Religious places and temples of Uttarakhand

Guptakashi

The temple town of Guptakashi is located at a distance of 47 kms from the holy town of Kedarnath. Perched at an elevation of 1319 m above the sea level, Guptakashi enjoys the mesmerising backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba Mountains.

It houses two ancient temples namely Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Manikarnika Kund is another popular destination in the town.

Uttarkashi

Endearingly called as Devbhoomi, Uttarkashi, literally meaning ‘Kashi of the North’, is a quaint little town tucked away in the hill state of Uttarakhand. Revered by the Hindus as one of their propitious religious sites, the townhouses two of the total four holy shrines of Hindu mythology. It is one of the most visited cities of religious relevance in the area and gives you a sense of heightened divinity and an out of the world experience.

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a small hill town mostly known for adventure Sports such as rock climbing, rappelling etc. and the amazing view of Himalayan ranges you get from there.

Madhyamaheshwar

A small sacred town of Madhyamaheshwar is a place full of mysteries and blessed with bounty of nature. Renowned for its Madhyamaheshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Devprayag

Marked by the confluence point of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, Devprayag is a religious hub and is quite popular among tourists coming for pilgrimage or seeking some solitude close to nature.

Joshimath

Joshimath is a quaint hill town nestled amid the lap of snow-capped Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand. This valley is mesmerizingly beautiful surrounded on all sides by picturesque views. If a good trekking trail is your calling, the Valley of Flowers Trek is close to Joshimath.

Gaumukh

One of the holiest lands in Uttarakhand, Gaumukh is thronged by devotees mainly for its serenity and pious mythological history. Gaumukh is not exactly a tourist town or city, but a glacial trekking destination located within Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Tungnath

If spirituality is on your mind and on your itinerary as well, Tungnath is just your kind of place. It is an ancient holy town more than 1000 years old and is popular among pilgrims and devotees. It comprises of Alaknanda and Mandakini river valleys or ‘Lord of Peaks’ as they are referred to.

Gangotri Temple

The Gangotri temple in Uttarakhand is included in the list of the famous Char Dham or the four most revered pilgrimages. The other three temples are Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The Hindus believe that a trip to these four places paves the way to salvation. Thus the devotees from all the corners of the earth fight with each and every adversity that comes across their way and ultimately reach these places. The Gangotri temple of Uttarakhand lies at an altitude of 3200 m. The temple is nested amidst the beautiful surroundings of deodars and pines.

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for pious Hindus. Kedarnath Temple is probably the most sacred Hindu shrine in the Himalayas and is one of the major Shiva temples in the country. Kedarnath Temple of Uttarakhand contains one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the Panch Kedars. Kedar is a name for lord Shiva who embodies a myriad passion of love, hatred, fear, death and mysticism by his various forms.

Mythology identifies the idol at Kedarnath Temple at Uttarakhand with the rump of a bull, a disguise adopted by Lord Shiva to escape recognition by the Pandavas who sought repentance for killing relatives in the battle of Kurukshetra. When the Pandavas insisted on pursuing him, he dived into the ground leaving behind a hump on the surface. This conical projection is shown obeisance at the shrine.

Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple is the shrine located at Badrinath in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. It was constructed by the Kings of Garhwal nearly two centuries ago.

In Badrinath Temple of Uttarakhand, Lord Badri Narayan (or Badri Vishal) is armed with Shankh (Conch) and Chakra in two arms in a raised posture and two arms supported on the lap in Yogamudra. The primary image is sculpted from black stone and embodies Vishnu in a contemplative pose. The temple also contains Garuda (vehicle of Lord Narayan) and Goddess Mahalaxmi.

Bhairavnath Temple

One of the most important centers for the Hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is the Sangura temple. The temple lies on the banks of the river Nyaar and houses a Siddh Peeth of Maa Bhuvneshwari. The region is nearly 15 Kilometers away from Satpuli in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that whoever goes to the Sangura temple in Uttarakhand and takes eleven turns or Ekadash parikrama around the Goddess gets his or her wishes fulfilled. It is also said that this place was selected by the Goddess Maa Bhuvneshwari herself as her abode.

Rudranath Temple

Located in the dense forests of the Uttarakhand, the Rudranath temple in Gaurikund is a well known place for the Hindu pilgrimage. The natural curvature of the mountains here is amazing and unbelievably resembles the face of Lord Shiva. This is why it is called the ‘Rudramukh’ or the face of the Lord Shiva.

The Rudranath temple of Uttarakhand is located at an altitude of 2,286meters. There is the wonderful nature all around adorned by the unique mountainous Flora. Here Lord Shiva has been depicted as the ‘Neelkantha’. Himalaya is the hoard of peace and eternal bliss to the people who come over here from the different parts of the country as also of the world. The state of Uttarakhand is often described as the “Devbhoomi” or the lands of the Gods and Goddesses. It is so wonderful a place that the deities have themselves preferred to make it their abode. The Rudranath temple in Uttarakhand is also included amongst the sacred places in Uttarakhand which are nested in the lap of the virgin nature.

Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi temple of Uttarakhand is located in the heavenly place called Nainital. Nainital is a world wide popular hill-station in the state. It houses a vast lake surrounded by mountains on the three sides. There were so many lakes in and around Nainital that this place was often referred to as ‘the city of 60 Lakes’ or ‘Chakta’. But most unfortunately many of these lakes are no more in the present times. The lake associated with the Naina Devi temple at Uttarakhand is however extant, and at present the very life of the town of Nainital is going around it. You will find the few other lakes outside Nainital which are no less attractive and beautiful than the Naini Lake.

Mansa Devi Temple

The Mansa Devi temple in Uttarakhand is an age old temple that is located on the top of a hill called the Bilwa hill situated near the principal city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand in India. The temple enshrines a mother Goddess who is known as the Mansa Devi. The devotees come to this place from far and wide and usually worship the deity with coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks.

Madmaheshwar Temple

One among the famous Panch (five) Kedars, the temple of Madmaheshwar is situated at a height of 10,400 feet (3,289 meters) from sea level, on the slope of a ridge, 25 kilometers north-east of Guptkashi. There is a motorable road from Guptkashi to Kalimath. A towering statue of Har Gauri measuring over a meter high is to be found in the Kali temple at Madmaheshwar. The trek from Kalimath to Madmaheshwar is characterized by wild and amazing natural beauty and encircled by the Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks. Gaundar at the junction of the Madmaheshwar Ganga and the Markanga Ganga, is the last settlement before one finds oneself at Madmaheshwar, the place where Lord Shiva is paid homage to in the form of the belly or the navel.

Lakha Mandal Temple

One of the best temples in the state of Uttarakhand is situated in Dehra Dun and is known as the Lakha Mandal temple. This temple was constructed in the ancient times. It enshrines Lord Shiva. The Lakha Mandal temple in Uttarakhand is especially popular amongst the people who belong to the Shakti Cult. They believe that a visit to this temple shrine will bring an end to all their misfortunes and ill destiny. They gladly accept the trouble to come over to this place from far and wide solely in search of peace and eternal bliss.

Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri temple lies in Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand in India. It was constructed by King Vikramaditya. He built this temple in the memory of his brother Bhatrihari’s prolonged spiritual quest that he made on the banks of the river Ganga. Har Ki Pauri in Uttarakhand is situated by the sacred Brahmakund.

Gaurikund

The temple of Gaurikund in Uttarakhand lies at a distance of 5 kilometers from Son Prayag. It lies at an altitude of 1982 meters above sea level. Whenever you go to Kedarnath, you will get Gaurikund on your way and it will be the last bus stop. There is a famous hot spring in Gaurikund of Uttarakhand.

Gaurikund at Uttarakhand enshrines the image of the Goddess Parvati. She is one of the many forms of goddess Durga and is supposed to be the Goddess of strength and power. The devotees come here from the remote areas to pray to the Devi and firmly believe that a visit to this shrine will bring an end to their sorrows. They also believe that they will get the adequate ‘Shakti’ or strength from the deity which will help them fight against all the adversities of life.

Hemkund Saheb

Hemkund Saheb is in Joshimath, a well known place in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The state of Uttarakhand is aptly called the “Dev Bhoomi” or the abode of Gods. You will find the Hindu temples at about each and every turn that you take along the mountains.

Hemkund Saheb in Uttarakhand is a place situated at around 4329 meters above the sea level. It is a popular site of pilgrimage for the people from both the Sikh as well as the Hindu communities.

Panchshilas

The Panchshilas play an exceedingly significant role behind preserving the holy essence of the Badrinath Temple and presenting it with a heavenly beautiful and extremely serene ambiance. Panchshilas in Uttarakhand is the designation that has been awarded to the assemblage of the five mountains namely:-

Garuda Shila: Legend has it that ‘Garuda’, in order to becomie the chariot driver of the Sun God, chose the ‘Gandha Madan’ to carry out a soul-stirring penance so that he could please Lord Vishnu. He succeeded in his endeavor and Lord Vishnu granted him a boon that the piece of stone on which he performed his meditation should be rendered popular by his name.

Narada Shila: It has been illustrated in history that Narada had engaged himself in intense penance for an astounding 62 thousand years on these rocks to please Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu finally appeared before him and bestowed him with the boon that the rocks where he carried out his meditation would be given his name.

Varaha Shila: It is believed that Lord Vishnu chose this particular mountain to wait out the period of dissipation in the disguise of a humongous rock after slaying the evil monster named Hiranyaksha in the form of a boar or ‘Varaha’.

Markandeya Shila: Influenced by Narada, a sage known by the name Markandeya engrossed himself in intense penance in order to satisfy Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu blessed him that he would remain associated with that rock for all eternity.

Narasimha Shila: In answer to the acute meditation performed by many sages, Lord Vishnu in the form of ‘Narhasimha’ awarded them with the boon that he would bless that venue in the form of a stone.

