Char Dham Yatra

Adi Badri – Sapta Badri

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Adi Badri is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on the confluence of the Pindar river and Alaknanda river in Chamoli district, 17 kilometers beyond the Karnprayag. It is the second temple complex among the “Sapta Badri” temples. It’s part of the famous ‘Sapta Badri’ pilgrimage circuit. It is a part of the Char Dham Yatra Package within Uttarakhand.

This place is within the Badrikshetra, and Badrinath being the name for Vishnu, the temple is known as the Adi Badri. In ancient times, the path to the temple went through the Badri van (Forest of berries). Hence, the suffix ‘Badri‘ is added to the seven holy shrines of Lord Vishnu.

Adi Badri – Facts

Deity	Lord Vishnu
Location	Adi Badri Road, Karna Prayag, 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
Festivals	Krishna Janmashtmi, Makar Sankranti
Exploration Time	2 hr.

Adi Badri is a group of 16 temples. The main temple is dedicated to Narayan (Lord Vishnu). It’s part of the famous Sapta Badri pilgrimage circuit. It is also believed that the temple was built during the Gupta period (5th -8th century).

The temple is located 3 kilometers (1.9 min) from Chandpur fort or Garhi located on the hilltop. The fort was built by the Parmar kings of Garhwal. On shifting of Badrinath (also known as Raj Badri) to Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri will be called the Yog Badri.

The other name of this temple is Helisera according to revenue records.

What are the timings of Adi Badri?

The timings of the temple are:-

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	9 PM

What is the significance of Adi Badri?

The significance of the temple is that whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in weather, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. Moreover, the sanctum of the temple has an image of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high and has been carved out of black stone.

Adi Badri Significance — The image of Lord Vishnu holding a mace, lotus as well as a chakra.

The chief temple priests are Brahmins from Southern India.

What is the history of Adi Badri?

According to history, Adi Shankaracharya built Sapta Badri temples, including Adi Badri during the Gupta period. As per beliefs, he did so to promote and spread Hinduism to all parts of the country, however remotely accessible. As per ancient texts, it is believed that Vishnu resided in Adi Badri during Satyug, Treta, and Dwapar. It is moved to Badrinath in Kalyug.

Adi Badri History 1 — Adi Shankaracharya built Sapta Badri temples to promote and spread Hinduism.

Another historical significance of the temple lies in the fact that Maharishi Ved Vyas divided the Vedas into Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda in this temple.

Adi Badri History 2 — Maharishi Ved Vyas wrote the holy text of Bhagwat Gita in this temple.

People beleive that pandavas came here after giving up their kingdom Hastinapur to King Parikshit.

According to prophecy, it is believed that the Lord Vishnu will shift to Bhavishya Badri with the end of Kalyug and Satyug begins thereafter. After the lord Vishnu shall shift to Bhavisya Badri, Adi Badri shall be known as Yog Badri as per the religious texts.

The architecture of Adi Badri Temple

The complex of the temple consists of the area of 14-meter x 30 meters.
The height of the temples varies from 2 meters. to 6 meters.
The main temple is of Lord Vishnu, which is raised on a platform. The Vishnu idol is 1 m, tall black stone, which depicts Lord Vishnu holding a mace, lotus, and chakra.
The other temples are dedicated to Shiva, Mantra Devi and a Kund (pond) which are also located within the premises; the Kund is believed to be the original source of the Saraswati river.

Festivals celebrated at Adi Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Adi Badri are:

Krishna Janmashtmi: It is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It occurs according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar and is a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
Makar Sankranti: The festival is celebrated in January. It is to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day includes colorful decorations, preparation of sweets with sesame seeds and children asking for treats and pocket money.

Adi Badri Festivals — Makar Sankranti and Krishna Janmashtmi are celebrated at the temple.

How to reach Adi Badri?

Here’s how to reach Adi Badri:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (206.7 km away from Adi Badri)
Train: Rishikesh(189.3 km) and Haridwar(212.8 km) are the nearest railway stations.
Road: Buses are available to Rishikesh from ISBT Kashmere Gate. One can avail taxis or state transport buses for Chamoli district.

