Uttarakhand Temples

Hemkund Sahib (Formerly Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji) is a Sikh place of worship in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The place is in devotion to the tenth Guru of Sikhism- Shri Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Ji has himself mentioned the place in his work ‘Dasam Granth‘.

Hemkund Sahib – Facts

Deity	Shri Guru Gobind Singh
Location	Chamoli district, Uttarakhand 249401
Best Time to Visit	Summers (May – June) Post Monsoon (September – mid-October)
Darshan Timings	5 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear
Festivals	Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, Maghi

The name ‘Hemkund Sahib‘ comes from the words ‘Hem‘ meaning ‘Snow‘ and ‘Kund‘ meaning ‘reservoir or pond‘, hence meaning ‘The reservoir of snow‘. This is because the location of the pilgrimage site is amid the snow-capped Himalayas and the water of the ‘Kund’ in its front is as cold as snow.

It is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, the holiest pilgrimage in India.

What are the timings of Hemkund Sahib?

Here are the timings:

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

What is the significance of Hemkund Sahib?

The significance of the temple is that it is one of the most religiously important Sikh pilgrimage sites. As per beliefs, Lakshaman, the younger brother of Lord Ram meditated near the lake of Hemkund Sahib.

Pilgrims cannot access the site from October to April due to harsh weather conditions. Pilgrims arrive in May and repair the damage of the path to Hemkund Sahib that occurred over the winter, which is traditionally popular as ‘Kar Seva‘ (selfless service), an important concept of Sikhism.

Due to its religious importance, it becomes an important stop in the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

What is the history of Hemkund Sahib?

According to the history of the temple, initially, local inhabitants built it under the name of ‘Lokpal‘ which means ‘the one who sustains people‘. Later, when the famous Sikh historian Bhai Santokh Singh narrated the tale of ‘Dusht Daman‘ and the place of worship or ‘Tapasthan‘.

However, Sant Sohan Singh of Tehri Garhwal discovered the present form of the temple. He visited the place with Baba Kartar Singh Bedi in 1934. Also, according to Pandit Tara Singh Narotam, it is one of the places where King Pandu meditated.

Moreover, the Dasam Granth says that God ordered Guru Gobind Singh to take birth while he was in deep meditation at the mount of Hemkund Sahib.

Festivals celebrated at Hemkund Sahib

Some of the festivals celebrated are:

• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti: This is the day on which Guru Gobind Singh was born. Gurudwaras take out processions on this day. Moreover, people sing devotional songs during the procession and share sweets and a cold drink or a sharbat among adults and children.
• Maghi: This day celebrates the martyrdom of the “Forty Immortals,” forty followers of Guru Gobind Singh who had previously deserted him. They fought bravely against overwhelming Mughal army forces and died. Later Guru Gobind Singh blessed them and said that they had attained ‘Mukti‘ or salvation.

How to reach Hemkund Sahib?

Here’s how to reach:

• Air: Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun, 268 km from Hemkund Sahib is the nearest airport.
• Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, 189 km away.
• Road: Buses are available from ISBT Kashmere gate to Rishikesh. From there one can reach Gobind Ghat via road and then trek to Hemkund Sahib.

Where to stay near Hemkund Sahib?

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

• Hotel Heaven: The hotel offers facilities suchlike parking and telephone. Backed by a team of skilled professionals, the property ensures that all needs of guests are fulfilled timely.
• Hotel Sudarshan Palace: 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 within all the 14 rooms in this two-floored accommodation.
• Shri Krishna Palace Hotel: This accommodation in Chamoli features a multi-cuisine restaurant. Guests can avail services like room service, medical assistance, and laundry during their stay at the property.

What are some places to visit near Hemkund Sahib?

Some of the places one can visit near-by are:

• Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The majestic River Alaknanda flows beside the temple. Devotees believe that the statue of the Deity Lord Vishnu is Swayambhu in nature meaning that it is self-manifested.
• Hanuman Chatti: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, and the temple derives its name from an interesting mythological event involving Hanuman and Bhima. Moreover, it is present at the head of a very popular trekking destination.
• Narsingh Temple, Joshimath: It is an ancient temple for Lord Narshimna, the fourth incarnation of Vishnu. It is present in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand and is one of the 108 ‘Divya Deshams’ of Vishnu. Since the temple is a part of ‘Sapt Badri‘, it is also popular as Narsingh Badri Temple. This temple along with the Badrinath temple and Hanuman Chatti is a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.
• Valley of Flowers: It is an Indian National Park present in the Western Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It is region rich in diversity of flora and fauna including rare and endangered species of plants and animals. This place also finds the reference in Hinduism because yogis are known to have visited the valley for meditation.

Frequently Asked Question about Hemkund Sahib

Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar is dedicated to ‘Bharat Mata’. The word ‘Bharat Mata’ means ‘Mother India’. This multi-storey building is built with an extraordinary concept. It is alongside Samanvay Ashram on the banks of the holy river Ganga. The temple has 8 storeys, each depicting an era of Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until Independence.

Bharat Mata Mandir – Facts

Deity	Bharat Mata
Location	Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Significance	Nation Goddess
Best Time to Visit	September to April
Darshan Timings	5:00 am to 12:00 pm. 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Republic Day and Independence Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbXbruYG0zE

Bharat Mata Mandir Timings

People can have darshan at Bharat Mata Mandir 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 Bharat Mata Mandir temple:

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

What is the significance of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

The Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar signifies ‘Bharat Mata’ that represents ‘Aryavarta’. It also means the motherland of Hinduism as per Hindu Nationalism. It remains as the ‘vision of a unified motherland’. The divine statue symbolizes the Goddess of India. It stands for all the religious deities, freedom fighters, and leaders.

