Char Dham Yatra

Panch Prayag – Five Sacred Confluences in Uttarakhand

June 28, 2022, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Panch Prayag

Panch Prayag is a manifestation in the spirit of the Hindu religion. The expression is used to signify the five holy river confluences in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

The word ‘Prayag’ breaks down to the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, Panch Prayag goes by the name ‘Panch Pentad’ in Sanskrit. Nevertheless, five confluences in the descending order of their existence are Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Holy Pathways of Panch Prayag

Alaknanda originates from the triangular lake called Satopanth. It is present 4402 metres above sea level. Moreover, Satopanth gets its name from Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Bhagirath Kharak Glaciers lying near Nanda Devi peak in Uttarakhand.

Holy trail of Panch Prayag — Satopanth is the origin of the Holy Alaknanda river.

In the course of 229 km from its origin Alaknanda crosses all the five Prayags. Moreover, it finally unifies with Bhagirathi and gives rise to the Holy Ganges or Ganga. Nevertheless, it continues to flow down further to Rishikesh and Haridwar that share the banks of Ganges in Uttarakhand.

Each Sangam or confluence has developed religious towns near them due to the inflow of pilgrims visiting Panch Kedar and Sapta Badri temples. Also, devotees take bath at these holy Sangam while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The town names inspired by these confluences are titled as Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag. However, Vishnuprayag does not have a town at its bank yet it is 12 km from Joshimath.

The Essence of the Five Prayags

According to Hindus, Prayag is the sacred Sangam of rivers where devotees take a dip before worship. Also, people arrive at these sacred sangams to perform the last rites for the dead. Moreover, the devotees worship holy confluences as God’s manifestation on Earth.

Essence of Panch Prayag — Dip in the holy waters of Prayag is believed to wash away ones sins.

However, the Prayag at Allahabad is considered to be the holiest. Nevertheless, the Panch Prayag of Uttarakhand is just next to them. Apart from numerous tales from the Puranas, these Prayags are home to the amazing scenic beauty.

Moreover, the religious texts state that Panch Prayag in Uttarakhand is the Svargarohana route that the Pandavas took to reach heaven.

How to get to these confluences?

Rishikesh is the point of start for your Panch Prayag journey. It is near to Haridwar that has train connectivity to all the major cities of India. Moreover, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is at a distance of 18 km from Rishikesh.

Besides these, one can take a road trip to Rishikesh from different parts of the country. However, one can hire private taxis to Rishikesh as per their convenience.

From Rishikesh, the distance of the five Prayags are –

Name of the Prayag	Distance from Rishikesh
Vishnuprayag	263 km
Nandaprayag	193 km
Karnyaprayag	173 km
Rudraprayag	141 km
Devprayag	74 km

Portrayal of Panch Prayag

Vishnuprayag– After Alaknanda descends from Satopanth, Dhauliganga merges into it at this Sangam. Moreover, Ahlayabai, the queen of Indore constructed a Vishnu temple at this Prayag.
Nandaprayag– Here, Alaknanda meets Nandakini river and the two rivers unify. However, this confluence gets its name from King Nanda who performed yagna at this place in pursuit of a son.
Karnaprayag– This is the confluence of river Alaknanda and Pindar. Beliefs say that Krishna cremated Karna at this place only. Hence, there is a Karna temple by the banks of the confluence.
Rudraprayag– At this place, Mandakini river joins Alaknanda in its flow. Moreover, traditional tales suggest that Shiva appeared in its Rudra avatar at this place in front of Sage Narada. Hence, the place has Shiva temples in abundance.
Devprayag– This confluence gives birth to the mainstream Ganges as Alaknanda and Bhagirathi unify. Devprayag means ‘Godly confluence‘. Moreover, the inspiration of the confluence’s name is taken from sage Dev Sharma from Satyug, who got blessings from Lord Vishnu. Lord Ram also meditated here so it has many Ram temples too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Panch Prayag

Where is the Panch Prayag located?