Where to stay near Adi Badri?

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

Hotel Sudarshan Palace: Hotel Sudarshan Palace has facilities such as 24-hour front desk, garden area and parking facility within its premises. Amenities such as bed, bottled drinking water, access to the common balcony and attached bathroom with hot/cold running water facility and toiletries are available at the Hotel.
Hotel Kuber Annex: The facilities offered here are front desk, room service, power backup, STD PCO facility, doctor on call. Massage service is also available here so that guests can relax after trekking. A helicopter booking facility is also available at the hotel.
Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. With a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures the fulfillment of all needs of the guest. Moreover, in case of medical emergencies, one can avail the doctor on call facility at the hotel.

Please carry valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card. It is needed at the time of booking of the hotel rooms.

What are the other SaptaBadri destinations?

The other Sapta Badri destinations are:

Vriddha Badri: It is the third among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. Devotees also believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before enshrining Him in the main Badrinath temple. Vriddha Badri is temple is open for devotees and pilgrims throughout the year.
Bhavishya Badri: It is the fourth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. According to beliefs, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri’, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is the fifth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here, and Pandu attained salvation and died here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this meditating (Dhyan) image. Hence, the name of the shrine comes from the posture of the image, and it is popular as yoga-Dhyan’ Badri.
Dhyan Badri: It is the sixth among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. The image of Lord Vishnu which was established by Urvarishi. The image of Vishnu is four-armed, made of black stone and in a meditative posture.
Ardha Badri: It is the seventh among the ‘Sapta Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means Tthe little Badri‘.

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

Badrinath Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2019, Darshan Timings, Travel Guide

August 9, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is one of the temples which form the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. The temple also a part of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

Badrinath Temple Opening Dates for 2019 – 10 May, 2019

Badrinath Temple Closing Dates for 2019 – 9 November, 2019

Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two peaks named Nar and Narayana. The peaks symbolize twin forms of Lord Vishnu. Neelkanth mountain is in the backdrop of the temple. The temple opens from April to November.

Nar & Narayana - Vishnu's Twin Forms — **Nar & Narayana – Vishnu’s Twin Forms**

Badrinath Temple
Temple Timings	4:30 am to 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Opening Date	10-May-2019
Closing Date	09-November-2019 (Tentative)
Time Taken for Darshan	May and June: 4 hours, July-October: 1 hour
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	May, June, September, October
Registration	Bio-metric registration in Rishikesh
Nearest Airport	Dehradun

**Badrinath Temple at the Opening Ceremony**

Frequently Asked Questions about BADRINATH TEMPLE

What is the best time to visit Badrinath?

The climate at Badrinath is cold and chilled the whole year. The peak seasons for the visitors are from May to June and September to October. During monsoon, there is so much rainfall at Badrinath. It is advisable not to visit during monsoon.

Can I visit Badrinath now?

The Kapat of Badrinath temple opens on 10th May for the year 2019. One can visit after that any time.

Can I visit Badrinath in December?

At Badrinath, winter starts from October and lasts till April. The average temperature falls down to 5°C during day time. In December, Badrinath experiences heavy snowfall. It is advisable not to go during December.

How can I go to Badrinath from Haridwar by train?

No direct flights or trains are available from Haridwar to Badrinath. You have to take NDLS Janshatabdi from Haridwar to Dehradun. Then you can take a taxi from Dehradun to Badrinath.

Can I go to Badrinath by car?

You can hire a taxi from the railway station to reach Badrinath. There are buses available too from nearest bus stations. However, it is not recommended to go by car. Find out why?

How far is Badrinath from Rishikesh?

If you take NH7, it will take you 10 hours and 4 minutes. The journey is 296.6 km and the shortest.

Does Badrinath have snow?

From November to April, it is winter in Badrinath. Snowfall happens very often during winters. The average temperature is 5°C.

What is the altitude of Badrinath?

Badrinath Temple is at a very high altitude of 3300 meters.

Can we visit Badrinath in March?

It is not ideal to visit Badrinath in March as it will be still winter. For 2019, Badrinath temple opens on May 10th.

How old is Badrinath temple?

