A Complete Guide to the Most Famous Temples in Uttarakhand
The state of Uttarakhand in northern India is believed to be truly blessed by Hindu gods and goddesses. The region has some of the most beautiful mountains and is the holiest place of pilgrimage for a handful of Hindus. In Uttarakhand, the history of all the temples will fascinate you and take you back to the holy times. Even after some of the worst weather conditions and natural disasters, the region survives and rises in its glory every year, as they say God truly lives here. Here are some Uttarakhand temples that all must visit.
The most scenic and must visit temples in Uttarakhand:
- Badrinath Temple.
- Baleshwar Temple.
- Chandi Devi Temple.
- Temple of the Goddess of Surkanda.
- Karpeshwar Temple.
- Kidanat Mandir.
- Mansa Devi Temple.
- Rudrana Temple.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
1. Badrinath Temple:
Among the stall temples in Uttarakhand, the Badrinath temple is the most popular. The temple is mentioned in the Vedas which makes it even more important to Hindus. The ardent followers of Vishnu, often referred to as Vishnus, will visit this temple at least once in their lifetime. This place of worship attracts visits from devout worshippers from almost every corner of the country and abroad. The town of Badri is considered as sacred as the temple.
emphasize:
- address: Badri to Mata murti road, Badrinath, Uttarakhand – 246422
- time: From sunrise to sunset
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 15 – 18 hours
- how can I get there: Devotees can choose to travel from the starting point on foot or on horseback or carrying their person (Pitthu).
- Temple website: http://badarikedar.org/
- Best time to visit: May-June and September-October
- Other attractions: Taptkund, Vasudara Falls
Back to Contents
2. Baleshwar Temple:
A true example of South Indian architecture, the Baleshwar Temple focuses on intricate stone carvings, built by the rulers of the Chand Dynasty, and is one of the famous temples in Uttarakhand that should not be missed. The name of this Uttarakhand temple dates back to between the 10th and 12th centuries AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Baleshwar. The complex includes two other temples, one dedicated to Champarvati Durga and the other to Ratneshwar. This temple is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the country.
emphasize
- address: Hospital Road, Champawa District, Uttarakhand – 262523
- time: 9am to 11:30am and 5pm to 8:30pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: Champawat town and temples can be reached using local transport.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Mahashivratri is one of the best times to visit this temple
- Other attractions:Loha Ghat, Patal Rudreshwar
Back to Contents
[See Also: Major Fairs and Festivals of Uttarakhand]
3. Chandi Devi Temple:
Located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, the Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. This is one of the most visited temples in Uttarakhand and the country. A group of devout devotees visit this temple every year. Daily visits to this temple are also high.
emphasize
- address: Neel Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 249408
- time: Neel Parvat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand – 249408
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 1-2 hours
- how can I get there: The temple can be reached using local transport, after which one can choose to walk or take the cable car for 3 km.
- Temple website: http://maachandidevi.in/
- Best time to visit: Navratri, Chandi Chaudas
- Other attractions: Crystal World, Swami Vivekananda Park
Back to Contents
4. Surkanda Devi Temple:
Legend has it that the first wife of Sati Lord Shiva plunged into flames when her father decided not to invite her or the Lord to a grand Vedic ceremony because he was not satisfied with the husband his daughter had chosen. Sad and angry Lord Shiva took Sati’s body and started doing Tandava to calm him down, and Lord Vishnu used Sudarshan Chakra to distribute Sati’s body so that the Lord would stop. Sati’s head is laid down here, in Surkanda Temple, one of the 51 Shaktipetas. The temple is 9000 feet above sea level. There is a hill station nearby, 8 km away. People from outside India also come to visit this temple.
emphasize
- address: Chamba – Mussoorie Road, Saklana Range, Uttarakhand 249145
- time: Summer: 05:00 am to 7:00 pm
- winter: 7:00am to 5:00pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: one day
- how can I get there: local transportation
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Ganga Dussehra, Navratri
- Other attractions:Mossoorie, Chamba
Back to Contents
5. Karpeshwar Temple:
Built at 7,000 feet in the Urgan Valley, this temple is a true example of “where there are people there is God”. The road to this temple is challenging and exhausting. Another famous residence of Lord Shiva, the Temple of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, is visited by devotees whose faith transcends all difficulties. What makes it so special is that the temple and its existence are briefly mentioned in the Mahabharata. Of the five Panch Kedars, this is the only temple that can be visited all year round, making it one of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand.
emphasize
- address: Urgam, Garwal Chamorli District, Uttarakhand 246443
- time: 6am to 8pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: one day
- how can I get there: local transportation
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Great Shiva.
