About Gauri kund
Gauri kund, one of the most sacred place and holds great importance in Kedarnath Yatra. Located at an altitude of 6502 feet above the sea level is the starting point of Kedarnath tour. It is just 16 kms away from the famous Kedarnath temple and a source of hot water spring located beside the Mandakini River. It’s a strong belief that any one going for Kedarnath should take bath in Gauri kund to make it’s yatra successful.
As per the holy scriptures and folklore it is believed that Maa Parvati meditated at this point to allure lord Shiva to marry her. It is a place where Lord shiva had accepted Maa Parvati’s proposal of marriage and got married at Triyuginarayan temple which is located at a distance of 13 kms from Gauri kund. According to other mythology it is also believed that this is the place where lord Shiva beheaded his son lord Ganesh when he stopped him from entering as Maa Parvati was taking bath at Gauri kund and asked him to guard that area. Later lord shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with the head of a elephant.
You can visit Gaurimai Mandir which is located near Gauri kund. This temple is dedicated to Maa Parvati. The lake at Gauri kund is also known as parvati sarovar and this is the place where Maa parvati had gave birth to lord Ganesha. This place holds a great importance in Hindu tradition and Kedarnath yatra tour. If you are going for Kedarnath yatra don’t forget to take bath in hot water kund before starting your trip to meet lord Shiva.
Other Places to visit near Gauri kund:-
Gauri kund is itself a marvelous place and surrounded by natural beauty all around. Madakini river flow just beside the hot water spring and the high mountains surround this place. If you have time and wish to explore some more beautiful places around then you can visit some other place listed below. In addition to natural beauty these places also holds great divine power and importance in our tradition.
Triyuginarayan temple:-
Do you know the marriage spot of lord shiva is yet exists and very close to Gauri Kund. Yes you heard right, the Triyuginarayan temple which is a marriage spot of lord shiva and Maa Parvati is yet in existence and is just 13 kms from Gauri kund.This temple got it name as Triyuginarayan as it has seen three yugas and had witnesses the first love marriage on earth. If you are goint to Gauri kund temple then this is a must to visit temple.People offer woods and Sesame seed in the perpetual fire or Akhand dhuni which his burning there since the marriage of lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
Tungnath Temple:-
One of the highest shiva temple on earth is tungnath temple Tungnath temple which is just 68 kms from this place. On the way you will also got to visit Chopta which is also famous as Switzerland of India due to it’s immense beauty all around.Tungnth is the combination of spirituality and nature’s beauty here you can get the blessings of lord shiva this temple is open for 6 months and also closed for 6 months due to heavy snowfall in winter time so if you planning to visit Tungnath temple then decide then don’t plan in the monsoon season because at this time you can face weather problems like landslides or other problems
Kedarnath Temple:-
One of the most important pilgrimage site for Hindus, Kedarnath temple is just 16 kms away from Gauri kund. Everyone visiting this place must visit to Kedarnath. You can also cover both the places during your Kedarnath yatra. We also provide Kedarnath tour package which covers the site seeing of Dev prayag, Rudraprayag, Dhari Devi Temple, Guptkashi, Sonprayg and Gauri kund. Check out with our customer care executive for detail about Kedarnath yatra package cost and available dates.
Vasuki Tal Trek:-
Vasuki Tal is a beautiful, untouched lake nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, and it’s just 8 kilometers away from the Kedarnath temple. It is a pristine lake located at a distance of 8 kms from the holy Kedarnath temple. It is a lake which is similar to the snake shape which is found on the neck of lord Shiva. This lake is also famous for the Brahma Kamal which is very faviourite to lord shiva.The trek to Vasuki tal begins from Kedarnath, taking you through a rugged yet breathtaking path surrounded by majestic mountains and sweeping views of the Himalayas.
