Famous Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is regarded as a haven for divine mysticism and spirituality. It is the site of several ancient and revered temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s most prominent and revered deities. Lord Shiva is revered as the destroyer of evil as well as the embodiment of ultimate reality and consciousness. Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple are few among the most well-known Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. Millions of devotees and tourists from all over the world visit these temples to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings and to experience the spiritual energy that emanates from these sacred sites. Apart from their religious significance, these temples are also known for their architectural beauty and breathtaking natural surroundings, making them a popular destination for tourists seeking a mix of spirituality and scenic beauty. Book yourself a spiritual serene trip to the Devbhoomi with the Uttarakhand Tour Packages and usher in abundant blessings.

Exploring The Famous Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand

1. Rudranath Temple

Rudranath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. It is one of the Panch Kedar and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Lord Shiva devotees. It is located at an elevation of 2,286 metres above sea level. The temple, which is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped Himalayan peaks, is thought to have been built in the 8th century AD. During the annual pilgrimage season, the main deity of the temple is a natural rock formation that resembles Lord Shiva’s face, which is adorned with a silver mask. The temple is only accessible by foot, and the trek to Rudranath is a demanding but rewarding experience for both devotees and trekkers. The trail winds through dense forests, scenic meadows, and streams, providing spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. Aside from its religious significance, Rudranath Temple is also historically and culturally significant in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world.

2. Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine in the Uttarakhand district of Rudraprayag, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar and is located at an elevation of 3,680 metres above sea level, making it the world’s highest Shiva temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been built in the 8th century AD. It is surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. The pilgrimage route to the temple is well-known for its scenic beauty. The trail is only accessible by foot and winds through lush green forests, meadows, and streams. Tungnath Temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate carvings in addition to its religious significance. The temple complex consists of a Mandapa, a Garbhagriha, and a Sanctum Sanctorum, all of which are built in the traditional North Indian style. Tungnath Temple provides a glimpse into Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage.

3. Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine in the Uttarakhand district of Rudraprayag, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar and is located at an elevation of 3,583 metres above sea level, making it one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been built in the 8th century AD. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and provides spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. The main temple, a Nandi statue, a Garbhagriha, and a Mandapa are all built in the traditional North Indian style. The temple’s main deity is a conical-shaped lingam, which is revered as one of Lord Shiva’s 12 Jyotirlingas. The pilgrimage route to Kedarnath is well-known for its scenic beauty. The trail is only accessible by foot or helicopter and winds through rugged terrain, glaciers, and snow-covered mountains.

4. Baleshwar Temple

Baleshwar Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in Uttarakhand’s Champawat district. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is thought to have been built by the Katyuri dynasty in the 10th century AD. The temple is constructed in the Nagara architectural style and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple’s main deity is a Shiva lingam made of black stone that is said to have miraculous powers. There are several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Ganesha, Nandi, and Parvati, within the temple complex. The complex also includes a large courtyard, which hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. Baleshwar Temple is a significant religious site for Hindus, and devotees from all over the country come to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. The temple’s serene and tranquil surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and introspection.

5. Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple is a popular Hindu temple in Guptkashi, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the region’s most sacred shrines. According to legend, the Pandavas built the temple during the Mahabharata period. Adi Shankaracharya, a famous Hindu saint and philosopher, built the current temple structure in the 8th century. The main attraction of the temple is the Shivling, which is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, or sacred objects of worship in Hinduism. Parvati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya are among the other deities housed in the temple. The temple attracts a large number of devotees all year, especially during the Maha Shivaratri festival. The temple is also a popular rest stop for pilgrims en route to the Kedarnath Temple, another important pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. The Vishwanath Temple’s serene surroundings, intricate architecture, and rich history make it a must-see destination for tourists and spiritual seekers alike, as this is a soul-changing experience.

6. Binsar Mahadev Temple

Binsar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Binsar, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the dense forests of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary at an elevation of 2,480 metres above sea level. The temple is known for its unique architecture and exquisite stone carvings. The Pandavas built the temple during their exile, according to local legend. Suryakund, the temple’s sacred pond, is also said to have medicinal properties. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination that attracts devotees from all over the country, particularly during the annual Binsar Mahadev Fair. The fair, which takes place in June, commemorates Lord Shiva and Parvati’s marriage. The Temple’s tranquil surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and natural beauty make it a must-see destination and it is truly a soul-enhancing experience.

7. Neelkanth Mahadev

The Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located near the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers at an elevation of 1,330 metres above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as Neelkanth, which means “blue-throated” in Hindi. The temple is said to be the site where Lord Shiva ingested the poison created by the gods and demons churning the ocean, which turned his throat blue. The temple, which was built in the 17th century, is known for its stunning architecture and intricate stone carvings. The temple draws a large number of devotees, particularly during the Shravan month, which is considered auspicious for Lord Shiva’s worship. The temple is also a popular rest stop for pilgrims on their way to the nearby Kedarnath Temple. The serene surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and rich legendary history of this temple make it a pious and serene tourist destination, not only for devotees but also for travel enthusiasts.

8. Maha Mrityunjay Temple

The Maha Mrityunjay Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in Jageshwar, a small town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is well-known for its powerful Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra, which is used to protect against fear and illness. The temple is surrounded by towering deodar trees in the lush greenery of the Jageshwar valley. The temple’s architecture is noteworthy for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. It is a popular pilgrimage site that attracts a large number of devotees throughout the year. The temple also hosts regular bhajan and kirtan sessions, which are popular with both devotees and tourists. Due to its natural surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and rich history, the temple has a very deep and serene influence on devotees, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hinduism or Indian culture. It is also believed to have healing and protective properties, and many devotees regard it as a symbol of hope and faith.

9. Mahasu Devta Temple

The Mahasu Devta Temple is a well-known Hindu temple in the Indian town of Hanol. The temple is a major pilgrimage site in the region and is dedicated to Lord Mahasu, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The architecture of the temple is notable for its intricate wooden carvings depicting various deities and mythological stories. Furthermore, the temple has a unique “Biring” ritual in which people dance to the tune of traditional instruments and pray to Lord Mahasu. The Mahasu Devta Temple attracts both devotees and tourists who come to seek blessings and witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals. The temple also hosts the “Bissu Mela,” an annual fair that draws thousands of visitors from all over the region. The temple’s peaceful surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and rich history make it ideal for a Shiva devotee seeking protection through his blessings.

