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Char Dham Yatra

Lakhamandal Temple Dehradun – Timings, History and Guide

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Lakhamandal temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The name the complex has origins in the words ‘Lakha‘ meaning ‘many‘ and ‘Mandal‘ meaning ‘Temples or Lingam‘. Moreover, devotees believe that a visit to this temple is capable of absolving one’s sins.

Lakhamandal – Facts

Deity Lord Shiva
Location Jaunsar-Bawar region of Dehradun district, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit October to March
Darshan Timings 7 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Mahashivratri

The Shivling here is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

It also ends the miseries of life. River Yamuna flows near the village in which Lakhamandal is present. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What are the timings of Lakhamandal?

Here are the timings of Lakhamandal:

OpenClose
Timings7 AM6 PM

What is the significance of Lakhamandal?

The significance of Lakhamandal is the main attraction of the temple complex is a Shivalingam made of graphite. When water is poured over Shivalingam, it reflects the light and shines, hence illuminating its surroundings. Also, the temple has the northern Indian style of architecture (Huna architecture).

Lakhamandal Intro
The Shivling is made of graphite which shines on pouring water on it.

Beliefs also say that a person who dies in front of the twin statues of Manav and Danav momentarily returns to life. This is because Manav keeps the person alive while Danav takes the person’s soul to Lord Vishnu’s divine abode.

What is the history of  Lakhamandal?

Lakhamandal History 1
Lakshyagraha – A house of shellac.

The history of Lakhamandal is that the temple is present near the place where Duryodhana conspired to burn Bhaskara alive in Lakshyagraha (a house of shellac). Moreover, two statues of Manav and Danav are present near the main shrine and devotees consider them to be of Pandava brothers Bhima and Arjuna.

Lakhamandal History 2
The statue resembles Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu.

These statues are the dwarpals (door guards) of the shrine. They also resemble Jai and Vijay, the doormen of Lord Vishnu. Dhundhi Odaari is a cave present near Lakhamandal and devotees believe that it is the place where Pandavas hid in order to protect themselves from their cousin Duryodhana. Dhund means “fog” and odaari means “cave“.

Lakhamandal History 3
Pandavas hid in the Dhundhi Odaari cave in order to protect themselves from Duryodhana.

Festivals celebrated at Lakhamandal

The main festival celebrated at Lakhamandal is:

  • Mahashivratri: This festival is 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.
Lakhamandal Festivals
Mahashivratri is celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Lakhamandal?

Here’s how to reach Lakhamandal:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (130 km away).
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun railway station (107 km away from Lakhamandal).
  • Road: Buses to Chakrata are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can hire a bus or taxi from Chakrata to Lakhamandal.

Where to stay near Lakhamandal?

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

  • Hotel Shiva Residency: The property offers a multi-cuisine restaurant, conference hall, doctor on call, safe deposit lockers, travel desk, laundry, secretarial services, generator back-up as well as Wi-Fi internet facility.
  • Hotel Saffron Leaf: 4 km from ISBT and Dehradun Railway Station, the hotel offers a fitness center, travel assistance, and a multi-cuisine restaurant.
  • Hotel LP Residency:  The hotel is a perfect retreat for visitors and business travelers. It offers WiFi, parking, laundry, room service, credit card acceptance and many more. 

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 Lakhamandal?

Some of the temples near Lakhamandal are:

  • Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi: The temple is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is present on the banks of river Bhagirathi and is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand. The Shiva lingam here is 56cm in height and is tilted towards the South. The lingam is a Swayambhu, that is, the lord has manifested the lingam himself. During the Magh Mela, devotees visit the temple to take a holy dip in the river Bhagirathi. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.
  • Shakti Temple: This temple is present on the opposite side of the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi and is in honor of Goddess Parvati. Also, the main attraction of the temple is a huge ‘Trishool‘ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old.
Lakhamandal Nearby

Lakshman Temple Rishikesh – Timings, Legends and History

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Lakshman Temple is a popular Hindu temple in dedication to Lord Lakshman in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. He is the younger brother of Lord Rama. Devotees believe that the temple is present in the same place where Lord Lakshman meditated to attain enlightenment. It is believed that the jute bridge, now known as Lakshman Jhula, was constructed by Lord Ram. 

It is also a part of the holy Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. Lakhs of devotees visit this pilgrimage every year. 