Adi Shankara established Badrinath as a pilgrimage site in the ninth century. It is said to be believed that he resided in this place for six years.

Which god is in Badrinath Temple?

Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated in Badrinath town of Uttarakhand. Hence, it is also called Badrinarayan Temple.

Who built Barinath Temple?

It is believed that Badrinath Temple is founded by Adi Shankara. He built the temple in 7th century C.E.

Which river flows in Badrinath?

Alaknanda river flows close to the Badrinath temple of Uttarakhand. The fast flowing river rushes down from the Badrinath valley.

Are Badrinath and Kedarnath same?

In Uttarakhand, Badrinath and Kedarnath are the two holy Dhams. Badrinath is 40.8 kms away from Kedarnath.

What to wear at Badrinath?

• Summer: The days in summer are very hot but at night it’s very cold. You will have to carry some loose cotton clothes and some woolens too.
• Winter: Badrinath is very cold in winter and hence you’ll need to carry heavy woolens with you.

What are the timings of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple timings are from 4:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm every day. The temple is open only for 6 months a year due to extreme weather conditions. The temple opens on the day of Akshaya Tritiya in May. It closes on the eve of Vijayadashami in November.

Here are the Badrinath temple darshan timings and pooja timings:

Timings	4:30 am to 1:00 pm (Morning Darshan) 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm (Evening Darshan)
Abhishekam	7:30 am to 12:00 pm
Shayana Aarti	10:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Poojas	Ved Path, Geeta Path, Akhand Jyoti

What are the sevas and poojas at Badrinath Temple?

The self-manifested statute of Lord Vishnu is worshiped in a religious manner. Poojas and sevas are performed at the temple twice a day. Here are the different kinds of sevas and poojas that take place inside the Badrinath temple:

Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Path – It is a special pooja which the temple performs on request. This pooja continues for seven days and is in honor of Lord Krishna. There are 18000 mantras in the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha. A Yagya is performed on the last day of the Pooja. By doing this Pooja, one gets rid of fear and misfortune in the life.
Vishnu Sahasranamam – It is a prayer consisting of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu. Each name signifies different attributes of Lord Vishnu.
Ved Path – A recitation of verses from the four Vedas – Rig, Sam, Yajur, and Atharva.
Geeta Path – The whole Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta is chanted in front of the deity.
Akhand Jyoti – The temple is not for pilgrims on Vijaya Dasami. On the last day, the priests light a lamp with special ghee brought from the Mana village. This lamp continues to lit for six months.

People can have the darshan at Badrinath temple at free of cost. Devotees can also do some special poojas or aartis.

What is the history of Badrinath temple?

Badrinath Temple History dates back to many centuries. There is no historical record about Badrinath temple.

Vedic scriptures mention the origin of the temple. According to which, the temple was a Buddhist shrine till the 8th century. Adi Shankara converted it to a Hindu temple later. The architecture of the temple is very much like a Buddhist temple. This has lead to a lot of argument about its origin.

According to Skandapuranam, the temple was originally established by Adi Shankara. He founded a black statue of Vishnu lying on the banks of Alaknanda River. He established it in a cave near the Tapt Kund which later became famous as the Badrinath Temple.

**Adi Shankaracharya Established Badrinath Temple**

A traditional story says that Shankara expelled all the Buddhists in the region. The successors of the king Kanak Pal governed the temple for years. The income of the villagers was used to feed & accommodate pilgrims. The king enjoyed obedience by the devotees before proceeding to the temple.

According to a legend, Lord Shiva chose this place for his tapasya. However, Lord Vishnu wanted the place for himself. So, he took the form of a little boy and started crying down on the rocks. He didn’t calm on both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s request. Hence, on Parvati’s request, Lord Shiva left for Kedarnath for his tapasya.

Another legend says that Lord Vishnu sat in meditation at this place. During the meditation, Vishnu was not aware of cold weather. Goddess Laxmi then protected and sheltered him in the form of the Badri tree. Pleased by Lakshmi’s devotion, Vishnu named the place Badrika Ashram.

Why is Badrinath popular?