10. Lakhamandal Temple

Lakhamandal Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the Jaunsar-Bawar region of Uttarakhand. The temple is well-known for its rich history and intricate carvings dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, the temple was the site of a great battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas from the epic Mahabharata. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting epic scenes. The temple’s architecture is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures that are thought to be over 1000 years old. The temple also hosts a one-of-a-kind “Shivratri Mela,” which draws thousands of visitors from across the region. The Lakhamandal Temple is a popular destination for devotees and tourists seeking blessings and witnessing the region’s distinctive traditions and rituals. The peaceful surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and rich history of the temple make it a must-see for anyone interested in discovering Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage with a spiritual twist.

11. Baghnath Temple

Baghnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s town of Bageshwar. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is thought to be over 1000 years old. The architecture of the temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a sacred pool known as the “Bhagirathi Kund,” which is thought to have medicinal properties. The Baghnath Temple is a popular destination for both devotees and tourists who come to seek blessings and witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals. The temple also hosts an annual fair known as “Uttarayani Mela,” which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the region. The Baghnath Temple is regarded as a symbol of faith and devotion, and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus in the region, as the tranquil surroundings, spiritual ambiance, and rich history give it a new enhanced spiritual inner feeling that touches the hearts of the devotees.

12. Tapkeshwar Mahadev

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful location and unique features and is located in the picturesque surroundings of Dehradun. The natural water dripping from the cave that covers the Shivling inspired the temple’s name. The water droplets are thought to have medicinal properties and can treat a variety of ailments. The cave itself is estimated to be over 500 feet long. The architecture of the temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a natural stream, known as the “Rivulet,” that runs through the complex and adds to the temple’s tranquil atmosphere. The atmosphere and tranquil surroundings of the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple provide devotees and tourists with a sense of abundance, and they can witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals.

13. Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple

Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple is a popular Hindu temple in Srinagar, Uttarakhand. The temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a popular pilgrimage site in the area. The temple’s architecture is noteworthy for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a sacred pond called “Kamleshwar Kund,” which is said to have medicinal properties and can cure a variety of ailments. The Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple attracts both devotees and tourists who come to seek blessings and to witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals. The temple also hosts the annual “Bikhauti Mela,” which draws thousands of visitors from all over the region. The Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple has a serene setting and a deep spiritual ambiance, so devotees regard it as a symbol of faith and devotion, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus in the region.

14. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tarkeshwar, Uttarakhand’s Puri district. The temple is known for its natural beauty and is located among dense forests. The architecture of the temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a sacred pond known as the “Kund,” which is said to have medicinal properties and can cure a variety of ailments.  Legend says that Tarkeshwar was a demon who received the boon of immortality. He assassinated many saints and shattered the peace on Earth. Later, he was killed by Kartikeya, Lord Shiva’s son. Taking his final breath, the demon asked Lord Shiva for forgiveness, and the deity then said that the temple where he meditated would be worshipped by the people of Kalyug, and the location would be known as Tarkeshwar Mahadev. The temple is a popular destination for both devotees and tourists who come to seek blessings and witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals. The temple also hosts an annual fair known as the “Maha Shivratri Mela,” which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the region.

15. Triyuginarayan Temple

Triyuginarayan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Triyuginarayan, Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is notable for its distinctive architectural style as well as its religious significance. The temple is well-known for the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is said to have taken place here. The temple has a perpetual fire that is said to have been burning since the wedding ceremony. The architecture of the temple is notable for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various deities and mythological stories. The temple also has a sacred pond known as the “Kund,” which is said to have medicinal properties and can cure a variety of ailments. The Trijuginarayan Temple is a popular destination for both devotees and tourists who come to seek blessings and witness the region’s unique traditions and rituals.

16. Budha Kedar Temple

Budha Kedar is a Shiva-related holy site in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district. It is said that the largest Shivling in North India can be found here. It is located at the confluence of the Bal and Dharam rivers. It is situated on steep hills and is surrounded by lush green deodar forests. The temple, surrounded by the mountainous Garhwal Himalayas and dotted with numerous huts and terraced fields for cultivation, gives visitors an insight into the lives of hill people. This is a nature lover’s paradise, with a wide variety of birds to see. The legend says that after the war the Pandavas wanted to clean their sins so they were advised by Rishi Bhalkhi at the Bhrigu parbat that they should meet an old man who had been meditating at the confluence of the two rivers, yet when they reached there the old man vanished and a huge Shivling appeared which they embraced and the erected the temple clearing their sins and achieved moksha.

17. Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple

This Shiva temple is situated in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand and is known for its religious importance. For Lord Shiva devotees, this is a pure and religiously significant location is one of the strongest and powerful Shiva temples in the region. Sage Kapila built this temple, which is located just above the villages of Tekari and Takaura. Every day, prayers and hymns are sung in strict accordance with the doctrines dictated by the texts, and devotees are welcome to pay their respects at the shrine. It has a divine effect on the visitors and proves the power of Shiva in a very different manner.

18. Agasteshwar Mahadev (Augustmuni) Temple

The Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as the Augustmuni Temple, is a Hindu temple in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have been built by the sage Agastya. The temple is located on the banks of the Mandakini River, surrounded by stunning Himalayan mountains. It is an ancient temple and one of the most sacred shrines in the region. Lord Shiva, in the form of Agasteshwar Mahadev, is the temple’s main deity. Other Hindu deities represented in the temple include Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga. Every year, a large number of devotees visit the Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple, particularly during the Maha Shivratri festival. The temple’s tranquil surroundings and ancient architecture make it a must-see for anyone seeking spiritual and natural solace.

19. Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple is a Hindu cave temple in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of Hindus’ most sacred pilgrimage sites. The temple is housed within a limestone cave, with numerous stalactites and stalagmites in the underground chamber. The cave is said to be linked to the fourteenth-century temple of Chandika Devi, which is located on the surface. The temple’s main deity is Lord Shiva in the form of Bhuvaneshwar. Other Hindu deities represented in the cave include Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Karthikeya. Every year, a large number of devotees flock to Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, particularly during the Shivratri festival. The temple’s unique location inside a cave, as well as the mystical atmosphere of the underground chamber, make it a must-see for anyone seeking spiritual solace.

20. Madhyamaheshwar Temple

The Madhyamaheshwar Temple is a Hindu temple in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the five temples included in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. The temple is located at an elevation of 3,497 metres above sea level and can only be reached by trekking for approximately 16 kilometres from Ransi village. The trek to the temple is difficult, but the natural beauty of the surrounding Himalayan mountains and valleys makes it worthwhile. According to the legend while hiding from the Pandava brothers Lord Shiva disguised as a bull and while Bhima tried to pull him out of the ground his body parts fell on different areas, here the naval fell and the temple was built by them. It is believed visiting this temple one can clear their life off from all the sins and can have eternal sanctity.

Best Places to Visit near Chopta

There is not one Tourist Attraction that can be called fake. All the tourist spots are amazingly beautiful and they are the pride of the state of Uttarakhand.