Panch Prayag is present in the ‘God’s Land’ i.e. Uttarakhand.

Which river meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag?

Pindar meets Alaknanda at Karna Prayag.

How many Prayags are there in Uttarakhand?

As the name, Panch Prayag suggests there are five Prayag in Uttarakhand.

When should one visit these Prayags?

The best time to visit these Prayags is from March to October.

Vishnuprayag

August 9, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Other Temples, Panch Prayag

Vishnuprayag is a pocket-sized city rooted at the Sangam of the river Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. Placed 1372 metres above the sea level, Vishnuprayag falls in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Alaknanda flowing from Badrinath merges into Dhauliganga flowing from the Niti Valley at this place.

Beliefs suggest that sage Narada meditated at this Sangam to please Lord Vishnu. Eventually, Lord Vishnu did appear before him and bestowed him with the cosmic energy. Hence, 2 km away from the confluence of the two rivers is the Vishnu temple from which the Sangam derives it’s name i.e. Vishnuprayag.

It is a famous pilgrimage destination on the route to the Four Dhams of Uttarakhand. Other confluences following it are Nandaprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Devprayag.

Vishnuprayag is the first among the Panch Prayag according to the flow of Alkananda from its origin.

Chronicles of Vipshnuprayag

Tales of the Hindu mythology point to the story of sage Narada and Lord Vishnu. So, once sage Narad meditated at this place to please Lord Vishnu. Consequently, Lord Vishnu appeared to bless the sage with cosmic energy. However, the incident occurred in a spot, 2 km away from the Sangam where a Vishnu temple was then constructed.

Chronicles of Vishuprayag — Ahalyabai, the Maharani of Indore is the one behind the construction of Vishnu temple at the holy confluence.

Credits for the construction of Vishnu Temple near the Vishnuprayag is held by the Maharani of Indore, Ahalyabai. Further, the royal highness constructed this temple of the octagonal structure near the holy confluence back in 1889.

Formerly built for the installation of a Shiva linga, it now has an idol of Lord Vishnu. A path of stairs in the temple leads to Vishnu Kund. The water of the holy confluence pours in the Vishnu Kund.

Essence of Vishnuprayag

Vishnuprayag is the holy intersection where Alaknanda and Dhauliganga unify. Also, this stretch of Alaknanda goes by the name ‘Vishnu Ganga’. Hindu traditions state that ‘Prayag‘ is the confluence of two or more rivers. Moreover, it is also where the river is worshipped as well as death rites are performed.

It’s a popular belief that Panch Prayag on the way to Badrinath is the ‘Svargarohana Route’ taken by Pandavas on their journey to heaven

Essence of Vishnuprayag — The hydroelectric power plant at Vishnuprayag.

Jaypee Industries hold the ownership of The Vishnuprayag Hydro Electricity Power Plant. Moreover, the plant stretches to a length of 12 km.

Ways to reach Vishnuprayag

Here’s how to reach Vishnuprayag:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. It is 280 km away from Vishnuprayag.
Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh. It is 261 km away from Vishnuprayag.
Bus: One can avail taxis or buses from Rishikesh railway station to Joshimath. At Joshimath, there is the availability of local transport to reach Vishnuprayag.

Stays near Vishnuprayag

Here are some of the places where one can stay near Vishnuprayag while undertaking the Char Dham Yatra are:

Hotel Grand Kailash: Its a blend of luxurious amenities offered in Joshīmath. Guests can eat at the on-site restaurant. Moreover, free private parking is also available on site.
Hotel Mount View Annexy: The place accommodates all the modern luxuries for the guests. Also, the hotel’s window opens up to a beautiful mountain view.
Panchavati Inn: The place is a good holidays retreat. Rooms provide all the luxuries. Also, the hotel staff is very cordial.

