Goddess Kali, establishing a tradition that continues to this day. In the video, Rishabh Sharma is seen traveling on the train, and as it approaches the temple, the horn resonates. He captioned it, ‘The most unique temple in Haridwar. It is said that every devotee who visits here has their wishes fulfilled by Goddess Kali.’

A Wave of Devotion

This post gained immense popularity on Instagram, receiving over 65,000 likes. In the comments, users expressed their devotion with phrases like ‘Jai Mata Di’ and ‘Jai Maa Kali.’ Some remarked, ‘I’ve seen and heard it myself,’ while others noted, ‘If you’ve visited Har Ki Pauri, you must have seen this temple.’ One comment read, ‘Yes, I’ve experienced it firsthand.’ The video beautifully illustrates how devotees come to seek blessings from Goddess Kali while trains continue to pass beneath the temple.