Back to Contents
[See Also: Most Beautiful Places in Uttarakhand]
6. Kedarnath Mandir:
Chota Char dham yatra is one of the famous pilgrimages of Hindus and it would not be complete without covering the Kedarnath temple. It is located at the top of the Garhwal Himalayas and is the highest Jyotirlinga (devotional representation of Lord Shiva); due to the extremely harsh climatic conditions, the gates of this temple are closed from November to April. Lord Shiva is the main deity of this famous Uttarakhand temple that attracts tourists from all over the world. According to folklore, Panadava completed their penance here and pleased the Lord.
- address: Kedar Valley, Kedarnath, Uttarakhand 246445.
- time: 7am to 2pm and 5pm to 8:30pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 1 day
- how can I get there: Devotees can choose to travel from the starting point on foot or on horseback or carrying their person (Pitthu).
- Temple website: www.badrikedar.org
- Best time to visit: Between May and October
- Other attractions: Hot Springs, Kedar Valley
Back to Contents
7. Mansa Devi Temple:
Mansa Devi is a form of Shakti (feminine principle of divine energy). This Uttarakhand temple is a famous shrine that is visited by all genders as Shakti is considered a part of everyone. It was built between 1811 and 1815 AD under the orders of Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra. According to people, this form of Shakti appeared a long time ago.
emphasize
- address: Dev Bhoomi, Haridwar, Uttarakhand
- time: 6am to 8pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 2 – 5 hours
- how can I get there: Devotees can choose to walk or take a cable car, which travels 3 kilometers from the main city to the temple.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Navratri
- Other attractions: Ganga aarti in Gaughat Haridwar
Back to Contents
8. Rudranath Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the road to this temple offers a one-of-a-kind journey. A swayambhuva (self-emergence) face of the Lord is worshipped here. Stories surrounding the temple suggest that when the lord turned himself into a bull to avoid the Pandavas, he buried himself in the ground, causing his body parts to appear in different areas, hence the appearance of Rudranath’s face. The temple is part of the pilgrimage to Panch Kedar, the five temples of Lord Shiva associated with his disguise and self-image. Located at 11,800 feet, it is not only visited by the faithful but also those in good health.
emphasize
- address: Rudranath, Chamorli, Uttarakhand 246472
- time: 6am to 7pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: 12 days
- how can I get there: After completing the 5km journey by bike from Gopeshwar, devotees have to walk 18km.
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: May-October/November depends on Diwali as temple gates are closed after Diwali until Akshaya Tritiya.
- Other attractions: Narad Kund, Chandrakund
Back to Contents
[See Also: Top Honeymoon Destinations in Uttarakhand]
9. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:
Dedicated to Neelkanth This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most recognizable shrines in the country. This famous Hindu pilgrimage is considered one of the holiest places by the locals.
emphasize
- address: Kotdwar Pauri Road, Kotdwara, Uttarakhand 246149
- time: 5 am to 6 pm
- Dress Code: decent attire
- About. Visiting time: half to 1 day
- how can I get there: 12km scenic hike from Pauri Garhwal
- Temple website: not applicable
- Best time to visit: Great Shiva
- Other attractions: Neer Gaddu waterfall, Lakshman jhoola
Back to Contents
Surrounded by mountains and shady with green trees, it is a place of gods and gods. Uttarakhand’s temples will guide you on a spiritual path, offering you life-changing and experience-enhancing experiences. Make the most of your trip by hiking and clicking through the many beautiful Uttarakhand temple photos; endure all the adventure and picturesque beauty this shrine will offer you.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Which is the most famous temple in Uttarakhand?
Badrinath Temple is part of Char Dham, Chota Char Dham is the most famous temple in Uttarakhand.
2. Is it suitable for the elderly to go to Jinlian Temple?
The journey to Rudranath Temple is the most challenging and can only be done on foot as the road is not safe enough for any vehicle. Oxygen levels drop at such altitudes, so it is advisable to plan a trip only after a health check has been completed and approved by a doctor.
3. Is Kedarnath Temple part of Char Dham?
Kedarnath Temple is part of Chota Char Dham which can be done in Uttarakhand and covers Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri temples.