Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag is a Hindu temple in dedication to Lord Shiva in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is present in a cave, on the banks of the holy river Alaknanda. The presiding deity, Lord Koteshwar is one of the many avatars of Lord Shiva.
Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag – Facts
Deity | Lord Shiva |
Location | Koteshwar Chopda Road, India, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand 246171 |
Best Time to Visit | 365 Days |
Darshan Timings | 6 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 5 PM |
Entry Fees | Free |
Dress Code | Traditional Wear |
Festivals | Mahashivratri, Once-In-Four-Years procession |
Unlike most of the temples in the region, the idols are not brought out frequently or even annually. Devotees take them out in a procession only once in four years. This temple is also among the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
This is the holiest pilgrimage tour in India.
What are the timings of Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
Here are the timings of Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag:
Timings | From | To |
Morning | 6 AM | 12 PM |
Evening | 2 PM | 5 PM |
What is the significance of Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
The significance of the temple is that the cave of the temple contains ancient and naturally made idols as well as Shiva lingam. It is also the place where Lord Shiva was meditating when Pandavas approached him to ask for the blessing of ‘Mukti‘ after the war of Kurukshetra.
These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
What is the history of Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
According to the history of the temple, it is present at the place where Lord Shiva meditated on his way to Kedarnath. As per a legend, demon Bhasmasur received a boon from Lord Shiva according to which anyone whose head he would touch would burn to ashes.
Then, because of his ego, he tried to burn Lord Shiva himself. As a result, Shiva had to keep hiding from place to place until he reached the cave where Koteshwar temple is now present and prayed to Lord Vishnu for help. Hence, Lord Vishnu took the Mohini Avtar and killed the demon Bhasmasur.
The construction of the temple took place in the 14th century. Then, the construction again took place in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Festivals celebrated at Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag
Some of the festivals celebrated at the temple are:
- Mahashivratri: This festival is celebrated in the honor of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga, making offerings to the deity, as well as meditating.
- Once-In-Four-Years procession: The temple takes out a procession of its idols every once in four years, unlike other temples in the region that do so annually.
How to reach Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
Here’s how to reach the temple:
- Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (159 km away).
- Train: The nearest railway stations are Dehradun (183 km away) and Rishikesh (142 km away).
- Road: One can hire a taxi from Rudraprayag to Koteshwar temple which is just 3 km away.
Where to stay near Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
Some of the places where one can stay near the temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:
- Shivalik Valley Resorts: This budget accommodation offers free internet access to its patrons. This resort in Rudraprayag accommodates room which are well-equipped with basic amenities like television, safe, room heater and an attached bathroom with a hot and cold water facility.
- Hotel Mandakini: There are 24 rooms spread over 2 floors in this hotel in Rudraprayag. Room amenities include a tea/coffee maker, balcony, air-conditioner, television, bottled/drinking water, attached bathroom with hot and cold running water supply as well as a wardrobe.
- Hotel Snow View: The hotel has facilities like round the clock front desk, laundry services, and luggage storage space, parking area, medical services, and full power back up.
Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the rooms
What are some temples near Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag?
Some of the temples near Koteshwar Temple Rudraprayag are:
- Tungnath Temple: It is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva and comes second if one follows the order. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Tungnath is at the top of the ridge which divides the waters of rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda.
- Adi Badri: It is the second among the ‘Sapt Badri‘ temples which are a group of seven holy shrines in honor of Lord Vishnu. All the Badri temples are present in Badri-Kshetra. Whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple.
- Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi: It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Vishwanath, which means ‘Lord of the Universe‘. Moreover, the architecture of the temple resembles the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. It is present at the place where Shiva proposed to Parvati for marriage. However, the wedding ceremony took place at Triyuginarayan Temple.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The word ‘tri‘ means ‘Three‘, ‘Yug‘ means ‘a period of time‘, and ‘Narayan‘ is a name for Lord Vishnu. Devotees offer wood to the fireplace of the temple since three Yugas. Moreover, the temple is 3.1 miles away from Sonprayag, which is the confluence of river Mandakini and Songanga.
- Dhari Devi Temple: The temple is for Goddess Dhari and contains the upper half of the idol of the goddess, while the lower half is present in Kalimath. In Kalimath, devotees worship her as a form of Kali Mata. Moreover, devotees believe that Goddess Dhari protects the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand and is the guardian of the region.
Arnab Chakraborty says
I need the contact number of Koteshwar Temple,Rudraprayag,Uttarakhand.