Char Dham Yatra

Sapta Badri Temples – List, History, Map, Best Time to Visit

July 9, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Sapta Badri are the seven holy Shrine temples of Char Dham Yatra are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Ardha Badri are seven Sapta Badri.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Deity	Seven holy Shrine temples of Lord Vishnu
Location	Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit	May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings	5 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear

Trek to these holy Hindu Temples lies in Badri Van (means forest of Berries), from Satopanth Glacier above Badrinath temple to Badri-Kshetra village near Karnprayag in Uttarakhand.

Route of Sapta Badri

List of Seven Badri –

1. Badri Vishal (Badrinath)

Badri Vishal or Badrinath is the main Badri and temple of Lord Vishnu that is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River in Mana Village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Read More..

2. Adi Badri

Adi Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is the second temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in the weather. Read more..

3. Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Read more..

4. Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Subhai, Uttarakhand. It is the fourth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples.Devotees believe it to be the future abode of Badrinath at the end of the Kali Yuga when there will be the destruction of the present world and the creation of a new world. Read more..

5. Yogadhyan Badri

Yogadhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Pandukeshwar village near Govind Ghat in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is the fifth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. According to the religious texts, the king Pandu worshipped here to get rid of him from the sin of killing of two mating deer; the two deer were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandavas were also born here. Read more..

6. Dhyan Badri

Dhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Urgam Valley near Kalpeshwar, in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the sixth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Urvarishi, son of King Puranjaya of the Pandavas lineage meditated in Urgam valley and established a temple of Lord Vishnu here. Read more..

7. Ardha Badri

Ardha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the seventh temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Ardha Badri in comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘. Read more..

Chandi Devi Temple Haridwar Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

August 8, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Devi Temples

Chandi Devi Temple is present atop the Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi. The temple is one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar.

Devotees also believe that the Chandi Devi Temple is a Siddha Peetha, which translates to a place where desires get fulfilled. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations in northern India.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Char Dham Yatra Tour Package.

Chandi Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Chandi (Goddess Shakti)
Location	Haridwar, Uttrakhand
Significance	Siddha Peetha
Tours	Char Dham Yatra
Darshan Timings	7:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee	Free
Rope-way Timings	7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Rope-way Charges	Rs. 95 per person (to and fro)
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Festivals	Navratri, Chandi Chaudas, Kumbha Mela

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar.

What are the timings of the Chandi Devi Temple?

The temple opens at 7:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. The morning aarti starts at 5:30 am.

Timings	From	To
Morning	7 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	7 PM

How to cover the route to the Chandi Devi Temple?

Routes to the Chandi Devi Temple — The Udan Khatola is a very popular mode of transport to the Chandi Devi Temple.

The Udan Khatola is a very famous tourist attraction of the city of temples, Haridwar. It offers a picturesque view of not only the river Ganga but of the entire city. Situated on the Neel Parvath at the height of 2900 meters, the distance to the temple is 4 km.

Udan Khatola saves you the climb on the steep hill and takes only 5-10 minutes to reach the temple. This facility is highly beneficial for the specially-abled, senior citizens, and expecting mothers. The Neel Parvath is an ideal place for the purpose of trekking, and the ascend to the temple takes approximately 45 minutes on foot.

The Udan Khatola service starts at 8:30 am and closes at 6 pm.

The pricing for the Udan Khatola are as follows:

*Ticket Type*	*Price*
Chandi Devi Rope-way	INR 95
Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi combined	INR 263
Concession ticket (for Chandi Devi only)	INR 65
Concession ticket (for combined)	INR 122

Please note:

All the tickets are inclusive of the return journey as well and should be kept until the end of the trip.
The combined ticket is valid for three days.
For children below the height of 110 cm, tickets are not required, the ride is free.
Concessional tickets are for the specially-abled and widows of Indian Defense soldiers. The proof of the same needs to be shown at the ticket counter.

What is the significance of Chandi Devi Temple?

The significance of the Chandi Devi Temple is that it is one of the most ancient temples of India. Apart from being one of the Panch Teerth of Haridwar, it is also a Siddha Peeth. This sacred temple is highly revered by pilgrims, especially during festivals such as Navratri.