The statue of Lord Vishnu in the temple is Swayambhu in nature. It is one of the 8 self-manifested statues of Vishnu. Badrinath is one of the temples among the Char Dham Pilgrimage in India. It is also a part of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

It is mentioned in the Vamana Purana that the sages Nara & Narayana did penance here. ‘Nara’ and ‘Narayana’ is the dual form of Lord Vishnu’s 5th avatar. It is also believed that Narada achieved moksha on Narad Shila located at Badrinath. The great sages like Kapil Muni, Gautam and Kashyap also did penance here.

The Badrinath Temple is a part of the Panch Badri temples. The other temples are Yog Dhyan Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri, and the Vriddha Badri. The holy river Saraswati also originates from a glacier near Badrinath.

The water of the hot spring Tapt Kund is said to have medicinal properties. A dip in the kund can cure a lot of diseases.

The Skanda Purana states that there are several sacred shrines in heaven, on earth, and in hell. But there is no shrine like Badrinath. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Lakhs of devotees travel to this pilgrimage every year.

What to wear while going Badrinath?

Badrinath temple is situated in the backdrop of Neelkanth mountains. The weather is cold throughout the year. Rainfalls and snowfalls often occur there. Hence, one should wear proper winter clothes with mufflers and gloves. An umbrella is also must to carry.

How to reach Badrinath temple?

Air – The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun at a distance of 314 km.
Train – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (295 km away).
Road – One can take a bus from New Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.

What are the festivals celebrated here?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Badrinath temple are:

Badri-Kedar festival – The festival usually occurs in the month of June. Artists from all over Uttarakhand come together to show their musical talent. They dedicate it to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This festival continues for 8 days.
Mata Murti Mela – Badrinath temple organizes a large fair every September. This day is to celebrate the coming of the Ganga river on the earth. The day is in honor of Mata Murti, mother of Nar & Narayana. Devotees also believe that she divided the Ganga river into 12 channels.
Janmashtami – This festival is a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna (8th avatar of Vishnu). It occurs in the month of August or September. Devotees organize several processions for Lord Krishna on this day.

Where to stay near Badrinath temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Badrinath temple are:

New Snow Crest: The hotel is just 1.7 km to the city center. The hotel has a huge entrance. Your car can come to the hotel doorsteps. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. The temple is at a walking distance of less than 1 km.
Narayan Palace: This hotel is at the base of the hill and by the side of river Alaknanda. Rooms are equipped with facilities of hot water, heater, etc. Window view from the hotel room is magnificent. Staff is polite and food is delicious in this hotel.
Sarovar Portico Badrinath: Sarovar Portico is a well-known name. They are known for their nice and polite staff. The hotel has a beautiful infrastructure. The window view of the hotel is excellent. You can easily relax there looking at the mountains and people on the streets.

What are some of the temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Badrinath temple are:

Adi Badri: It is the 2nd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. When Badrinath temple closes for winters, devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple. The sanctum of the temple has an idol of Lord Vishnu which is 1 meter high. It has been carved out of black stone.
Vridha Badri: It is the 3rd among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. Devotees believed that Adi Shankaracharya worshipped Badrinath here before taking him to the main temple. Vridha Badri is temple is open for pilgrims throughout the year.
Bhavishya Badri: It is the 4th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. According to belief, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri at the end of Kaliyuga. The name of the place means ‘Future Badri’ implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.
Yogadhyan Badri: It is the 5th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. As per mythology, the Pandavas were born here and Pandu achieved moksha here. Yogadhyan Badri has a bronze image of Lord Vishnu. Devotees believe that Pandu installed this image. The image shows the Badri meditating (dhyana). Hence, the name of the shrine comes to be known as ‘Yoga-dhyan’ Badri.
Dhyan Badri: It is the 6th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. It has an Image of Lord Vishnu which Urvashi established. This image of Vishnu has four arms, made of black stone. It is also in a meditative posture.
Ardha Badri: It is the 7th among the ‘Sapt Badri’ temples. In comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu is smaller here.

If you need any help regarding this yatra, feel free to leave a comment. We will give you reply in an hour.

