Uttarakhnd is well known as "Dev Bhoomi" or "Land of the god". It is known for its spiritual importance and natural beauty all around. Nestled in the lap of Himalaya, this northern Indian state is a home for some of the world famous pilgrimage circuit like Char dham yatra, Do dham yatra and Kedarnath Yatra. In addition to these temples, it is also a home to worlds highest shiva temple i.e. Tungnath temple and Gurudwara i.e. Hemkund sahib, the most prominent pilgrimage for sikh devotees. Let's dive deep to explore more about some of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand.
One of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand is Kedarnath Temple. It is one of the most sacred temples and an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to be built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India, making it one of the holiest shrines for devotees of lord Shiva.
Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the temple is open only for a few months each year (from April/May to November) due to extreme winter conditions.
Mythology: According to legend, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought redemption from Lord Shiva for killing their kin. To evade them, Shiva took the form of a bull and hid at Kedarnath. The Pandavas eventually found him, and to honor the place where they found the lord, they built the Kedarnath Temple.
How to Reach: The nearest motorable point to this famous temple in Uttarakhand is Gaurikund, from where pilgrims undertake a 16-kilometer trek to the temple. Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi for those unable to trek.
Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is another prominent part of the Do Dham Yatra and one of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand. Located on the banks of the Alaknanda River, it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya established the temple in the 8th century. This sacred temple is open to pilgrims from April/May to November and is regarded as a highly spiritual destination for Hindus.
Mythology: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu meditated here, and Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, took the form of a Badri tree to protect him from the harsh weather of this regions. Thus, the place came to be known as Badrinath.
How to Reach: Badrinath is well-connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi from cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, is one of the four sites of the Char Dham Yatra and holds immense religious importance. The temple is locate at the source of the sacred River Ganga, which is believed to have descended from heaven after Lord Shiva released the river from his matted hair locks.
The temple opens in April/May and closes in November, just before the winter sets in.
Mythology: According to legend, King Bhagirath prayed to Lord Shiva for the descent of the Ganga to cleanse the sins of his ancestors. Impressed by his devotion, Shiva allowed Ganga to flow down to earth, but to control its powerful force, he caught the river in his locks before releasing it.
How to Reach: The nearest motorable point is till Gangotri, so you can take the direct cab to this place. The temple is well connected by road from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Nearest railway station to this point is Dehradun railway station which is located at a distance of 236 kms while the nearest airport is Jolly grant airport which is also known as Dehradun airport and is located at a distance of 265kms from this place.
Yamunotri Temple another most famous temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, marks the source of the Yamuna River and is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra. The temple is located amidst stunning landscapes, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and hot springs.
Pilgrims come here to seek the blessings of the Yamuna River, which is considered a divine mother.
Mythology: It is believed that the Yamuna River is the daughter of the Sun God and the twin sister of Yama, the God of Death. According to mythology, a bath in the Yamuna can purify one’s soul and protect against untimely death.
How to Reach: The nearest motorable point is Janki Chatti, from where it is a 6-kilometer trek to the temple. Horses and palanquins are available for those unable to walk.
Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is part of the Panch Kedar group of temples. Located at an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is also one of the famous temples in Uttarakhand due to its picturesque trails and breathtaking views and every year millions of devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of lord shiva and admire the beauty of this place.
The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and holds a special place in Hindu mythology. It remains open from April to November, after which the deity is shifted to the nearby village of Makkumath for worship.
Mythology: Tungnath is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s arms appeared after he disguised himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas. The Pandavas built the temple to honor lord Shiva.
How to Reach: The trek to Tungnath starts from Chopta which is also known as the mini Switserland of India, about 3.5 kilometers away. The trek is moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.
Hemkund Sahib is one of the most famous Sikh pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Situated at a staggering altitude of 4,632 meters, it is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The shrine is surrounded by seven snow-clad peaks, making it one of the most beautiful pilgrimage sites in India.
Hemkund Sahib remains open from May to October, as the area is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall during winter.
Mythology: According to Sikh belief, Guru Gobind Singh meditated at this spot in a previous incarnation. The word “Hemkund” means "Lake of Snow," referring to the pristine glacial lake next to the gurudwara.
How to Reach: The trek to Hemkund Sahib starts from Govindghat and is about 19 kilometers long. Ponies and palanquins are available for those who cannot complete the trek on foot.
Jageshwar Temple another famous temple in Uttarakhand, located in the Kumaon region, is one of the most ancient and significant temples in Uttarakhand. This temple complex consists of over 100 stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 9th and 13th centuries. Surrounded by deodar forests, the complex has a mystical and peaceful atmosphere.
Mythology: The temple is said to be the site where Lord Shiva meditated after performing penance. The lingam inside the main temple represents his divine energy.
How to Reach: Jageshwar is well connected by road and is easily accessible from Almora (about 30 kilometers away). Buses and taxis are available from nearby cities like Kathgodam and Haldwani.
Last but not the least another most famous temple in Uttarakhand is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. It is a popular temple located near Rishikesh and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by dense forests and situated at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, the temple is a serene place for meditation and worship. The temple is named after Lord Shiva’s blue throat (Neelkanth), which he got after consuming poison during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Thousands of devotees visit this temple every year, especially during the festivals of Mahashivaratri and Shivratri.
How to Reach: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is about 32 kilometers from Rishikesh and is easily accessible by road.
In conclusion, the famous temples in Uttarakhand are more than just places of worship; they are powerful symbols of India's spiritual legacy and cultural depth. These ancient sites, nestled in the serene beauty of the Himalayas, offer a profound sense of peace and connection with nature and the divine. Visiting temples like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri not only fulfills religious aspirations but also brings visitors closer to the unique traditions and legends of this sacred land. Uttarakhand's temples, whether perched atop remote mountains or nestled along riverbanks, continue to inspire awe, devotion, and a sense of wonder in all who experience their timeless presence.
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