Pilgrims can reach via a rope-way, popular as the Chandi-Devi Udankhatola which also carries pilgrims to the Mansa Devi Temple. Please note that leather accessories, non-vegetarian food, and alcoholic drinks are prohibited inside the temple.

What is the history of the Chandi Devi Temple?

Goddess Chandi destroyed Chanda and Munda.

According to the history of the temple, Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir, built the Chandi Devi Temple in 1929. But it is a popular belief that the main idol of the temple was instated by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

The story behind the temple, as mentioned in the Devi Mahatmyam, describes the existence of two demon kings, Shumbha and Nishumbha. The Asuras had held Lord Indra (the king of gods) hostage and wanted to rule Indraloka. The Devas prayed to Goddess Parvati and sought her intervention. She transformed into a beautiful yet fierce warrior goddess, Chandi. Charmed by her beauty, Shumbha wished to marry her, and the divine goddess refused. Enraged, he sent his warriors Chanda and Munda to defeat her.

Goddess Chamunda, the destroyer of the Chanda and Munda, was born out of Goddess Chandi’s anger. Upon learning of the fate of Chanda and Munda, Shumbha and Nishumbha went onto battle Goddess Chandika themselves. She destroyed them and then rested atop the Neel Parvath where the Chandi Devi Temple is now present.

What are the festivals celebrated at the Chandi Devi Temple?

Navratri is a combination of two Sanskrit words – ‘Nava’, which means ‘nine’ and ‘Ratri’, which means ‘night’.

The major festivals celebrated in the temple are:

Chandi Chaudas: According to the mahant of Chandi Devi Temple, it is the day when all the other forms of Goddess Bhagwati come to meet Goddess Chandi in the temple. After providing special prayers and offerings, they return to their respective abodes. Women prepare prasad at home and present it to Goddess Chandi as Bhog.
Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri, a festival celebrated across India for nine days is dedicated to Maa Durga. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Chandi Devi Temple?

Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, at a distance of 40 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 8 km from the temple.
Road: Buses for Haridwar are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi, and the bus station is only 2.5 km from the temple.

Where to stay near Chandi Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay nearby while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It provides spacious rooms, excellent food, high speed wireless internet, a steam room and a gym. It is at a distance of 13 km from the temple.
Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. It also provides a peaceful and aesthetically appeasing interior along with a great view of Ganga.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel at a 7.6 km drive from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel boasts off excellent service in food as well as cleanliness. Moreover, guests can also avail massage therapies at the in-house massage centre.

Chandi Devi Temple — Goddess Chandi is said to be the presiding deity of this siddha peetha.

What are some temples near Chandi Devi?

Explore Haridwar — Haridwar is one of the Sapta Puris, which are the seven holiest places for the Hindus.

Some of the famous temples nearby are:

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar: Har ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. Literally translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is on the banks of Ganga, at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains. It is said that a dip in the Ganges at Har ki Pauri absolves one of his/ her sins.
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar: Maya Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Goddess Maya is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is the Adhisthatri of the city. The temple is one among the three prominent Siddha Peetha in Haridwar.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar. Also, popular as ‘Bilwa Teerth’, this temple is among the panch teerth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The main deity of the temple is ‘Neelkanth’ who is a form of Lord Shiva and has a blue throat due to the effect of consuming poison. It also contains various scriptures depicting ‘Samudramanthan’ by Devas and Asuras, which is mythologically relevant to the temple.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar: It is a temple dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’ or ‘Mother India’. The temple is present alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of Ganga. It is 8 storeys tall, with each storey depicting an era in Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Indian Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Chandi Devi Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Chandi Devi Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fees?

The entry to the Chandi Devi Temple is free.

What is the preferred time to visit the Chandi Devi Temple?

The best timing to visit the Chandi Devi Temple is from 8 am to 10 am in the morning.

When is the best time of the year to visit the Chandi Devi Temple?

Although you can visit the temple any time of the year, ideally, February, March, August, September and October are the best times to visit the Chandi Devi Temple.

Is Mansa Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?

Mansa Devi Temple is 2.4 km from the Chandi Devi Temple and it takes approximately 11 minutes to travel via Haridwar Industrial Area.

Is Maya Devi Temple close to Chandi Devi Temple?

Chandi Devi Temple is very close to the Maya Devi Temple and it takes approximately 3 minutes to cover the distance via NH34.

When is the Chandi Devi Temple most crowded?