Yamunotri Temple Travel Guide

April 28, 2020, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra Tagged With: Yamunotri

Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River. It is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Yamunotri Temple Facts
Temple Timings	6:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Aarti Timings	6:30 am and 7:30 pm
Opening Date	7-May-2019 (Akshaya Tritiya)
Closing Date	29-October-2019 (Bhai Dooj)
Time Taken for Darshan	May and June: 4 hours. July-October: 1 hour
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	May to October
Registration	Bio-metric registration in Rishikesh
Nearest Airport	Dehradun

Here is everything you want to know about Yamunotri Temple:

https://youtu.be/kay7slmTJ60

Yamunotri Yatra

Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar Guide – Timings, Poojas and History

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 3 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples

Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa. The temple is situated in Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located on the top of the Bilwa Parvat and also known as Bilwa Tirth. It is one of the Panch Tirth within Haridwar. Mansa Devi temple is also included among the Char Dham Yatra destinations.

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

Mansa Devi Temple – Facts

Deity	Goddess Mansa
Location	Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Significance	Siddhpeeth
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
Ropeway Timings	7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Ropeway Charges	Rs. 90 per person (to and fro)
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Navaratri and Kumbha Mela

Mansa Devi Temple – Full Darshan Guide

Mansa Devi Temple Timings

People can have darshan at Mansa Devi 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 Mansa Devi temple:

Morning Darshan	5 AM to 12 PM
Evening Darshan	2 PM to 9 PM

Mansa Devi Cable Car and Trek Guide

Devotees can reach Mansa Devi Temple in two ways: on foot or by cable car.

Walking requires a 3 km steep trek uphill. Trekking here is safe but can be difficult during summer. One might get heatstroke.
Cable Car or Ropeway service is usually preferred by the people. The rope-way carries the pilgrims directly from the lower station to the temple. It is not only convenient but also shows you beautiful scenes on the way.

The Cable Car and Ropeway service is also called as Mansa Devi Udankhatola.

Udan Khatola at Mansa Devi Temple — The Udan Khatola is a popular mode of transport for the Mansa Devi Temple.

What is the significance of Mansa Devi Temple?

The term ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘. It is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes. So, they tie a thread to the branches of a tree present in the temple. Once the wishes are fulfilled, people come back to the temple again to untie the thread from the tree.

Mansa Devi temple is a famous Siddhpeeth. Siddhpeeths are known to fulfill the desires of the worshippers. It is one of three such Peeths located in Haridwar. The other two are Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.

View from Mansa Devi Temple — The sight from the Mansa Devi Temple is that of the beautiful Ganga and the city of Haridwar.

The top of the temple gives a beautiful view of the Ganga river and a panoramic view of Haridwar city.

Mansa Devi is considered a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from various parts of the country. The count increases during Navaratri and Kumbha Mela.

Devi Mansa and Devi Chandi are the two forms of Goddess Parvati. It is said that they always reside close to each other. One can see Chandi temple from the top of Mansa temple in Haridwar. It can be found true since these temples are also close to each other in Haryana, Chandigarh too.

What is the history of Mansa Devi Temple?

Shine of Mansa Devi — Mansa Devi is believed to fulfill all her devotees’ wishes.

The history of Mansa Devi relates back to many centuries ago. Goddess Mansa is believed to have emerged from the mind of great Sage Kashyap. Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Nagas (serpent). She is also believed to be the daughter of Lord Shiva in his human form.

There is also a story about the Goddess. Mansa was a common girl. She was unaware of her truth from her guardians. Hence, she decided to meet Lord Shiva to ask him about her truth. She sat for Sadhana and after years of meditation, Lord Shiva appeared before her. After learning her truth from Shiva, she gained her power.

That common girl Mansa later came to know as the Goddess of Welfare.

According to another story, a cow used to offer milk to three shilas every day. These shilas were on the top of Shivalik hills. A local resident noticed this and over time, people started worshipping it. Later a temple was created at this place. It is believed that the forehead of Devi Sati was fallen at this place by the Sudarshana Chakra.

What are the festivals celebrated in Mansa Devi Temple?