Other Panch Prayag Destinations

Other Panch Prayags:

NandaPrayag: Devotees believe that a holy dip in the confluence of Nandaprayag can absolve one of his/her sins. It is the second confluence following Vishnuprayag.
KarnaPrayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Pindar. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Also, it is the third confluence after Vishnuprayag and Nandaprayag.
Rudraprayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and river Mandakini, in Uttarakhand. It is at a height of 895 metres from the sea level. It is the fourth confluence following Vishnuprayag, Nandaprayag and Karnaprayag.
DevPrayag: It is present at the confluence of river Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, in Uttarakhand. From Devprayag both rivers unify and flow as Ganga or Ganges. Moreover, Devprayag draws its name from sage Devsharma who led his life here.

The Panch Prayag are a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vishnuprayag

Which rivers meet at Vishnuprayag?

Alaknanda and DhauliGanga meet at this confluence.

Which is the best time to visit Vishnuprayag?

Devotees can visit the place all year round. However, try avoiding travel to the place during harsh winter months and monsoon season.

What activities can I do at Alaknanda-Dhauliganga confluence?

Devotees can enjoy activities like trekking and river rafting at Alaknanda-Dhauliganga confluence.

Know more about the string of these five confluences in Panch Prayag- Five sacred confluences in Uttarakhand.

Bhavishya Badri – Sapta Badri

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Bhavishya Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated in Subhai, Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,744 m (9,003 ft) above sea level. It is the fourth 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.

Know more about – Sapta Badri

Bhavishya Badri – Facts

Deity	Lord Narasimha
Location	Subhai, Uttarakhand 246443
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

It extends from Satapanth to Nandaprayag in the Alaknanda river valley. 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. Bhavishya Badari is present on the way from Tapovan to Lata in the Niti valley.

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Narasimha (the Lion face), one of the 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Bhavishya Badri Intro — Narsimha -The god with the head of a lion.

Visitors pass the serene Tapovan a place known for its hot water springs en route to the banks of the Dhauliganga, and on to the shrine.

What are the timings of Bhavishya 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 Bhavishya Badri?

The significance of Bhavishya Badri is that –

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.
The temple has a sanctum with an image of Lord Narsimha. He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a lion’s head.
Moreover, this temple is also associated with Narsingh Badri temple through mythology, which is also an important halt in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Bhavishya Badri?

As per the legend associated with the history of Bhavishya Badri, when Shri Adi Shankaracharya took Badri Vishal from Tapta Kund, a prophecy was made. According to that prophecy, at the end of Kaliyuga, the mountains Nara and Narsimha will lead to blockage in the path towards Badrinath and make the journey inaccessible

As a result, Lord Badri will take abode in Bhavishya Badri. From that time onward, his worship will take place at this place. Even the name of the place literally translates to ‘Future Badri‘, implying that it will be the future residence of Lord Badri.

The temple Narsingh, located at Joshimath has a beautifully carved statue of Lord Narsingh carrying a sword. As per the traditions, the arm carrying that sword is getting thinner year by year, and in Kaliyug this arm will breakdown.

The present world will get destroyed and a new world will start, where Bhavishya Badri shall be worshipped.

Festivals celebrated at Bhavishya Badri

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhavishya 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 also a very important festival for the followers of Lord Vishnu.
Makar Sankranti: This festival is celebrated each year in January to appease the Sun God. It is the first day when Sun enters Capricorn and also marks the lengthening of daytime in the forthcoming days. This day also 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 Bhavishya Badri?

Here’s how to reach Bhavishya Badri:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (289.2 km).
Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh(271.8 km) and Dehradun(314 km).
Road: It is present near the road from Joshimath to Subain Village. One has to take a trekking route of 3 km further to reach Bhavishya Badri.

Where to stay near Bhavishya Badri?

Some of the places where one can stay near Bhavishya 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 are available.
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 Sapta Badri 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 in a meditative posture with four-armed, made of black stone.
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.