Chandi Devi Temple is the most crowded during the Navratri and Kumbhmela season.

What is the weather like during summers?

The temperature during summers is mild and ranges from 35º C to 45º C. It is advisable to carry cotton clothing in summers.

What are winters like in Haridwar?

Weather in winter is very unpredictable. The temperature varies from 10º C to 30º C. It is therefore advised to carry warm, woolen clothing as winters can get very cold here.

Which is the nearest airport to Haridwar?

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. It is 36 km away.

Which is the nearest railway station to Haridwar?

The Haridwar railway station is the closest to the main city. The railway station is just 600 meters away from the Maya Devi Temple and takes only 3 minutes to travel.

If you have any questions about the Chandi Devi Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Kalpeshwar Temple

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Kedar, Shiva Temples

Kalpeshwar Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples in honour of Lord Shiva, present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Also, it comes last, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. One must visit Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath and Madhyamaheshwar temples before Kalpeshwar temple.

Kalpeshwar is the only Panch Kedar temple accessible throughout the year. Also, it is a small temple and devotees have to pass through a cave passage in order to reach it. The temple is in the Urgam valley, where the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Kalpganga is also present.

According to beliefs, Shri Adi Shankaracharya designed the poojas and rituals of the Panch Kedar temples. He was also the one who appointed the priests in these temples. It is a part of the 4 Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Kalpeshwar Temple?

According to the history, Pandavas established the Kalpeshwar temple. Pandavas slew their kin Kauravas during the Mahabharata. Hence, Rishi Vyas advised them to go to Lord Shiva, because only he could absolve them of their sins. However, Shiva kept hiding from them and took the form of a bull.

Then, he went into hiding in an underground safe haven at Guptakashi. Later, Lord Shiva’s body parts as a bull rematerialised at five locations. The Pandavas then built Shiva temples in these five places, popular as ‘Panch Kedar’ (Find out more about the Char Dham Yatra). Kalpeshwar Temple is the place where the Jata (Tress) of Lord Shiva appeared.

What is the significance of Kalpeshwar Temple?

The significance of Kalpeshwar temple is that the priests of the temple are Dasnamis and Gossains, who are disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. Devotees also believe that worship here at the temple is capable of absolving one of his/her sins. This is because as per mythology, Saint Durvasa cursed Lord Indra for his sins.

Indra, then came to Kalpeshwar temple and performed penance to please Lord Shiva. Later, Shiva blessed him and helped him gain his throne back. Kalpeshwar temples is also the only temple among the Panch Kedar temples to be accessible throught the year.

What are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple:

Timings	From
Open	6 AM
Close	7 PM
Morning Aarti	6 AM
Evening Aarti	6:30 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple are:

Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour 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 as well as meditating.
Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kalpeshwar Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (251 km away).
Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi to reach Ugram village. The remaining distance has to be covered through trek.

Where to stay near Kalpeshwar Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Kalpeshwar Temple while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

The Tattva Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, 24-hour room service and Laundry facilities. Free continental breakfast, free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Other amenities include A 24-hour front desk.
Monal Resort: This hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour business centre and Concierge services are available at this resort. Free WiFi in public areas and free valet parking are also provided. Other amenities include Dry cleaning, A 24-hour front desk and a garden.
Hotel Mandakini: This hotel features a restaurant, a rooftop terrace and 24-hour room service are available at this hotel. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a meeting room and A 24-hour front desk are on-site.

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar temples are:

Kedarnath Temple: It is the first, and the most famous temple among the Panch Kedar templs of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is the place where the hump of the bull form of Lord Shiva appeared. The temple remains closed during winters and at that time, devotees bring the idols of the temple to Ukhimath for worship. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kedarnath, the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’, which is the historical name of the region.
Tungnath Temple: It comes second, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. Also, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, Tunganath mountains form Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. Tungnath is the place where the bahu (hands) appeared.
Rudranath Temple: It comes third, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples. It is followed by Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar temples. Moreover, the face of god Shiva is worshipped as “Nilkanth Mahadeva” here. Rudranath Temple is the place where the face of Lord Shiva appeared.
Madhyamaheshwar Temple: It comes fourth, if one follows the order of Panch Kedar temples followed by Kalpeshwar Temple. Peaks like Chaukhamba, Neel Kanth and Kedarnath surround the temple.Madhyamaheshwar Temple is the place where the navel of Lord Shiva appeared.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What are the best places to visit in Uttarakhand?