Some famous spot that is crowd pullers is- Gopeshwar, which is situated at an elevation of thirteen hundred meters. It is the headquarters of the district of Chamoli. Chamoli is forty kilometers from the town of Chopta. It houses a very big market. Then one can visit Sari Village, which has its colors. It is 30 kilometers away from Chopta. People often rest here, so that they can continue their journey to Deoria Tal. Deoria is famous for its natural reserves. A picnic at this place can be a very good idea for enjoyment.

If people are yet not aware of its characteristics then they must learn more about it. People come here to rest during the pilgrimage tours. From here hikers commence forward to the third part of Panch Kedar Tungnath. This place is three point five kilometers from Chopta. At a distance of one kilometer, Chandrashila Peak exists. It is around four thousand meters high. Three famous mountain peaks that can be easily seen from here are – Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.

Trekking enthusiasts and adventure buffs shall find this place heaven. Trekking is the local hobby of almost every resident. One added advantage of coming to this heavenly town is that people all get to roam a close-by place called Deoria Tal. Taal means lake. This Taal is surrounded by a thick cover of forests from every direction. On top of it, lies a mountain known as Chaukhamba Peak. Vacationers can hire a guide if they wish to know everything about a Tourist Attraction. Tents can be fixed close to the lake.

Tungnath Shiva Temple

No other temple is as high as Tungnath Shiva Temple. It is amongst the five highest Panch Kedar temples situated in the mountains of Tungnath. This temple falls within the boundaries of the district of Rudraprayag, Garhwal. The word Tungnath means God of peaks. These mountains have formed two beautiful valleys, namely, Alaknanda and Mandakini river valleys. This temple is almost 3.6 kilometers high. No other Hindu Shrine is as high as the Tungnath temple. All devotees of Lord Shiva consider this place of great importance. They believe that whatever wishes are asked in this temple they are granted. Some people come here to ask for solutions to their problems. It is believed that all devotees who come to this place shall be freed from all kinds of sorrows. Climbing to this temple is not an easy task. It has remained the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The age of this temple is at least 1000 years. It is second among the famous Panch Kedar. Some people say that this temple has links to the famous brothers from Mahabharata, namely, Pandavas.

Hindu mythology states that Lord Shiva as well as his wife stayed in the mountains of the Himalayas. Lord Shiva resided in Mount Kailash. His wife Parvati (Shailputri) is said to be the daughter of mountain peaks.

The Tungnath myth is indelibly linked to the origin of the Panch Kedar temples built by the Pandavas. Legend has it that sage named Vyas Rishi told the Pandavas that they had done wrong by killing their relatives. Their cousin brothers were called Kauravas; they were the enemies of the Pandavas. This offense was serious and only Lord Shiva had the power of freeing them from that guilt. Consequently, they started searching for Shiva. Shiva was avoiding the five brothers as he considered them evil. To escape from the five brothers, Shiva transformed himself into a bull and went away to Guptkashi. The five brothers chased him badly. Shiva’s own body took the form of body parts of the bull, and it got spread. They are existing in five different locations and those places are known as Panch Kedar.

Pandavas took the responsibility of building temples for Lord Shiva, in all five locations. They were seeking forgiveness from him. Tungnath is that time when the bull’s hands could be seen. Hands are called bahu. The hump got placed at the same place where Kedarnath temple exists; The head got placed at the same place where Rudranath temple exits; Shiva’s navel, as well as stomach, got placed at the same place where Madhyamaheshwar exists; his Jatt (hair) got placed at the same place where at Kalpeshwar exists.

Legend has it that Lord Rama meditated on Chandrashila Peak (close to Tungnath). Ravan, the bad man also performed penance on this mountain to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva (when he stayed there).

Chandrashila

Chandrashila is the apex of Tungnath. It means “Moon’s Rock”. It is 4 kilometers high. From here, one can easily witness the mountains of the Himalayas. Trishul, Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Kadar Peak, and Mt. Chaukhamba are some of the peaks that can be sighted. Hindu mythology states that Lord Rama, performed meditation on this peak after he had won the battle in Lanka. He had nicely defeated badman Ravan. Some people say that the God of the Moon had spent time on this peak so that he could perform penance.

The bus goes up to Ukhimath, Gopeshwar, Haridwar, and Dehradun. A journey for Chopta from Dehradun takes ten hours to reach. One can hire a jeep. One more option of coming till this peak is via Haridwar, and then Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag, the bus comes to Ukhimath, and then it reaches Chopta. People have to walk six kilometers to get to this peak.

All trekkers of India know that the Chandrashila trek attracts trekkers from all over the planet. They have to cover a distance of 5 kilometers. This route begins in Chopta and extends to Tungnath (the highest Lord Shiva temple). From Tungnath one more kilometer must be covered for reaching an abrupt trek. People save time and distance if they take this route, but climbing the path is not very easy.

In winter months, this trek gets badly affected as no one can move in the snow. Some water bodies get frozen and one cannot move out of the house during those times. All roads that lead to Chopta get bared. Plenty of adventure freaks still come forward for trekking come to Deoria Tal. From there they move towards Duggalbitta. From there they reach Tungnath, which is the beginning of Chandrashila.

Chandrashila is the apex of Chandranath Peak. Tungnath temple exists at the same peak. Chandrashila is a little higher than Tungnath. The route that passes from three places, namely, Chopta, Chandrashila, and Tungnath is used by professional trekkers. Tourists love to come here, throughout the year. However, winter is not a very suitable time.

Trishul, Chaukhamba Peaks, and Nanda Devi are three huge peaks that are the center of attraction for all travelers. Mother Nature has blessed this area with awesome features. It seems the valley has been painted on a canvas.

One can refer to the internet and purchase travel guides that would help travelers in getting to know all areas of Uttarakhand. They will also contain the routes that would direct people in reaching Chandrashila from the city of Delhi. This place has an abundance of plants. There are no boundaries for animals. All photography experts come here to capture some images that speak a thousand words. This place is the best way to connect human beings with the heavenly powers that govern everything on earth.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Deers are very quiet creatures. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is located seven kilometers from Chopta. It lies on the same route that connects Chopta to Gopeshwar. The total area, which is encompassed by this national park, is approximately five square kilometers. Tourists shall find a dense covering of forests as well as mystical flowers that have a splendid aroma. People come here to see and take snaps of the musk deer that are found in large quantities. Some of the most unique Himalayan creatures shall be found here. They exist in only this part of the country. Some television channels have been working hard to get footage of those animals yet they are unable to find them. Some people say that most of the species are becoming extinct but it is not so. Most animals go into hiding when they sense that someone is coming to disrupt their privacy. They do not like human beings around them. Geologists as well as scientists love coming here. They collect samples from the plants and use them to make medicines of high remedial nature. Later they sell those creations as their own and they seldom acknowledge the natural resources that helped them in making those medicines.