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

Navratri: Navratri or Durga Pooja is celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per the legend, Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura on this day. This saved the world from the evil and restored Dharma. Mansa Devi temple is heavily decorated on this day. Stage decorations, storytelling, enacting of the story, & chanting of scriptures is done. The temple is heavily crowded during this festival.
Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at Haridwar. The exact date is determined according to Hindu astrology. An Ardh Kumbh (“Half Kumbh”) Mela is also held after six years. The fair has a religious significance to Hindus. It is also the biggest commercial event attended by merchants worldwide. The last Kumbh Mela took place in 2010 and the next one is scheduled in 2021.

How to reach Mansa Devi Temple?

Here’s how to reach Mansa Devi Temple:

Air: Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is at a distance of 37 km from the temple.
Train: Haridwar is the nearest railway station at a distance of 3 km from the temple.
Road: Buses are also available to Haridwar from ISBT, Kashmere Gate in New Delhi.

Where to stay near Mansa Devi Temple?

Some of the places where one can stay near Mansa Devi Temple are:

Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It is provided for both business and leisure. It also provides spacious rooms, excellent food, high-speed internet, a steam room, and a gym. This hotel is at a distance of 13 km from Mansa Devi Temple.
Ganga Lahiri: This hotel provides pick-up facility from the railway station. It has an appealing interior. The windows of the rooms provide a beautiful view of the Ganga river.
Golden Tulip Haridwar: It is a four-star hotel which is 7.6 km away from Haridwar Railway Station. This hotel gives excellent service in food and cleanliness. Guests can also enjoy massage therapies at the in-house massage centres.

What are some temples near Mansa Devi Temple?

Some of the temples near Mansa Devi temple are:

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi temple is situated on the top of Neel Parvat in Haridwar. The temple is in the honour of Goddess Chandi. It is also one of the Panch Teerth present in Haridwar. Devi Chandi is a form of goddess Parvati and always reside close to Mansa Devi. People can also reach Chandi Devi temple via cable car.
Maya Devi Temple: This temple is among the three ancient temples of Haridwar that are still intact. The other two are Narayan-Shila and Bhairav temple. The deities of the temple include Goddesses Maya, Goddess Kali as well as Kamakhya.
Har ki Pauri, Haridwar: ‘Har ki Pauri’ stands for ‘Steps of Shiva‘. Har ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar. It is on the banks of Ganga at the point where Ganga leaves mountains and enters the plains. A dip in the Ganga river cleanses the person of all his sins. It is also a part of Char Dham Yatra destinations in Uttarakhand.
Neeleshwar Temple, Haridwar: This temple is present on the foot of Neel Parvat near the Kushavarta Ghat. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Neeldhara, a stream of Ganga, flows near the temple. Here, devotees take a dip before visiting the temple. This temple is about 500 meters away from Har ki Pauri.

The Mansa Devi Temple Height — The Udan Khatola takes you to the Mansa Devi Temple in 45 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mansa Devi Temple –

Is there online booking available for Mansa Devi Temple?

No, Online booking is not available. You can easily get the tickets from the ticket counter. The waiting time to get tickets is maximum 20 minutes.

Can I buy tickets for both Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi at the same time?

Yes, you can buy combination tickets for darshan of both temples.

What are the timings of Mansa Devi Cable Car or Ropeway facility?

Ropeway service can be availed from as early as 07:00 AM in the morning. Usually, it is functional the whole day. It closes when the temple closes in the noon time.

What are the charges of Mansa Devi Udankhatola?

The charges are around Rs 90 per head for going up and down to both sides of Mansa Devi temple.

Where we can stay near Mansa Devi?

You can stay in Ganga Ashram, Paramarth and many other Dharmasthalas. They are available at cheap rates.

What is the nearest airport to Mansa Devi?

Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport. It is at a distance of 37 km from the temple.

How to reach Mansa Devi from Har ki Pauri?

E-Rickshaws will take you from Har ki Pauri to Mansa Devi main entrance. From there, you can either walk or take Ropeway service.

What is the temperature in Mansa Devi temple, Haridwar?

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

Tara Devi Temple Guide

Gaurikund Temple – Timings, Significance, and History

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

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:

Timings	From	To
Morning	5 AM	12 PM
Evening	2 PM	9 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.