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

Uttarakhand has many beautiful tourist destinations. Most important amongst all, it is the home of the Chhota Char Dhams- Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Haridwar, Nainital, Rishikesh, Valley of Flowers, Mussoorie and many other places are also equally visited by tourists.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcF1dZlly_k

Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Temple is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 10,800feet. It is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Amar Singh Thapa built this temple. However, it got destroyed and was re-built in the 19th Century. It stands amidst beautiful mountain peaks and the sacred waters of the Yamuna River. the temple is constructed in the Nagar style. The temple is built with Granite stones that have been obtained from the surrounding mountains. The temple is opened for public viewing on the Akshaya Tritiya. It is closed on the event of Yama Dwitiya which falls on the second day after Diwali. It is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. It is the first destination of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra.

Gangotri Temple: The Gangotri Temple is situated at an elevation of 10,200feet in the Himalayan Range of Uttarakhand. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is situated amidst beautiful mountains and the waters of the sacred river, Ganga. The River Ganga originates here and is called Bhagirathi. It originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh. It is a 19km trek from Gangotri town. It is the second destination in the Chhota Char Dham yatra of Uttarakhand. It is considered one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is located near Mandakini River in the Garhwal Himalayan Range. It is situated at Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is at a height of 11, 760feet. This temple worships Lord Shiva as the ‘Lord of Kedar Khand’- Kedarnath. The Kedarnath Temple remains open only for six months a year. It begins from the day of Akshaya Tritiya in March-April. It closes on the eve of Karthik Purnima in November. The temple remains closed for the next six months due to extremely harsh winters.

Badrinath Temple: This temple is situated along the banks of Alaknanda River in the Garhwal Hills. It is at a height of 10,280 feet. It is situated in Uttarakhand. Apart from being the final destination of Chhota Char Dham, it is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Two peaks named Nar and Narayan surrounds it. The temple can be visited only between April and November and remains closed due to extreme weather conditions prevailing in the Himalayas during winters. Kedarnath Temple is also a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Other places to visit in Uttarakhand are:

Haridwar: Translating to ‘Gateway of God’, it is one of the seven holiest places in India. It is believed that a dip in the holy running waters of Ganga here helps one wash away all their sins. It is one of the Hindu pilgrimage sites and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Haridwar is known as the ‘Pilgrim Capital’. It is a place where the tourist gets enchanted by the religious and spiritual energy of the place. Haridwar is located t the foothills of the Himalayas. It is one of the oldest cities in India.

Nainital: Nainital is called the ‘Lake District’ of India. Various natural resources and many lakes surround it. The most prominent lake is the Naini Lake. The Naina Devi Hindu Temple is located around the Nainital Lake. It is one of the best places in Uttarakhand. Nainital is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh: It is located at the confluence of River Ganga and River Chandrabhaga. It is called the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’. This place in an important pilgrimage site. Rishikesh has a spectacular nature and is surrounded by spectacular hills. Various Yoga institutes and ashrams teach about the various aspects of Hinduism here. It is one of the best places to visits in Uttarakhand.

Valley of Flowers: Valley of flowers is an Indian National Park present in the state of Uttarakhand. It is rich in flora and fauna including endangered and rare species of plants as well as animals. This diversity also represents a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of Zanskar and Great Himalaya. It is home to a number of rare and endangered species such as red fox, snow leopard, musk deer, etc. Moreover, it provides aesthetic pleasure to visitors because of the number and variety of flowers that grow here. It also has religious significance in Hinduism because yogis have visited the valley for meditation since time immemorial. Moreover, local people used to believe that Gods and fairies inhabited the valley.

Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a well-liked tourist spot in Uttarakhand. In Mussoorie, you can witness a spectacular view of the Himalayas. It is located at an altitude of 6000feet. Mussoorie is referred to as the ‘Queen of Hills’. This place is visited by many tourists every year. It is considered to be one of the best places in Uttarakhand.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

March 11, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi shares the same name with the one in Varanasi, however, it stands in the Guptakashi town of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand. Further, the temple is dedicated to one of Lord Shiva’s avatar, Lord Vishwanath, meaning the ‘Lord of Universe’.