Some people only notice this park when they are passing through the road that connects Chopta and Gopeshwar. There are very less signboards that would clearly state the existence of a wildlife park. However, once they reach this place, they scratch their heads in amazement. They feel that such places should be more advertised so that the world may notice them. The local authorities say that they do not want excessive crowds so they let things function as they are. They are satisfied with the small number of tourists. They say that amount of trash thrown in the parks is directly proportional to the excessive crowds that come here.

Some people are not aware of the fact that most of the beautiful paintings and posters showing snow-peaked mountains are the actual representation of these areas. Reaching here is easy. People can keep their luggage in whichever lodge or hotel they stay in and come with some eatables. However, no littering is allowed in this park so tourists must not throw any of the waste materials in the open. The laws are very strict, and any person who shall be found doing so may have to pay a good sum of money as a fine.

People can come for camping in this park. However, at night, it becomes very cold and some night-crawling insects and mosquitoes may disturb the hikers. Although this is not a very serious problem, it can become serious for some. Women will face the maximum number of problems. So, all should come here prepared for some wild fun.

Gopeshwar

This town is located at an altitude of fifteen hundred meters higher than the mean level of the sea. All those who wish to travel from Chopta to Gopeshwar will have to cover a distance of thirty-nine kilometers. This town functions as the headquarters of all offices of the Chamoli district. There is a lot of silence in the place. Some feel that the silence haunts some people but some find it very relaxing. All pilgrims who want to visit Tungnath temple have to come here. Tungnath is a place of worship for the Hindus. They find this place very rejuvenating. Lord Shiva’s abode was in the peaks of the great Himalayas. That is why Tungnath is situated at a height of three thousand six hundred and eighty meters above the mean level of the sea.

Gopeshwar has its share of sites that are mainly related to some or the other Hindu Gods. This place is very important for Hindus. Every year when the summer season arrives, pilgrims start palling for trips to Kedarnath, Haridwar, amaranth, and Vaishnav Devi. Most of the people are from North India. Some people start planning the trip on the same day they see a God in a dream. It is an aid some of these temples send an invitation to the minds of individuals. Pilgrims feel that they have intuitions about the idea of starting a pilgrimage.

When the government organized a population count drive, in the year 2001. The results said that around nineteen thousand eight hundred and fifty-five people lived in this town. There are more men in this region. Just like in other Indian villages, the female count is lesser. As there are lesser people in this town, the schools can accommodate all the students. The town has an eighty-one percent literacy rate. Approximately eighty-five percent of men are educated and seventy-five percent of women are literate. Kids accounted for ten percent of the counted people in this place. Their age was less than six.

Other than the temple of Tungnath, people take blessings in Anusuya Devi Mandir, Rudra Nath Mandir, and Badrinath. Kedarnath is very close to this region. Lord Shiva’s devotees do not leave this place without coming to the Gopinath Mandir. A famous legend states that once there was a big king. He was addressed with the name of Sagar (which is also the name of close by village). When he noticed that one particular cow from his grasslands escaped every day to give her milk to Lord Shiva’s Ling. He got a temple constructed on that same spot.

Ukhimath

At a height of thousand three hundred and seventeen meters, Ukhimath offers more gifts for the hikers. This town is located in the district of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand. Some locals address Ukhimath as Okhimath. Lord Kedarnath lived here along with Madhyamaheshwar. They came here during the months of winter. A famous temple named Omkareshwar holds a puja ceremony, during the coldest months of the year. For that period, the temple of Kedarnath gets shut for devotees. Ukhimath houses many religious priests or Pandits who are called Rawls. They are the caretakers of Kedarnath. People love to watch the snow-shielded mountains from great heights.

Some folklore says that Ukhimath was the name of Banasura and Usha’s daughter. For the same reason, many temples are dedicated to Usha. Along with Usha, the temples have been dedicated to the service of Lord Shiva, his wife Goddess Parvati, Mandhata, and Aniruddha. People can come here any time of the year. However, extreme winter months should be avoided. In the summer, the locals wear light woolen clothes. In winter, people protect their bodies with at least four layers of clothes. Despite covering every part of the body, the chill does not seem to go away. A person not accustomed to cold weather may fall sick. Ukhimath lies on the same road that connects Guptkashi to Gopeshwar.

The town is well connected with a network of roads. Buses operate on the Chopta and Gopeshwar way. People love to get in touch with their spiritual side. Many industrialists and celebrities arrive in these temples whenever they feel the need of doing so. Their belief is immense and it cannot be broken. Several guides entertain the tourists with stories that date back to the periods of ancient Gods. Some tales involve lord Shiva and his wife. The resorts and hotels do not charge high prices. They have every modern facility. They also supply hot water so that people can relax in the shower. In such climates, a hot bath can rejuvenate the soul. Many stores sell fine artistic products that can be decorated in houses. They are made by people who have passed this artwork as a legacy. They are still passing on the techniques to their children and great-grandchildren.

The food of Ukhimath is fantastic. Many special vegetarian hotels have tasty Indian food that is made especially for the pilgrims who come here. If someone has the time, there is no harm in coming and visiting Ukhimath as well.

Importance of Char dham Yatra for Hindus

A Yatra of Moksha or Salvation

The Chardham of Uttarakhand Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath have great cultural and mythological significance in rejuvenate your spiritual thought. Besides solace & salvation Yatra of Chardham make alive our faith and make strongest our root of Indian culture & tradition. The mythology attached with Chardham give a message to people how a man can make better their social life and remain sinless in respect to get the touch with God. As we know Chardham of India (four sacred reside of Lord) established by Adi Guru Shankracharya (incarnation of Lord Shiva)in 8th century, In order to give new life to Hindu religion and make easy our path lead to God (Moksha and salvation).

Significance of Chardham of Uttarakhand

The four Dham or Sacred place have the lights of concerned Deity as god and Goddess live in these four Dham in the form of Light to give spiritual bliss, Moksha & make the lives sinless of mankind in Kalyuga.

By the inspiration of Naradmuni the first pilgrimage of Chardham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath) performed by the Pandava brother & their wife Draupadi after the Battle of Mahabharata in order to washaway their sins to kill their cousins Kaurava. Attainment to peace and salvation the journey of Swargarohini (a peak toward western Garhwal Himalayas believe lead to Heaven) done by Pandava. You can see the various traces, temples, idols and legends attached with Pandava during the journey of Chardham in Uttarakhand.

It is the internal spirit of everyone to heaven after the end of life, also got moksha or salvation to get rid off from the cycle of death and live. In Kalyuga god made more easy your path to Moksha by giving us these moksha Dham at various holy places. From ancient time rivers worshiped as mother India due to nurturing and developing the life of mankind, these river play in important role in settle and growth of Indian civilization like Mohenjo Daro & Sindhu Ghati Civilization. Thus according to Purana a bath in these holy river give a spiritual bliss to in your soul also a bath in a confluence of two or more holy river on a most auspicious day revive our path to heaven. Bath in Prayag (like Allahabad, Five Prayag of Utarakhand) Mahakumbh festival etc. all are the way to wash our sins and make our soul, body & mind most pious.

You Will Get the Opportunity to See While on Yatra in Uttarakhand

• Opportunity to see the social life style, culture, tradition, villager & their life in hills, fair& festival celebrated in hills. Ultimately you will enter into a new world.
• Beautiful mountain scenery, snow capped peak of Himalaya, Landscape, Meadows, fast flowing milky rivers, ancients temples, Shakti Peeth, Beautiful hilly flowers all are amazing in route of Chardham.
• Having spiritual bliss these land of God wash away all your sins, and make more pious yourself.
• To take holy bath in holy origin of Ganga & Yamuna.
• Opportunity to visit & explore the unexplored destination and trek of Himalaya. Besides these you will see the various wildlife(diversity in flora and fauna)also some rare species occurred in only high altitude above (12000 ft) of Himalayas like – Rundoo a mouse live in hills of Himalayas having no tail and some bigger than normal mouse, Musk dear- having Kasturi in its body. Bhoj Patra- an ancient plant used as writing paper in old time. Brahm Kamal- A divine medicinal beautiful flower loved by God & Goddess.
• Garhwal Himalayas also a home of rare herbal medicinal plant who care the ailments and disease. Sanjivani Booti used in Ramayana to give new life to Laxaman also occurred in this high altitude region of Himalayas.

How to Complete Char Dham Yatra?

Covering Char Dham Yatra is a cherished dream of each and every Hindu devout but let me make it very clear to you all that I am not talking about the Char Dham Yatra which covers Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka, and Badrinath. This article is about Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand which starts from Yamunotri and then proceeds to Gangotri, Kedarnath falls third in the circuit and finally concludes at Badrinath. If you want to complete this divine yatra in a flawless way then you certainly need to follow certain rules and regulations. One also needs to be clear of the right route which takes their quite smooth and less time-consuming and most importantly to check Char Dham Yatra latest updates.

Chardhams of Uttarakhand

Here are some of the points which one must keep in mind while covering this divine Yatra:

Best Time to Visit the Dhams

All the four pilgrimages in the Char Dham circuit are closed during the winter season as the region receives a high level of snowfall and makes the area covered with a thick sheet of snow and made the journey next to impossible. During the months of November to May, the weather is quite pleasant and favorable which makes your journey a complete success i.e. a hassle-free. Also, you are not advised to plan your Char Dham Yatra in the months July and August as these are the rainy months and due to the high altitude locations, these holy 4 dhams receive heavy rainfall and more often receive landslides. So, the most ideal for Char Dham Yatra is the month of May and June.

The Best Mode of Transport to Reach the Shrines

Due to the insane location of these sacred Dhams, it is quite difficult for a pilgrim to cover the distance to reach the destination which is mostly covered by trekking trail. The locations are so extreme that even a healthy person finds it difficult to reach the holy abodes so it is rather impossible to reach there by a senior citizen or an ill-health person. But now the days have changed and one can complete their journey easily as there are a number of tour operating companies which are offering helicopter services and also the car rental services for Char Dham.

Continue reading this article and get to know a well-planned Char Dham Yatra including how the yatra commences and to complete it smoothly.

Step 1: Commencement of Yatra

This most acclaimed Hindu pilgrimage yatra commences at Haridwar which is renowned as the ancient holy gateway to God. After reaching Haridwar, one can drive towards Barkot which is located around 215 km away from Haridwar. Barkot is considered as a perfect halt for Char Dham Yatra as it houses a number of staying options for a traveler. By the time you reach Barkot, it will already be dark and driving in dark in such high altitude regions is not allowed so it’s better to stay at Barkot so that you get relaxed for the next day.

Step 2: Covering the Trekking Trail to Reach the First Pilgrimage in Char Dham Circuit

Yamunotri Temple

As stated above, this pious yatra commences at Yamunotri Dham which is dedicated to the second most holy river in India, Yamuna. One needs to cover a trekking trail of 6 km to reach the revered shrine of Yamunotri. This trek starts from Janki Chatti and proceeds towards Hanuman Chatti. After covering this 6 km long trekking distance one reaches the shrine. Before entering the temple devotees take a dip into the Yamuna River and then go to pay homage at the shrine which gets followed by visiting Hanuman Chatti, Surya Kund, and Divya Shila.

Step 3: Moving Towards Uttarkashi

Also called as “Kashi of North India”, Uttarkashi is the next destination of the journey. It is situated at a distance of almost 82 km away and takes approx. 4 hours to reach from Barkot. While driving towards Uttarkashi one can visit Prakateshwar limestone cave and finally after reaching Uttarkashi, you can do the philosophy at Vishwanath Temple. After visiting this Shiva shrine stay at the hotels or any other lodges in Uttarkashi.

Step 4: Moving Towards the Next Pilgrimage in the Circuit

gangotri temple

Gangotri is the next pilgrimage in the Char Dham circuit. One has to start their journey early in the morning so that you can return back to Uttarkashi. After reaching the shrine pay homage and then return back to the place where you stayed last night.

Step 5: Reach Towards Guptkashi

Now, it’s a time to move towards Kedarnath which is the third dham of the yatra. To pay a visit at Kedarnath shrine one needs to stop at Guptakashi which is adorned with picturesque landscapes. After reaching Guptkashi, visit the Ardh Narishwar Temple.

Step 6: Covering the Trekking trail to Reach Kedarnath Shrine

Kedarnath Temple

After reaching Gaurikund in the morning, pilgrims have to start their trek to reach the Kedarnath Shrine (the most visited destination of Shiva worshippers). The trek to Kedarnath is considered as the most challenging trekking trail of the circuit.

Step 7: Depart for Rudraprayag

This is the time to pay homage to the final destination of the journey. After covering a distance of 80 km you reach Rudraprayag where you can visit the holy confluence point of Alaknanda River and Mandakini River. Next day in the morning, start your walking distance to reach the shrine of Lord Vishnu. Before entering the temple, one needs to take a dip into the holy Tapt Kund. Besides Badrinath, a pilgrim can also visit Mata Murti Temple, Vyas Cave, Bhim Pul, etc.  This is how the journey concludes and you leave towards your home.