Located on the banks of the holy river Ganga. It welcomes everyone from different religions and communities. The key features that signify the temple and make it one of its kinds are as follows:

1. Dispensaries of allopathic and homoeopathic.
2. Diagnostic camps and physiotherapy centres.
3. Gaushala which is a kind of cow shed with ultra-modern facilities.
4. Ved Vidyalaya where you can study Vedas.
5. Bharat Sadie is an old age home there.
6. Atithi Sewa Kendra known as Samanvaya Kutir.
7. Satsang Bhawan.
8. A library.
9. Rooms for accommodation.

What is the history of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

The temple is dedicated to each one of the individuals who had a significant influence in the battle for freedom. This temple was built before India was partitioned. The Bharat Mata temple is around two kilometres from the cantonment territory. Represented as a goddess, Bharat Mata temple is an incredible remembrance of unified India.

Established by Swami Satyamitranand Giri, Bharat Mata Temple is a one of a kind temple. It is sacred to Mother India and her cultural magnificence. Vishwa Hindu Parishad was the organization that constructed the Bharat Mata Mandir. The Late Indian Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the temple on 15 May 1983.

The renowned sculpture artist Abanindranath Tagore portrayed Bharat Mata as a Hindu goddess. She is portrayed with four arms, wearing robes of saffron colour, holding a book, sheaves of rice, a mala, as well as a white cloth. 

What is the architecture of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Despite the fact that there isn’t much grandeur and loftiness in the structure. It houses a marble Bharat Mata icon symbolizing India and a marble map of India designed on the ground. The temple is a contrast among many different temples. It doesn’t cherish a specific God or Goddess loved by religious devotees. 

What does each floor represent of Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

At an astounding height of 180 ft, the temple is spread over eight floors. Each level of the floor is dedicated to many different gods and mythological heroes. We have tried to give a short detailed explanation of the same in the following list –

1. First Floor – Bharat Mata: The first floor is dedicated to Mother India. It was a divine statue of Bharat Mata which adorns the floor along with a designed map of India.
2. Second Floor – Shoor Mandir: The second floor is commonly known as the Shoor Mandir. It is dedicated to all the freedom fighters that played a role for our Independence.
3. Third Floor – Matru Mandir: The third floor stands for the revered women of our culture. It is dedicated to honouring women like Ahilya, Savitri, Anusuya, Radha, Draupadi, Mira, etc.
4. Fourth Floor – Sant Mandir: Every great saint is featured in this floor from different religions of India including Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism.
5. Fifth Floor: The floor includes a lobby embellished with works of art.  It depicts the history and excellence of various areas.
6. Sixth Floor: It is dedicated to the manifestation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess-like Durga, Parvati, Sati, Radha, Goddess Saraswati, and Kali is here.
7. Seventh Floor: The floor is devoted to manifestations and types of Lord Vishnu.  It includes Ram, Krishna, and Matsya.
8. Eight Floor: The highest level offers a stunning perspective. The Himalaya mountain range and Sapt Sarovar can be viewed from here.

What are the festivals celebrated at this temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are:

• Independence Day: 15 August is celebrated as the Independence day on a grand scale at Bharat Mata Mandir. On the holiday, throughout India people celebrate with flag-hoisting. There are ceremonies and parades as well as cultural events. People play patriotic songs on loudspeakers and on radio channels in the country. The temple also celebrates the day with flag hoisting.
• Republic Day: 26 January is the Indian Republic day. Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect. It replaced the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The temple too celebrates the day with much pomp and glory like the rest of the country.
• Other Festivals: Along with these festivals, many other prominent national festivals are also celebrated here in the temple. People celebrate the festivals to honour the legendary and national heroes in the temple premises. 

How to reach Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar?

Located at Motichur, Haridwar near the banks of the holy river Ganga. Bharat Mata Mandir can be reached by any means of transport. Here is a detailed list to help you with the same –

• By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport. It is approximately located at a distance of 30 km from the temple. Tourists can hire private cabs or get buses to reach the temple from the airport.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, at a distance of 7 km from the temple. The station links major cities of India.
• By Road: A large number of state-owned and private buses for Haridwar are available.  From ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi, you can choose the bus to travel. Tourists can opt for Air-conditioned or deluxe luxury coaches to travel with comfort.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are :

• Radisson Blu Haridwar: It is a five-star hotel for a luxurious stay. It is for both business and leisure for tourists and devotees alike. They provide spacious rooms, excellent food, high-speed wireless internet, etc.
• Ganga Lahiri: It is a hotel that provides pick-up from the railway station by cycle rickshaw. The hotel has a peaceful and pleasing 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 of excellent service in food. As well as cleanliness and is good for the best stays.

What are some temples nearby?

Some of the temples near Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar are:

1. Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Chandi Temple is at the Neel Parvat Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated in honour of Goddess Chandi. The temple is also one of the Panch Tirths present in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Chandi or Chandika is a form of Goddess Parvati. Also exists in close association with Mansa Devi.
2. Har ki Pauri, Haridwar: Har ki Pauri is a religious bathing ghat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Known to be one of the most important religious places among the Hindus. It translates to ‘Steps of Shiva’ and is on the banks of Ganga. It is at the point where it leaves mountains and enters the plains.
3. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa. The temple is on top of Bilwa Parvat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popular as ‘Bilwa Tirth’, this temple is among the panch tirth within Haridwar. Moreover, ‘Mansa’ means ‘wish’. It is a popular belief among the devotees that the goddess fulfils their wishes.
4. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple:  The Neelkanth Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The presiding 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.
5. Maya Devi Temple Haridwar: It is dedicated to Goddess Maya in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. The presiding deity, goddess Maya is an incarnation of goddess Shakti. Moreover, the temple is among the three Siddha Peethas. It is quite pious among the Hindu devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bharat Mata Mandir –