The architecture of the temple closely resembles the popular Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

Moreover, the word ‘Guptkashi’ has historical relevances in the epic of Mahabharata. However, the religious significance of Guptkashi is equated next to that of Varanasi which is referred to as the most pious of all Hindu pilgrimage sites.

Another temple of utmost importance present in the town is Ardhnareshwara temple. Further, this temple contains a half-man and half-woman form of Shiva-Parvati. Moreover, this temple is also a significant part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. Take this divine yatra now.

Introduction of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Ardhnareshwara Temple is present in Guptkashi and houses an idol of Lord Shiva in half-man and half-women form.

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashu – Facts

Temple Timings	5 am – 12 pm 2 pm – 9 pm
Time required for Darshan	30 minutes
Entry Fee	No Fee
Best Time To Visit	March – October
Nearest Airport	Jolly Grant Airport
Location	Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Diety	Lord Shiva

What are the timings of Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Here are the timings of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 am	12 pm
Evening	2 pm	9 pm

What is the significance of Guptakshi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi holds significance as the place where Lord Shiva put out the matrimonial proposal before Goddess Parvati. However, the wedding ceremony was organised at Triyuginarayan Temple. Moreover, this temple draws similarities in structure with other temples in Uttarakhand, such as the Kedarnath temple.

This beautiful site is made of stone and has a high tower above the sanctum. Furthermore, the main gate of the temple portrays an image of ‘Bhairav’, which is a form of Lord Shiva. On the other hand, the walls have lotus images. Also, the entrance has two ‘dwarpalakas’ or entrance-guards inscribed on it.

The temple complex has a pond called Manikarnika Kund where the Shivlingam is bathed by two river springs that represent rivers namely, Yamuna and Ganga.

What is the history of Guptkashi’s Vishwanath Temple?

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi has a fascinating relevance with the Pandavas of Mahabharat. Legends state that after the Kurukshetra war, Pandavas desired to get rid of the sins they committed during the war. Hence, they wished to meet Lord Shiva to absolve them of their sins, however, Lord Shiva did not wish to have a meeting with them.

So, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull (Nandi) and appeared before the Pandavas. However, the Pandavas recognised him and began to follow Nandi until they reached a place where Lord Shiva vanished in a cave. Hence, this place later became popular as ‘Guptkashi’.

History of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi — Aurangzeb was the mughal emporer who destroyed Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi hence the idol was shifted to Guptkashi.

Also, when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb turned the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi into rags, the priests shifted the main idol of the temple to Guptkashi in order to keep it safe.

What are the festivals celebrated at Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Mahashivratri: This festival is a celebration of Lord Shiva. Devotees signify Shiva as the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. On this day, devotees pay a visit to Shiva temples, make offerings, keep fasts and offer milk to the Shivlingam.
Dussehra: This Hindu festival signifies the victory of good over evil. Dussehra recounts the day when Lord Rama killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees also burn an effigy of Ravana and put diyas around their houses.

How to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Here’s how to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

Air: The nearest airport to the temple is Jolly Grant Airport. It is 198 km away from Guptakshi.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is at a distance of 192 km from Guptakshi.
Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere gate. From there, one can avail state transport buses to Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi.

Where to stay near the Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Cedar Valley Resorts: The resort has 16 rooms, all of which are packed with a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. Moreover, the resort also has a restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines for the guests.
Chopta Meadows Camps: The property provides 8 lodgings, each equipped with a desk as well as a private bathroom. Chopta Meadows Camp’s restaurant offers 3-time meals and is budget-friendly.
Himalayan Comforts: The resort has 17 rooms that have all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. The resort also offers a restaurant facility. Moreover, the place also provides easy access to Kalimath.

What are some temples near Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Some of the temples near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi are:

Dhari Devi Temple: This temple is present at the banks of river Alaknanda in Uttarakhand. It is home to the upper half of the idol of Goddess Dhari, while the lower half is in Kalimath. Moreover, the devotees look upon the Goddes as the guardian of Uttarakhand.
Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath: Omkareshwar Temple Ukhimath, or Omkareshwar Pith is an ancient Hindu temple present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It houses the deities Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar during winters (November- April).
Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This is the venue of marriage of Shiva and Parvati. Moreover, the temple is 3.1 miles away from Sonprayag, which is the confluence of river Mandakini and Songanga.

The temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.