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.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

August 29, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi 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.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Shiva
Location	Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Darshan Timings	06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Maha Shivratri, Magh Mela

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.

The Shiva lingam in the temple is 56cm in height and is tilted towards South.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi – Aarti Timings

Here are the timings of the temple:

Timings	From	To
Mangala Aarti	3 AM	4 AM
Bhoga Aarti	11:15 AM	12:20 PM
Sandhya Aarti	7 PM	8:15 PM
Shringara Aarti	9 PM	10:15 PM
Shayana Aarti	10:30 PM	11 PM

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Timings — Temple Timings : 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

What is the significance of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

The significance of the temple is that Lord Shiva is present here in the form of a self-manifested lingam, immersed in deep meditation. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple also has Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

Nandi is also present in the outer chamber of the temple.

According to beliefs, a true devotee of Shiva attains ‘Moksha‘ (salvation) and also lives with Shiva in his abode at Mount Kailash after truthful service and worship at the Temple.

Devotees also believe that Lord Shiva himself blows the mantra of salvation in the ears of the people who die naturally at the temple. Hence, it is an important halt in the tour of the Char Dham Yatra destinations within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi History — Sage Parshuram installed the temple initially.

However, as per records, Maharani Khaneti, the wife of Sudarshan Shah renovated the temple in 1857.
The current temple is present over its pre-existing altar. Also, it has a traditional Himalayan architecture.
As per beliefs, Lord Vishwanath considers this his abode from the second part of Kalyuga.
Devotees also believe that Lord Kashi Vishwanath will be shifted to this location when Varanasi (Kashi) will get submerged.
According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself protected Rishi Markandeya from Lord Yama, the God of death.
Moreover, the temple has an image of Sakshi Maharaj and Rishi Markandeya in meditating posture.

What are the festivals celebrated at Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Temple are:

Maha Shivratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva also popular as Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd, honey, cow ghee as well as water. Also, women pray for the well being of their husbands and children. Girls keep fast so that they get a good and understanding husband. During this festival, the devotees decorate the lingam with flowers and conduct the Abhishek with milk.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Festival — Mahashivratri is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva, popular as Shankara

Magh Mela: It is celebrated on the day of Makar Sankranti in the month of Magh, according to the Hindu calendar. Traditional and cultural activities take place in the Magh Mela such as taking out a procession of dolls to the Vishwanath temple.

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Here’s how to reach the Temple:

Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, at a distance of 171 km from the temple.
Train: The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh as well as Dehradun (about 167 km from the temple)
Road: The temple is located near NH 34 and state transport buses are available for commuting.

Where to stay near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some of the places where one can stay near the Temple area:

Hotel Bahuguna Palace: This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. Other facilities also include a terrace and free WiFi is available. Moreover, guest rooms at the hotel have a seating area and a TV.
5 Elements Hotel: With its convenient location, the hotel offers easy access to the city’s must-see destinations. The hotel also provides 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas to ensure our guests the greatest comfort on the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
River- View Resort: Featuring a shared lounge, the resort has air-conditioned rooms as well as free WiFi. There is also a restaurant. Moreover, all rooms have a toaster, a fridge, a coffee machine, a bidet, free toiletries, and a desk. The resort also provides certain rooms that include a balcony.

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

What are some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

Some temples near Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi are:

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu temple for Goddess Mansa, on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth‘, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. ‘Mansa‘ means ‘wish‘ and it is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfills their wishes.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Devi Temple present at the Neel parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is in the honor of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the panch teerth present in Haridwar. Moreover, the presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati and exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
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 ‘Trishul’ which is 6 meters high. Moreover, it is over 1500 years old. One amazing feature of the trishul is that it cannot be moved with your entire body force but it vibrates the moment you apply pressure with one of your fingers.

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

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions about Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

What are the temple timings of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi?

The temple timing of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi is from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

What is the location of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple?

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand

The Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is dedicated to which God?

The Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva.