Char Dham Yatra

Kalpeshwar Temple

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

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

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

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

What is the history of Kalpeshwar Temple?

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

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

What is the significance of Kalpeshwar Temple?

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

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

What are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here are the timings of Kalpeshwar Temple:

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

What are the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kalpeshwar Temple are:

Mahashivratri: This festival is in the honour of Lord Shiva. Devotees believe that he is the Adi guru who is the source of the Yogi tradition. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, doing Yoga as well as meditating.
Dussehra: This is an important Hindu festival which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is celebrated as the day when Lord Ram killed Ravana and established peace and prosperity. As a ritual, devotees burn an effigy of Ravana.

How to reach Kalpeshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Kalpeshwar Temple:

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

Where to stay near Kalpeshwar Temple?

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

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

What are the other Panch Kedar temples?

The other Panch Kedar temples are:

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

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

Lakhamandal Temple Dehradun – Timings, History and Guide

September 23, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 1 Comment Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

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:

	Open	Close
Timings	7 AM	6 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.

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashu – Facts

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

What are the timings of Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Here are the timings of Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

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

What is the significance of Guptakshi’s Vishwanath Temple?

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

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

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

What is the history of Guptkashi’s Vishwanath Temple?

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

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

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

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

What are the festivals celebrated at Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

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

How to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi?

Here’s how to reach Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi:

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

Where to stay near the Temple?

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

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

What are some temples near Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi?

Some of the temples near Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi are:

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

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

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.

Kedarnath and Badrinath in August Weather – Should I go?

July 5, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 5 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra

It rains in Kedarnath and Badrinath during August. Monsoon in these places is risky and there are chances of landslides and floods. Therefore, it is suggested not to travel to Kedarnath or Badrinath during this season. Kedarnath helicopter also will not fly during August. You can travel during September and October to Char Dham.

If you are still planning on visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath during August, it is important to take the services of an experienced tour operator like us. Our drivers are very safe and we make sure you have a wonderful trip even during August.

Take a look at our Char Dham Yatra Package now.

Kedarnath and Badrinath in August

How is the weather in Kedarnath and Badrinath during each season?

Find out the best time to visit Kedarnath

Summer Season: This is the best season to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Summer in Kedarnath stays from April to June. The view is beautiful and there is freshness everywhere. Although, even during the summers, it can get freezing during the evening. You must carry proper warm clothes to protect yourself.
Monsoon Season: July and August are the Monsoon months in Kedarnath and Badrinath. This place witnesses heavy rainfall during these months. There are chances of landslides and floods. It is advised not to travel during these months.
Pre-Winter Season: September and October cover Pre-Winters. This time is also very ideal to visit the Kedarnath and Badrinath Dham. Just after the rains, the weather becomes stunning. The places are full of greenery. The beauty of the whole region increases during this time.
Winter Season: Winters at this place starts around the end of November and continues till March. During this time, the place witnesses heavy snowfall. Due to freezing weather, the shrines are kept closed for the pilgrims. It again opens in April.