How to Reach Gauri kund:-
Gauri kund is located at a distance of 5 kms from Sonprayag till which any outside vehicle is allowed. After Sonprayag you have to take a government operated taxi to cover this five kilometers. This will cost you Rs 50 per person for one side travel. To reach Sonprayag first you have to reach to Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun which is 245 kms from Gauri kund. You will get direct flight, train or bus from your home city to this location. Nearest airport to Gauri kund is Jolly grant airport which is also known as Dehradun airport. You will get a direct flight from your home city to this airport. Nearest railway station to this place is this place is Haridwar or Rishikesh or Dehradun. Very few direct trains are available for Rishikesh, but you will get many train from your home city to Dehradun and Haridwar. From there you can hire your personal cab, shared cab or you can directly take a government bus to reach this.
Preparing for Gauri Kund Pilgrimage
Before heading out, make sure you’re prepared with essentials for the Kedarnath trek:
Clothing: Since the weather can be unpredictable, carry warm layers and rain gear.
Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy trekking shoes are essential.
Medical Supplies: Basic medicines, especially for altitude sickness, and first aid kits are highly recommended.
Physical Fitness: The trek can be challenging, so a moderate level of fitness is helpful.
Gauri Kund is a journey of devotion, endurance, and peace, where you can feel the powerful energies of mythology and faith that flow through this region. This sacred place is a gateway to a memorable pilgrimage that brings you closer to the divine.
Conclusion
Visiting Gauri Kund is a spiritual journey filled with reverence, natural beauty, and a sense of history that dates back to ancient mythology. Whether you are starting your pilgrimage to Kedarnath, seeking blessings at the Gaurimai Mandir, or exploring the surrounding scenic spots, Gauri Kund holds a unique place in the heart of every traveler. The hot water springs are believed to cleanse and purify, and the nearby Mandakini River offers a soothing experience that is both physically and spiritually rejuvenating. At the point where Maa Parvati meditated and Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort, Gauri kund is an integral part of Hindu culture and tradition.
With breathtaking landscapes and sacred sites, Gauri Kund provides an opportunity to experience a blend of nature and spirituality that is rare to find. By planning your trip thoughtfully—considering the best season, route, and nearby places—you can immerse yourself in this profound journey to the abode of Lord Shiva. Whether you seek adventure, spiritual renewal, or a serene escape, Gauri Kund offers an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.
FAQs About Gauri Kund Temple
Q1. What is the best time to visit Gauri Kund?
The ideal times to visit Gauri Kund are during the summer (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the trekking paths to Kedarnath are open. Monsoon season (July to September) brings heavy rain, making travel challenging, while winter (December to March) often sees snow, and Kedarnath remains closed.
Q2. Is Gauri Kund accessible by public transportation?
Yes, you can reach Gauri Kund via public transportation up to Sonprayag. From there, only government-approved taxis are allowed to travel the remaining 5 kilometers to Gauri Kund. You can get to Sonprayag by bus or hire a taxi from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun.
Q3. Is it necessary to take a bath in the Gauri Kund hot spring?
Bathing in the Gauri Kund hot spring is a traditional ritual, believed to purify the body and soul before embarking on the sacred journey to Kedarnath. However, it’s optional and based on personal choice.
Q4. Are there any nearby places to visit around Gauri kund?
Yes, there are several places to explore around Gauri kund, such as the Triyuginarayan Temple (Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati’s marriage site), Tungnath Temple (one of the highest Shiva temples), Kedarnath Temple, and Vasuki Tal, a stunning lake located a few kilometers from Kedarnath.
Q5. What should I pack for my Gauri Kund Trip?
Packing essentials include warm clothing, comfortable trekking shoes, rain gear, basic medicines, and a first-aid kit. The trek to Kedarnath can be challenging, so bringing these items will ensure a comfortable and safe journey.
Q6. Can I travel to Gauri Kund with young children or elderly family members?
Yes, but it’s essential to consider the physical demands of the journey, especially if you plan to trek to Kedarnath. Some visitors opt to use palanquins or ponies for elderly or young family members, making the journey easier for them.
Q7. What is the significance of Gauri Kund in Hindu mythology?
Gauri kund is where Maa Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva’s love, and it is also where Lord Shiva beheaded and later resurrected Lord Ganesha with an elephant’s head. This makes it a place of deep spiritual significance for Hindus.
Gauri kund offers an experience rich in devotion, history, and scenic beauty. By preparing well and keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to fully embrace the peaceful and sacred energy that defines this holy destination.