Travel Tips

• Bring a well- networked phone to stay connected with your loved ones. BSNL is the most preferred network connection.
• Carry enough woolen clothes with you as there is no weather consistency in the state.
• Do not forget to carry a first aid kit in your luggage and also the sunscreen lotions, caps, mosquito repellants to keep yourself away from falling sick.

Things to Keep During Kedarnath Yatra – Avoid Mistakes

Every Dham of Chota Char Dham yatra of Uttarakhand requires planning however, a journey to Kedarnath Dham requires more planning as compared to the others and most of it has to do with its incredible height. This temple of Lord Shiva whose construction is unknown is placed amongst the unmatched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas and remains thronged by citizens during its peak season rush. Believed to be first created by the Pandava brothers and reestablished by the great saint Adi Shankaracharya during the 8^th century, Kedarnath Dham is seated majestically by the holy river of Mandakini which makes its way through the Kedar valley.

If you want to have an exhilarating experience and avoid some unavoidable mistakes then make sure to follow these pointers which will keep you out of trouble and hassle:

Food Necessity:

• The choices for food availability in Kedarnath Dham is extremely limited and make sure you carry some packaged food items which will come in handy during your holy yatra journey.
• In case of water, remember to carry along sealed bottles of mineral water. Otherwise you can also opt for boiling water in some nearby tea stall which is situated almost everywhere along the way of the temple.
• Always carry along some dry fruits or chocolates in case you get exhausted while making your way to the temple. This will provide you with an instant boost of energy and will also come in handy during your journey.

Packages and other Bookings:

• Make sure to book your package via a reliable Char Dham yatra tour operator and service provider. Although there is a huge market for it there are only a limited number of genuine Char Dham Yatra providers who will give you value for money.
• Do not hire a pony or a doli service from Sonprayag, this will result in increasing the duration of your yatra journey by 2 hours. Instead, you can hire a pony from Gaurikund or even commence your walking journey from here and this will prove to be a better option.
• If you are allergic to mules, ponies or horses then this journey is going to be an extremely difficult task for you since you will be encountering them in the entire stretch of your journey to Kedarnath dham. You can choose to visit Kedarnath via a helicopter, which will also cut down on your yatra journey.

Medical Requirement:

• Do carry a first aid box with you containing some anti-fever medicines, diarrhea medicines, pain killers, cough syrup etc. you should also carry along some crepe bandages, band aids, pain relief ointments and sprays among others.
• If you suffer from vertigo or motion sickness you should also remember to carry medicines for them as well.
• Being in a high elevation you will be facing some high altitude mountain sickness (where you will be experiencing nausea, headaches or dizziness) then be sure to carry along medicines to deal with these problems as well.

General Instructions:

• For better phone connectivity you can carry Sim cards from BSNL, reliance Jio and Vodafone. Out of these three one of them will definitely work under any circumstances.
• Do not carry suitcases or duffle bags, which will only increase difficulty while travelling. Opt for carrying your belongings in a good water proof rucksack.
• You should also be sure to carry some trip essentials like raincoats, good quality water resistant boots, flash lights, an extra set of batteries and other items what you may find to be useful during your journey.
• In case of documentation requirement you should remember to keep valid photo identification with you along with a yatra pass and a medical certificate.

Char Dham Yatra Travel Tips

Char Dham Yatra is one of the most perilous and treacherous pilgrimage destinations in the world. The Chota Char Dham Yatra of Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand consists of visiting the four pillars of pilgrimage here which include – Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. It is believed that every devout Hindu is expected to take up this journey in order to attain salvation or moksha from the karmic cycle of birth and rebirth. All these pious destinations are located at massive heights and elevations which makes visiting here physically and mentally stressful. If you are planning on getting your Char Dham Yatra registration done then it is crucial for you to follow the following tips which will prove to be extremely helpful during your holy journey:

Chardhams of Uttarakhand

• It is advisable for you to start your preparation for this trekking experience one month prior to your journey date. You can start off by going on a brisk walk of 4 to 5 km each day. You are also advised to perform some breathing exercises including pranayama which would come in handy at great heights in order to combat the lack of oxygen in the air.
• Be sure the food that you consume is either boiled, cooked or fried which is a much safer option than consuming cold and raw food items. Also avoid drinking iced water or other drinks.
• Be sure to carry along with you an insect or a mosquito repellent which will help in avoiding malaria or any other related diseases which may cause sickness and hindrance in your holy journey. Also avoid itchy and uncomfortable situations which will cause extreme irritation and discomfort in your holy travels.
• Carrying a basic emergency medicines kit along with medication for fever, diarrhea, band aids, antiseptics and antibiotics and other important medicines is necessary and a must since you don’t know how your body will react to such unpredictable situations on high altitudes where there is a dearth of medicine shops and healthcare centres.
• You will be walking for a majority part of the day and it is vital that you keep your skin completely protected from head to toe since extreme exposure to sun may cause sun damages to your skin. In order to avoid this be sure to carry a sun screen and keep on re-applying it throughout your trekking journey in intervals. It is also crucial for you to protect your eyes which can be done by wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• The Yatra involves trekking at a massive elevation of 1,400 feet above sea level where the air is thin and the content of oxygen is depleted. It is vital for you to be physically fit to cover these massive distances. Get yourself medically examined and get a complete certificate for your health condition.
• Owing to its whopping height it is advised for you to carry woolen clothing items which includes thermals, wind cheaters, raincoats and blankets. Other items which is a must carry are sleeping bag, shoes that are water proof with sufficient grip strength, walking sticks and torches with spare batteries.
• Carry energy giving food items like water bottles and dry eatables like Anjeer. You can also carry energy protein bars among other food which provides you with energy for your trekking expedition.
• Do not litter. You will be trekking on a holy route be sure to keep the environment extremely clean from your side. Throw garbage only where there are dustbins available. Carry along with you a garbage bag and carry your garbage and you can throw it away at some dustbin. Help the locals in keeping the area clean and pristine.

Interesting Facts About Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is worshipped and held sacred by Hindus for being one of the Char Dhams of India. It is one of principal Char Dhams of Hinduism along with Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Yamunotri has a special significance as a visit to this land of Yamuna protects the seeker and visitor from untimely death. Yamunotri is at height of 3293 meters above sea level in northern Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and its part of the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.

Yamunotri Temple

Spiritual and Historical Significance of Yamunotri

Incidentally the actual source of the Yamuna River is the incredibly beautiful frozen lake i.e. the Champasar Glacier that’s a part of the Kalind Mountain. The road to this glacier is in a very bad condition and tourists usually do not trek up to this point. The Yamunotri temple is the principal attraction of the town. In sharp contrast to the all-white gangotri temple, this one is made of black polished marble that gives it an exotic look. The beautiful ancient temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Garhwal. Tourists who visit Yamunotri always visit the famous hot water springs at Janki Chattii…according to local lore these waters have medicinal properties. The Surya Kund is a very important hot water spring and devotees actually prepare holy meals of rice and potato steamed in its fiery water before taking it home as prasadam. Devotees worship the red brown Divya Shila near the Surya Kund first before going off to the main temple.

The Yamunotri temple is tended over by a family of Pujaris who hail from Kharsali…they maintain their bloodline strictly.

It’s interesting to note that Yamuna Goddess is the twin of Yama (lord of death) and she is known as goddess of life which is why praying to her offers protection from sudden death.

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri

The aarti at the Yamuna temple is especially popular and it starts from 6.30 p.m. every day and ends at 7.30 p.m. the beautiful black Yamunotri temple is closed from post Diwali to April and open from the first week of May till Diwali in October.  It’s easy to reach Yamunotri from any corner of India if you know the Yamunotri yatra route map.

It’s very cold in Yamunotri in the winter months which is why it is best visited in the summer months. You should visit Yamunotri during May and June ideally. You can also visit in September though the months of august and July are not recommended due to heavy rains and fear of landslides.

How to Reach Yamunotri

You can reach Yamunotri via train, flight and road. There are regular trains to Haridwar and Dehradun which are the nearest railway station and there are good motor able roads till Janki Chatti post which you need to take a tough trek to reach Yamunotri. For the physically weak and aged, there are options of taking ponies and palanquins to Yamunotri shrine from Janki Chati.

The route to Yamunotri via Haridwar bypasses Rishikesh, Narendranagar, Tehri, Dharasu, Bhrahmakal Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti to Yamunotri. Most tourists prefer going Haridwar from Delhi and then travel to Yamunotri which is why most route map to Yamunotri include Haridwar.

The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport from Yamunotri. This airport has bus stations and cab stations outside which will take you to Yamunotri. There are several kinds of vehicles you can take on rent including Tata Indica, Innova, Etios, Honda City, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry and even Mercedes E class…should you want to travel in style. There are many buses and taxis which ply between Dehradun, Uttarkashi, Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal and Gangotri.

Badrinath Dham – Badrinath Yatra Travel Guide 2018

Cradled by gentle breezes and cool fragrances, the golden temple shines so beautifully. The sacred Ganga flows next to such sacred abode of Badrinath. Thus goes the popular Badrinath Aarti.

The sweetness of the Aarti is evocative of the spiritual sacredness the Dham inspires in a pilgrim’s heart. Worshipping at Badrinath is a cherished dream of all devotees of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath is counted foremost among the holy abodes of Vishnu upon earth. The idol of Badrinarayan is considered as one of the eight swayam vyakta Kshetra or self-manifested forms of Vishnu. Praises of the spiritual sanctity of Badrinath abound in religious texts like Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, Divya Prabandha etc.

Three Legends about Badrinath

It is said that the land of Badrinath had prepared the sacred container for the holy tapas of Nar and Narayan, whose intention was the spiritual beneficence of all living beings. Nar and Narayan are considered as the prior incarnation of Lord Krishna and Arjun of Dwapara Yuga. What is noteworthy about the legend of Nar and Narayana is the prominent role the land plays in their spiritual evolution and beneficence. It’s as if the land itself was a participant of the tapas as much as they were. One can find such allusions in many myths and legends concerning holy men, wherein the land they lived are said to imbibe the same holiness evocative of the spiritual practices that were performed upon it. It’s as if even though their mortal bodies pass away, something of their essence lives on the land.

Yet another myth concerning the conception of the temple says that Lord Vishnu meditated upon the land once. Goddess Lakshmi took the physical form of a Badri tree to protect his corporeal body from the ill-effects of the harsh weather and to serve as his silent companion during the period of spiritual fortitude. This myth venerates the silent companionship of the Divine Feminine to assist Lord Vishnu’s tapas, and attributes the ‘Badri’ in the Badrinath as an allusion to the same.

The most interesting of the legends concerning Badrinath’s inception involves Lord Shiva as well. As per which the region of Badrinath served as the sacred abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati before it passed on to Vishnu. The divine couple was once intruded upon by a crying child. Seeing the child, Maa Parvati’s maternal instincts were awakened and she started taking care of the child. Once the child became part of the family, he playfully usurped the seat of Lord Shiva while the couple was away and refused to budge when they returned. Lord Shiva relented and moved onto the land of Kedarnath, leaving behind Badrinath for Lord Vishnu. For after all, who else but Lord Vishnu would dare to play such a trick on Lord Shiva? It was Lord Vishnu in the guise of a child all along!

No matter which trajectory of legend you follow, you arrive at the profound iteration of the sacredness of the Dham in the end. No wonder Badrinath Dham is suggested to be next only to Vaikuntha, the celestial abode of Lord Vishnu.

When to Travel to Badrinath?

Badrinath Temple opens its holy doors for Darshan only with the onset of summer. Due to its location at an elevation of 3133 m above sea level in the chilly Himalayan terrain, the region remains inaccessible during winters. Badrinath Temple opens on 30^th April this year i.e. 2018. The temple shall remain open until the first week of November or so, after which the idol would be shifted to Narasimha Temple in Joshimath and worshipped during the entire winter season. Keep in mind that although you may travel anytime during May-September, it is advisable to avoid making travel plans during the monsoon seasons. As is characteristic of Himalayan terrain, monsoon may render the land highly susceptible to landslides, flash floods etc increasing the risky element of the journey. Thus, the favourable time for Badrinath pilgrimage would be May-June and September-October. Now the question arises, which of these months should you actually choose to embark upon Badrinath Yatra?  Well, May-June is the most coveted time of the pilgrimage. But, these are also the months that witness heavy influx of pilgrims causing severe shortage of accommodation in the region. If you seek accommodation in budget hotels and resorts in Badrinath during pilgrimage season, you need to have booked your rooms well in advance. For those who prefer a rather quieter Darshan, the post monsoon phase of September, October and even the first week of November would be an ideal time to make the pilgrimage.

Many who visit Badrinath do so as part of the larger pilgrimage of Char Dham Yatra, the holy journey entailing trips to holiest of holy sacred shrines situated in remote Himalayan territories- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is interesting to note that even the larger Char Dham Yatra of India which involves pilgrimages to Puri, Rameswaram, Dwarka and Badrinath culminate at Badrinath Temple. Our prayers are just that whatsoever be your reason for embarking Badrinath Yatra, may your pilgrimage bear true fruits of spiritual fulfillment and emotional rejuvenation, and be divinely assisted at every juncture of the course!

What You Didn’t Know About Kedarnath Yatra

There is no dearth of temples dedicated to the beloved god Shiva in India.  But few of them enjoy the stature Kedarnath Temple has in the minds of millions of Shivabhakts. What makes Kedarnath Temple such a coveted pilgrimage destination? If anything, visiting the temple is no easy task. Due to its location in one of the most inaccessible regions in Garhwal Himalayas, visiting the temple involves a considerable amount of trekking. Motorable roads end downhill at Gaurikund, which acts as the ideal initiating point for treks to Kedarnath Temple. One cannot help but draw parallels between Maa Gauri’s penances to fully recognize herself as Shakti such that Lord Shiva would choose her as his divine consort, which she performed at the very site of Gaurikund and the sincere efforts of multitude of pilgrims on their uphill journey to seek the holy Darshan of Mahadev. Shiva reigns supreme in his beautiful Jyotirlinga at Kedarnath. Receiving his holy Darshan supposedly washes away many a lifetime of Karmic remnants, and fills one with spiritual serenity, that which only those who can fully let in divine grace to enter the receptacles of their being can experience.

Why Dham is Considered Holier than Tirth?

Kedarnath draws its importance from not just being a Jyotirlinga but also one of the Chardham shrines. Perhaps the most remotely located and thus the most challenging amongst the four sacred temples, Kedarnath is visited prior to Badrinath and after temples at Yamunotri and Gangotri. Char Dham in vernacular means four homes. A ‘Dham’ is accorded greater spiritual significance than usual Tirth (pilgrimage spot) since Dham  is meant to wholly contain the numinosity of the God/Goddess worshipped therein, Dham is considered a literal home of the Divinity.

Helicopter Services – Answer to our Prayers for an Easier Kedarnath Yatra

Whilst there would be no end to one’s iteration of the praises levied upon Kedarnath across the folds of history, let us now turn our attention on the many practical details involved in planning Kedarnath Yatra from your home city. That Kedarnath shrine can now be visited by helicopter is a true blessing to many souls who find the challenges of the trek too perilous for their physical well-being. Also, it considerably saves time as well. Thus, helicopter services for Chardham Yatra seem to be a true boon of the modern technology in rendering an age-old pilgrimage easily navigable.

Where to Begin Kedarnath Yatra from?

If you plan to visit Kedarnath Dham, as part of Chardham Yatra or individually, it is important to know that most pilgrimages to Kedarnath begin from either Delhi/Haridwar/Rishikesh. The first part of your journey would then involve travelling till any of these places. Alternatively, you can choose to begin the pilgrimage from Dehradun as well, since helicopters fly from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. Thus, Dehradun forms the starting point in the case of Chardham Yatra by helicopter, or rather Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter.

Kedarnath Open for Darshan for Only Half a Year

Did we mention that Kedarnath is open only for half a year? Yes, since the temperatures fall below the levels conducive to human inhabitation, the shrine is closed and the idol removed to his winter abode at Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple. Bhairav Nath, Shiva’s own fierce form enshrined in a small temple located nearby supposedly guards over the entire valley when it is bereft of the worship of Kedarkhand.

The exact dates for opening the doors of the sacred shrine vary every year. Kedarnath Temple is to open on 29 April this year. Although the temple will remain open till October, it is advisable to avoid making plans for pilgrimage during the monsoon season due to greater susceptibility for occurrence of landslides in the geographically sensitive and volatile area.

May Lord Shiva shower His Divine grace and ease your perils in visiting his sacred shrine at Kedarnath!

Badrinath Kedarnath Travel Guide

There were times in our past when Shaivite and Vaishanavite represented two different, even opposing streams of consciousness within the Hindu lineage. One of the greatest proponents of the underlying unity among seeming diversities in external manifestations of Divinity, Sri Shankaracharya sought to bring the whole of Hindu religion under the umbrella of ‘Advaita’ (Not two) philosophy. It must attest to the success of his efforts that today one hardly comes across even a clear-cut demarcation among Shaivite or Vaishnavite streams in conventional Hindu practice. In fact, it is widely believed that one’s pilgrimage to Badrinath would not be deemed complete unless one has already sought the blessings of Lord Shiva at Kedarnath. May the following travel guide of Badri Kedar Do Dham Yatra ease your pilgrimages to these spiritually potent temples.

Kedarnath

Kedarnath Temple

As per convention, one ought to visit Kedarnath shrine before Badrinath. In Kedarnath, Lord Shiva reigns in his supreme jyotirlingam as the Lord of Kedar Khand(region). The temple’s deity is transferred to Omkareswar Temple, Ukhimath during the wintry days. The temple housing Bhairav Nath, Shiva’s fierce form, is located half a kilometer away on a nearby hillock. It is believed that Bhairav Nath guards the entire region as its Kshetrapal.

Kedarnath shrine can be reached only after a 16 km trek from Gaurikund. Motorable roads connect Gaurikund with Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Uttarkashi etc. The trek is quite strenuous and is the ultimate test for one’s physical and spiritual endurance.

It is in its very vicinity that Adi Shankaracharya attained Samadhi. Samadhi of Adi Shankaracharya is located behind the temple’s premises.

There only exists limited provision for basic accommodation at Kedarnath, most pilgrims make Sitapur or Guptkashi their base for visiting the shrine.

Badrinath

Badrinath Dham

Badrinath forms part of the two char dhams, the all India Char Dham initiated by Adi Shankaracharya and the Himalayan char dham of which Kedarnath is also an integral part. The sacred site marks the site at which Nar and Narayan, the deity pair incarnation of Vishnu, practiced rigorous austerities for thousands of years to bring in welfare for all living beings on earth. Badrinath shrine is located upon the banks of Alakananda River.

Badrinath temple can be easily accessible and poses no challenges akin to Kedarnath. Nestled on the banks of River Alaknanda, the beautiful temple also has the peaks of Nar, Narayan and Neelkanth in its backdrop.

Temple mythology claims the initial enshrinement of the deity to have been in a cave near the thermal springs at Tapt Kund. Even today, Tapt Kund is considered with such reverence. Reportedly, the water in the natural hot water spring has healing properties as well.

If you happen to be able to make it to Badrinath temple premises in the early morning, you ought not to miss two things. The beautiful alighting of sunlight upon the Neelkanth peak as the dark makes way for the dusk and the holy darshan of Badrinarayan as he is awaken early with Maha Abhishek Puja (4.00 am – 6.00 am). The darshan of these two sacred sights – one prepared by Mother Nature and another by religious ritual, abounds one’s heart with supreme spiritual serenity.

The route from Delhi goes thus- Delhi – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Karnaprayag – Nandprayag – Chamoli – Joshimath – Badrinath. From Kedarnath, one goes thus : Gaurikund – Kalimath – Ukhimath – Chopta – Rudraprayag – Srinagar – Devprayag – Badrinath.