Lakshman Temple Facts

Deity Lord Lakshman
Location Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit September to April
Darshan Timings 5:00 am to 12:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional
Festivals Dussera and Diwali

Lakshman Temple Timings

People can have darshan at Lakshman Temple from 5 AM to 12 PM in the morning. There is an afternoon break from 12 PM to 2 PM. The evening darshan resumes at 2 PM and the temple closes at 9 PM.

Here are the timings of Lakshman Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning5 AM12 PM
Evening3 PM10 PM

What is the significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Significance of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh
Lakshman Jhula is the rope way used by numerous devotees to reach Lakshman Temple.

The significance of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh is that it is popular for its ancient sculptures and wall paintings. It is present in a religious hub, known as Tapovan. It is an area on the banks of the river Ganga where the popular Lakshman Jhula is present. Trayambakeshwar temple is also present nearby the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh.

The Lakshman temple is close to the startup point of Rafting for which Rishikesh is quite famous.

White River Rafting Near Lakshman Temple
Lakshman Temple is close to the starting point of the popular sport activity of River rafting that is enjoyed immensely by the youths

What is the history of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

History of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh
A beautiful chariot sculpture near Lakshman Temple that can be seen while crossing the Lakshman Jhula

The historical backdrop of this town is rich with various history and legendary stories. Frequently known as the ‘Abode of Gods’, Rishikesh is among the most ancient pilgrimage site of India. One can’t just discuss the history of Rishikesh, without referencing the Lakshman Temple. 

According to the historical backdrop of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh, Lakshman Jhula present close to the temple was built by Lord Ram in the form of Jute bridge. It continued after some time and after various alterations and remodels is available in its present structure.

What are the legends of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Legends of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh
The divine Lakshman Idol that can be seen inside the sanctum of Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh

There are a number of legends associated with the origin of this mythical bridge. Each one of them will leave you astonished with the myths –

  1. As per the legend, Lakshman who was the brother of Lord Rama crossed the river Ganges on a bridge he built with jute ropes. At a similar site, today stands the present Lakshman Jhula and Temple. 
  2. Till 1924, Lakshman Jhula near the temple was yet made of jute ropes. However, during an unfortunate flood that happened in October of that year, the jute bridge was crushed. 
  3. During the 1930s Lakshman Jhula was rebuilt with iron and steel and was opened for public in 1939. 
  4. According to another folklore, Lakshman meditated at this temple to seek spiritual enlightenment. It is believed that Lord Rama and Lakshman, on their way to the Himalayas, constructed a twig bridge to cross the river, Ganga.
  5. Legend has it that in the wake of killing Ravana, the demon lord. Rama and Lakshman bathed here to wash away their sins.

What is the architecture of Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

The design of this temple has been done with splendour. You’ll get a wonderful perspective on the Rishikesh valley from here and the perennial river of Ganga. The temple has been beautifully done with the skilfully structured figures just as paintings. They are the features of this temple that one must observe. The architecture and designing of the Lakshman temple will take you back to an antiquated time.

The Lakshman Jhula situated near Lakshman Temple plays a major role in the daily life of Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

Festivals celebrated in Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh
Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh celebrates Diwali with much splendor and pomp

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

  • Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity on this day of Dussehra. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana. People also celebrate this festival on the premises of the temple.
  • Diwali: Diwali is celebrated as the day on which Lord Rama, after defeating Ravana, returned to Ayodhya along with his younger brother Lakshman and others. Typical celebrations of Diwali include lighting earthen lamps and worshipping the deities. During the festival time, the temple is decorated with the arrays of lights.

How to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh

Here’s how to reach Lakshman Temple Rishikesh:

  • Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 23 km away from the temple. It is a small, quiet and recently renovated airport handling many regular flights from Delhi.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is 6 km away from the temple. It is linked with Haridwar with three regular trains.
  • Road: From Delhi, Lakshman temple is about 230 km away and is well connected with buses. A bus journey might take about 5-7 hours which depends on the traffic. Many buses are available for Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi.

Where to stay near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh?

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

  • Ganga Kinare-A riverside boutique hotel:  The rooms are spacious and airy, keeping the comfort for guests in mind. WiFi, LCD TV, air conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, electronic safe, hairdryer, luxury bath amenities are included. To rejuvenate the body and soul the hotel offers a diverse range of Indian and International treatments in the Ayur Ganga Spa.
  • The V Resort:  The resort offers a 24-hour front desk and doctor-on-call. The corporate travelers have the facilities of the conference room. Guests can even relax in the game room, have a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or visit the spa for a relaxing massage. A library, rentals, luggage assistance, housekeeping, room service, and travel assistance are all provided in the hotel.
  • Green Hills Cottage: Amidst the most beautiful architecture and luxurious interiors, the hotel features various modern facilities. The resort provides a front desk, room service, parking, laundry, rental, and currency exchange. The rooms provide comfort with amenities like television, telephone, tea/coffee maker, attached bathroom and other essential bathroom toiletries.

What are some temples near Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh?

Temples nearby Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh
The ancient temple of Neelkanth Mahadev and Bharat Mata Mandir is close to Lakshman Temple for devotees to visit

Some of the temples near Lakshman Temple Rishikesh are:

  1. Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple present atop the Neel Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is known as one of the panch tirths present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
  2. Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Know as the panch tirth within Haridwar the temple is popular among devotees as ‘Bilwa Tirth’. ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’, and it is believed by the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
  3. 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 in the form of Lord Shiva. The temple has a Shivalingam present where devotees tie a thread around it while worshipping. Several natural springs surround the temple. Many devotees take a holy bath before entering the temple premises.
  4. Trayambakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh: Trayambakeshwar Temple is a multi-storied Hindu Temple in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. It contains idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Moreover, it is present near the famous Lakshman Jhula of Rishikesh. It has 13 storeys, hence it is popular as ‘Terah Manzil Temple’.

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Lakshman Temple –

Is there online booking available for Lakshman Temple?

No, there is no online booking for Lakshman Temple since the entry fee is free.

Where we can stay near Lakshman Temple?

You can stay in Ganga Kinare, the V-Resort, and the Green Hills Cottage. There are few Dharmasthalas available too for devotees and tourist.

What is the nearest airport to Lakshman Temple?

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 23 km from Lakshman temple.

What is the temperature in Lakshman temple, Rishikesh?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 8°C in winter.

How far is Lakshman Jhula from Lakshman temple?

The Lakshman Jhula bridge is just 250 meters far from the Lakshman Temple.

How far is it from the Rishikesh Badrinath Highway?

The Lakshman Temple is around 600 m away from the highway and can be reached through tempo traveller.

How far is it from Rishikesh?

The Lakshman Temple is 5 km far from Rishikesh.

How much time does it take to explore the Lakshman Temple in Rishikesh:

It will take you around an hour to fully explore the temple.

Gaurikund Temple – Timings, Significance, and History

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Gaurikund Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati (also popular as ‘Gauri’). It is situated in Gauri Kund, Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 6502 feet above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva admitted his love for Goddess Parvati at this place.

Gaurikund Temple – Facts

Deity Goddess Parvati
Location Gaurikund, Uttarakhand 246471
Best Time to Visit May, June, September,
October, November
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear
Festivals Navratri, Mahashivratri

Then, they married each other at the place where Triyuginarayan Temple is now present. It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

Gaurikund is the base camp for trek to Kedarnath Temple.

What are the timings of the Gaurikund Temple?

Here are the timings of Gaurikund Temple:

TimingsFromTo
Morning5 AM12 PM
Evening2 PM9 PM

What is the significance of the Gaurikund Temple?

The significance of Gaurikund Temple is that it is the place where Shiva admitted his love for Goddess Parvati. Also, Lord Ganesha acquired his popular ‘elephant-head‘ figure here. Moreover, there are hot springs in Gaurikund and they are converted to bathing places. Hence, this place holds religious importance in Hinduism.

Gaurikund Significance
Lord Shiva admitted his love for Goddess Parvati at Gaurikund.

Gaurikund is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

What is the history of the Gaurikund Temple?

According to the history of Gaurikund Temple, it is present at the place where Goddess Parvati did penance and performed various yogic practices to win over the heart of Lord Shiva. Later, Shiva also admitted his love for her at this spot and they married each other in the Triyuginarayan Temple.

Gaurikund History 1
Goddess Parvati did penance to win over the heart of Lord Shiva.

Another legend says that when Goddess Parvati went to the Kund (Gauri Kund) to take a bath, she created Lord Ganesha from the soap suds on her body. Then she placed him outside the entrance to the Kund as a guard and asked him not to let anyone enter. However, Lord Shiva arrived there and Ganesha stopped him from entering. As a result, Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head.

Gaurikund History 2
Lord Shiva brought Ganesha back to life by joining a baby elephant’s head to his body.

Later, upon knowing about the complete scenario, he brought Ganesha back to life by joining a baby elephant’s head to his body.

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

Festivals celebrated at Gaurikund Temple

Some of the festivals celebrated at Gaurikund Temple are:

  • Navratri: Navratri or Durga Puja is 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. Celebrations include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism. Here is the list of Navratri colors for 9 days.
  • Mahashivratri: This festival is 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 as well as meditating.
Gaurikund fesivals
Mahashivratri and Navratri are celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Gaurikund Temple?

Here’s how to reach Gaurikund Temple:

  • Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport (224 km away).
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (202 km away).
  • Road: Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmere Gate. From there on, one can avail state transport buses or hire taxis to Gaurikund.

Where to stay near Gaurikund Temple?

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

  • Kedar River Retreat: Featuring free WiFi and a restaurant, Kedar River Retreat offers pet-friendly accommodations in Gaurikund. There is a casino on-site and guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
  • Shivalik Valley Resorts: The resort has a terrace and views of the mountains, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site
  • Bhoomi Holiday Homes: Every room has a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a sitting area where you can relax. Certain rooms have views of the mountains or garden.

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 Gaurikund Temple?

Some of the temples near Gaurikund Temple are:

  • 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) when the temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar remain closed.
  • Kedarnath: It is a Hindu temple in honor of Lord Shiva. It is present in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand near the Mandakini river. This temple is open from April-November due to extreme weather conditions during the winter. The present structure is on a site adjacent to where Pandavas built the original temple. Moreover, in front of the temple, directly opposite to the inner shrine, is a Nandi statue.
  • Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples of Lord Shiva, present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. 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 the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys.
  • Triyuginarayan Temple: Triyuginarayan temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is present in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. 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.
Gaurikund nearby

Jio network in Uttarakhand – Kedarnath, Badrinath Coverage

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How is Jio network in Uttarakhand?

It is recommended not to carry Jio during the Char Dham Yatra. This is because you would face a lot of service issues. BSNL is the best network for Char Dham Yatra. Airtel also works well. However, there are chances of not getting the connection everywhere.

Char Dham Yatra Tour Package

We provide safe drivers and clean hotels for char dham yatra

Char Dham Tour Package
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8EazMZCd5E

It is best to carry a BSNL sim as the other networks including Jio don’t work properly in the Char Dhams and the major cities.

As the Char Dhams of this Yatra are located in the Himalayan terrain, you will lose network in many places. However, these networks work the best among all.

The more you travel and go towards the elevation, the chances of losing the network connectivity increases. As you move towards the city like Rudraprayag, Uttarkashi etc, you will get back the network connection.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra

Own car in Char Dham Yatra

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Can we take our own car in char dham?

Yes, you can take your own car in Char Dham Yatra. However, it is not recommended to do so. Many narrow roads connect the Char Dhams. Therefore, it is safer to hire one experienced travel company. They would provide you experienced drivers who have driven in these roads before.

Get Experienced Drivers for Chardham

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Char Dham Yatra Tour Package – Details

The Char Dhams are the Dhams of Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple. These Dhams could be visited by trekking and driving. One has to drive through extremely narrow hilly areas. Therefore, one who is not experienced with driving through hilly areas should not take their car.

Here is the driving route if you are taking your own car in Char Dham Yatra:

  • Delhi to Haridwar: The distance is 210kms and time taken to cover the distance is 6hrs.
  • Haridwar to Barkot: The distance is 220kms and time taken to cover it is 7hrs.
  • Barkot to Yamunotri: The distance is 36km driving and 6kms trekking.
  • Barkot to Uttarkashi. The distance is 110kms and time taken to cover it is 4.5hrs.
  • Uttarkashi to Rudraprayag: The distance is 175kms and time taken is 6hrs.
  • Rudraprayag to Kedarnath: The distance is 75kms drive and 25kms trek.
  • Rudraprayag to Badrinath: The distance is 160kms and time taken to cover the distance is 8hrs.
  • Rishikesh to Delhi: The distance is 230kms and the time taken is 6hrs.

Myoksha Travels provides well-experienced drivers ensuring the safety of its customers in the risky roads.

Frequently asked questions about Char Dham Yatra