Temples in Uttarakhand – The Land of Gods

About

Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi (The Land of the Gods), is one of India’s most sacred and spiritually rich states. Nestled in the majestic Himalayas, this region is home to thousands of temples that hold deep mythological and religious significance. From the icy heights of Kedarnath to the riverbanks of Haridwar, every corner of Uttarakhand tells a divine story.

The temples of Uttarakhand are not only places of worship but also symbols of faith, devotion, and architectural brilliance. Pilgrims and travelers visit these temples to seek blessings, experience peace, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Devbhoomi” or Land of the Gods, is home to numerous temples that hold great spiritual significance. Here are some notable temples in Uttarakhand along with brief details about each:

Famous Temples in Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Temple: Situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and is located near the Mandakini River in the Rudraprayag district.

• Location: Rudraprayag District
• Altitude: 3,583 meters (11,755 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
• About:
  Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples and part of both the Char Dham and Panch Kedar Yatras. It is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and later reconstructed by Adi Shankaracharya. Surrounded by snow-clad peaks and located near the Mandakini River, the temple is open only for six months due to extreme weather.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Badrinath Temple: Located in the Chamoli district, Badrinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is situated along the banks of the Alaknanda River.

• Location: Chamoli District
• Altitude: 3,133 meters (10,279 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Vishnu
• About:
  One of the Char Dhams, Badrinath Temple is among the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. It stands on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by the Neelkanth Peak. The colorful architecture, sacred hot springs, and spiritual atmosphere make it a must-visit temple.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Yamunotri Temple: Situated in the Uttarkashi district, Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is located at an altitude of approximately 3,293 meters above sea level.

• Location: Uttarkashi District
• Altitude: 3,293 meters (10,804 ft)
• Dedicated To: Goddess Yamuna
• About:
  The Yamunotri Temple is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra. It is located near the source of the Yamuna River. Devotees cook rice and potatoes in the hot springs here as offerings to the goddess. The trek to the temple offers mesmerizing views of waterfalls and mountain peaks.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Gangotri Temple: Located in the Uttarkashi district, Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and is situated near the origin of the Ganges River.

• Location: Uttarkashi District
• Altitude: 3,100 meters (10,200 ft)
• Dedicated To: Goddess Ganga
• About:
  Gangotri Temple marks the origin of the holy River Ganga. The temple, built in white granite, is situated amidst beautiful Himalayan landscapes. It is believed that Goddess Ganga descended here when Lord Shiva released her from his locks.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Baijnath Temple: Baijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Bageshwar district. It is an ancient temple known for its intricate stone carvings and sculptures.

Jageshwar Temple: Situated near Almora, Jageshwar Temple is a cluster of over 100 Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlinga sites.

• Location: Almora District
• Altitude: 1,870 meters (6,135 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
• About:Jageshwar is an ancient temple town consisting of over 100 small stone temples dating back to the 9th–13th centuries. Surrounded by deodar forests, it is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva’s meditation. The temple complex also reflects exquisite ancient architecture.
• Best Time to Visit: March to November

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located near Rishikesh, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is surrounded by dense forests and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Tungnath Temple: Tungnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the Rudraprayag district. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

• Location: Rudraprayag District
• Altitude: 3,680 meters (12,073 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
• About:
  Tungnath is known as the highest Shiva temple in the world and is part of the Panch Kedar group. It is believed that the arms of Lord Shiva appeared here. The trek to Tungnath is short but scenic, leading further to Chandrashila Peak for panoramic Himalayan views.
• Best Time to Visit: April to November

Naina Devi Temple: Naina Devi Temple is located in Nainital and is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. It is situated near the Naini Lake and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar: Dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, atop Bilwa Parvat hill.

• Location: Haridwar
• Dedicated To: Goddess Mansa Devi and Goddess Chandi Devi
• About:
  These are two of the most visited temples in Haridwar. Mansa Devi is situated on Bilwa Parvat, while Chandi Devi sits atop Neel Parvat. Both temples can be reached via ropeway or by trekking. They offer breathtaking views of the Ganges River and Haridwar city.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar: Dedicated to Goddess Chandi, atop Neel Parvat hill.

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwar: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, in Kankhal.

Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar: Unique temple dedicated to Mother India.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple: Underground cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Vaishno Devi Temple, Uttarkashi: Replica of the famous Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir.

Tapkeshwar Temple, Dehradun: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in a cave.

Lakshman Temple, Rishikesh: Dedicated to Lord Lakshman, brother of Lord Rama.

Trayambakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its serene ambiance.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple: Located near Rudraprayag, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Kalpeshwar Temple: One of the Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Location: Chamoli District
• Altitude: 2,200 meters (7,217 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
• About:
  Kalpeshwar is the last temple in the Panch Kedar series and the only one open throughout the year. Lord Shiva’s hair (jata) is worshipped here. The temple is surrounded by apple orchards and beautiful Himalayan scenery.
• Best Time to Visit: March to November

Surkanda Devi Temple: Situated near Dhanaulti, dedicated to Goddess Parvati.

Madmaheshwar Temple: One of the Panch Kedar temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Location: Rudraprayag District
• Altitude: 3,497 meters (11,473 ft)
• Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
• About:
  Madhyamaheshwar is the second temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, believed to house Lord Shiva’s navel. The temple lies in a lush valley surrounded by snow-covered peaks and is known for its peaceful surroundings and scenic trek routes.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October

Dhari Devi Temple: Located near Srinagar, dedicated to Goddess Kali.

• Location: Near Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal
• Dedicated To: Goddess Kali
• About:
  The temple of Dhari Devi is built on the banks of the Alaknanda River and houses the upper half of Goddess Kali’s idol. Locals believe she protects Uttarakhand from natural disasters. The temple is partly submerged during the rainy season, adding to its mystery.
• Best Time to Visit: All year round

Nanda Devi Temple, Almora: Dedicated to Goddess Nanda Devi, revered during the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.

Kainchi Dham: Ashram and temple complex dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba.

Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar: Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its annual fair.

Kasar Devi Temple, Almora: Popular temple dedicated to Kasar Devi, known for its spiritual energy.

Chandrabadni Temple: Situated near Tehri, dedicated to Goddess Chandrabadni.

Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple, Pithoragarh: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its religious importance.

Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar: Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jhula Devi Temple, Ranikhet: Dedicated to Goddess Durga, known for its hundreds of bells.

Champawat Temples: Champawat district is home to numerous ancient temples dedicated to various deities.

Why Visit the Temples of Uttarakhand

• To explore ancient temples with deep mythological roots.
• To witness divine natural beauty and snow-capped Himalayan landscapes.
• To experience peace, meditation, and devotion.
• To undertake the famous Char Dham and Panch Kedar Yatras.
• To discover local traditions, fairs, and sacred rituals.