Uttarakhand is a state in northern India. It is bordered by the states of Himachal Pradesh to the west, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the south, and Nepal to the east. The state is home to the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas, which are part of the Himalayas mountain range. Uttarakhand is also home to the Ganges River, which is one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism.

Uttarakhand is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, its religious significance, and its adventure sports. The state is home to many temples, shrines, and ghats (riverside steps). Uttarakhand is also a major pilgrimage destination for Hindus.

Here are some of the most famous religious places and temples in Uttarakhand:

Badrinath Temple: Badrinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, at an altitude of 3,133 metres (10,280 ft). The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Kedarnath Temple: Kedarnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Mandakini River, at an altitude of 3,584 metres (11,760 ft). The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Gangotri Temple: Gangotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Ganga, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Gangotri Glacier, at an altitude of 3,042 metres (9,980 ft). The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is situated on the banks of the Yamunotri Glacier, at an altitude of 3,293 metres (10,810 ft). The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.
Hemkund Sahib: Hemkund Sahib is a Sikh gurdwara located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the five Takhts, the highest seats of authority in Sikhism. The gurdwara is situated on the banks of the Hemkund Lake, at an altitude of 4,632 metres (15,197 ft). The gurdwara is believed to have been built by Guru Gobind Singh in the 17th century.
Haridwar: Haridwar is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Haridwar is a Hindu holy city and a popular pilgrimage destination. The city is home to many temples, shrines, and ghats (riverside steps). Haridwar is also a major tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and its religious significance.
Rishikesh: Rishikesh is a city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located on the banks of the Ganges River, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Rishikesh is a Hindu holy city and a popular pilgrimage destination. The city is home to many temples, shrines, and ghats (riverside steps). Rishikesh is also a major tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and its religious significance.
Jyotirmath: Jyotirmath is a Hindu temple town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,050 metres (10,010 ft). Jyotirmath is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, and is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

These are just a few of the many religious places and temples in Uttarakhand. The state is home to a rich and diverse religious heritage, and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Q: What are the most popular religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: The most popular religious places in Uttarakhand are Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.

Q: What are the best time to visit religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: The best time to visit religious places in Uttarakhand is during the months of April to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant during these months and there are fewer crowds.

Q: What are the must-do things at religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: The must-do things at religious places in Uttarakhand are:

Visit the temples and shrines.
Take a dip in the holy rivers.
Perform puja and aarti.
Offer prayers to the deities.
Take blessings from the priests.
Buy souvenirs and gifts.

Q: What are the dos and don’ts at religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: The dos and don’ts at religious places in Uttarakhand are:

Do dress modestly.
Do cover your head if you are a woman.
Do remove your shoes before entering the temples.
Do not eat or drink inside the temples.
Do not smoke or spit inside the temples.
Do not take photographs of the deities.
Do not touch the idols or the temple walls.

Q: What are the accommodation Options near religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: There are a variety of accommodation options near religious places in Uttarakhand, including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays.

Q: What are the transportation options to religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: The transportation options to religious places in Uttarakhand are by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport to Kedarnath is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The nearest railway station to Kedarnath is Haridwar Railway Station. The nearest bus stand to Kedarnath is Rishikesh Bus Stand.

Q: What are the food options near religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: There are a variety of food options near religious places in Uttarakhand, including Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine.

Q: What are the shopping options near religious places in Uttarakhand?

A: There are a variety of shopping options near religious places in Uttarakhand, including souvenir shops, handicraft shops, and clothing stores.

Q: What are the emergency contact numbers in Uttarakhand?

A: The emergency contact numbers in Uttarakhand are:

Police: 100
Fire: 101
Ambulance: 102
Tourist Helpline: 1363
Emergency Helpline: 112

Sure, here are some MCQs about Uttarakhand without mentioning the topic Religious places and temples of Uttarakhand:

Which of the following is not a state in India?
(A) Uttarakhand
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Madhya Pradesh
(D) Rajasthan
The capital of Uttarakhand is:
(A) Dehradun
(B) Haridwar
(C) Mussoorie
(D) Nainital
The highest mountain in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Nanda Devi
(B) Kamet
(C) Trishul
(D) Kedarnath
The largest river in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Ganga
(B) Yamuna
(C) Brahmaputra
(D) Indus
The main language spoken in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Hindi
(B) Garhwali
(C) Kumaoni
(D) Pahari
The main religion in Uttarakhand is:
(A) Hinduism
(B) Islam
(C) Christianity
(D) Sikhism
The main crops grown in Uttarakhand are:
(A) Rice
(B) Wheat
(C) Maize
(D) Sugarcane
The main industries in Uttarakhand are:
(A) Tourism
(B) agriculture
(C) Mining
(D) Manufacturing
The main tourist attractions in Uttarakhand are:
(A) The Himalayas
(B) The temples of Haridwar and Rishikesh
(C) The lakes of Nainital and Mussoorie
(D) All of the above
The main festivals celebrated in Uttarakhand are:
(A) Holi
(B) Diwali
(C) Dussehra
(D) All of the above

I hope these MCQs were helpful!