Famous Temples in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand - popularly known as “Dev Boomi” is blessed with divinity, spirituality, pilgrimages, and temples along with its ecstatic wildlife and scenic beauty. This Northern hilly state of India has been the earthly refuge of some of the most supreme Hindu gods and goddesses since antiquity.
Uttarakhand encapsulates the true essence of spiritualism and awakens the deep-rooted spirituality among all. Each and every temple of Uttarakhand has a history of its own that will take you back to the immemorial era of divinity. This state is nothing less than a spiritual magnet for learners and peace seekers and is revered by the devotees.
For thousands of years saints, and sages have walked through this Himalayan abode of Lord Shiva seeking blessings from the Almighty. Not only, saints and sages, great historians and archaeologists often throng to this Himalayan State with the curiosity to know what lies at the core of the Himalayas.
From temples of mythological significance to historical value, Uttarakhand has it all.
Here is the list of the 5 famous temples in Uttarakhand that you ought to visit.
1. Kedarnath Dham (Rudraprayag)
Nestled on the shore of Mandakini River, Kedarnath Temple is one of the most pious and famous temples situated at the top of Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is the highest Jyotirlinga or cosmic light and contains one among the twelve Jyotirlinga along with one of the Panch Kedras.
Being a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Temple is believed to be built in the 8th century CE by Guru Adi Shankaracharya.
This ancient historic temple witnesses innumerable devotees and pilgrims from all over the world during the open seasons.
According to mythology, the Pandavas concluded their penance here to satisfy the Almighty, Lord Shiva.
Kedarnath Temple is more than 1000 years is basically built of gigantic stone chunks fitted over a huge rectangular podium. The ideal time to visit Kedarnath Dham is between the months of May and October when the snow recedes.
Must Read : What is Char Dham Yatra?
2. Badrinath Dham ( Chamoli)
Magnificently standing at a whopping altitude of 10,827 feet above the sea level, Badrinath Dham is undoubtedly one of the most prominent temples of Uttarakhand. The name is traced in the Vedas, which makes this temple more significant among the Hindus.
Located at Badrinath, this shrine was constructed by the nearly two centuries ago by the Kings of Garhwal and is one of the most crucial pillars all India Char Dham Yatra and Chota Char Dham Yatra.
Situated by the holy River Alaknanda, Badrinath Dham is solely dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Followers of Vishnu also known as Vaishnavites, from all over the world visit this shrine at least once in their lifetime. The ideal time to visit this temple is between May to June and September to October.
This ancient temple is surrounded by snow clothed mountains and deep forest which makes it one of the most picturesque centers of pilgrimage.
Suggested tour : 12 Days - Chardham Tour Package
3. Gangotri Temple
Situated at a height of 3,100 meters amidst the beautiful, this famous temple is surrounded by spotless white snowcapped mountains and lush green trees of pines and deodars. Gangotri is one of the shrines among the Chota Char Dham including Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath and is dedicated to Goddesses Ganga.
This shrine marks the origin of Ganga and a trip to this temple is believed to be the gateway to attain salvation. Nestled on the banks of River Bhagirathi, Gangotri lies close to the holy rock (Bhagirath Shila"s ) when king Badrinath worshiped Lord Shiva to forgive his son's sins. It is believed by Hindu legends that Goddesses Ganga achieved the form of a river when Lord Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair.
Every year thousands of devotees visit this shrine to attain peace and wisdom. The ideal time to visit Gangotri temple is from May to October when it is open for Darshan.
4. Baleshwar Temple (Champawat)
The intrinsic stone carving along with the artistic excellence of South Indian Architecture makes Baleshwar Temple one of the marvelous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (also known as Baleshwar). It is one of the oldest temples of India dated between the 10th ad 12th century AD and is believed to be built by the early kings of the Chand Dynasty.
Baleshwar Temple is listed by the Indian Government as a National Heritage Hh Heritage Monument.
Since the year 1952, this stone temple is maintained by the Archeological Survey of India. Along with the main Baleshwar Temple, there are two other temples in the compound with one dedicated to Champawati Durga and the other one dedicated to Ratneshwar. This is one of the most famous temples of Uttarakhand, where flocks of devotees throng this temple on Maha Shivaratri.
5. Chandi Devi Temple
Dedicated to Lord Chandi, this is the most visited temple in Uttarakhand and the country as well. Situated in Haridwar, thousands of Devotees flock to this shrine to seek the blessings of Goddesses Chandi, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees.
This temple was built by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir in 1929.
But it is stated that the main murti of Goddesses Chandi was originally installed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Hindu Priest during the 8th century. Also known as Neel Parvat Teerth, it is one of the must-visit temples of Uttarakhand.
There is also a Neeleshwar Temple situated at the foot of Neel Parvat and it is believed that Chamdi and Manasa always reside close to each other. The ideal time to visit this temple is during Navaratri and Chandi Chaudas.
Final Words
If you are seeking spirituality and peace, then Uttarakhand is the ideal place to visit. Apart from the above-mentioned temples; there are thousands of amazing shrines which you can visit along with your family. The artistic work, the devotion of the devotees and the scenic beauty will make you crave to witness more.
