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Uttarakhand is famous for its religious value as several devotees and tourists come to visit the spiritual destination. Whether you are going for the holy darshan of the all-powerful Lord Vishnu at the Badrinath shrine or seeking blessings at the enigmatic Kedarnath shrine, each temple has its charisma. Visiting these temples offers a unique religious experience while travelling to discover numerous wonders of Uttarakhand in the natural environment. Now it is time to consider the tour of the most significant temples in Uttarakhand for an incredible journey.
9 Best Uttarakhand Temples To Visit
Discover the historical and religious significance of religious places in Uttarakhand. This article covers twelve important temples in Uttarakhand, stating the special features and cultural importance of those temples.
1. Badrinath Temple
Photo: Shitha Valsan / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Garhwal Himalayas is the Badrinath Temple, which is one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage, honouring Lord Vishnu. This religious shrine, situated at a higher geographic leap of 3,133 meters, receives devotees from various parts of the country. The temple is built with an amazing architectural design, with the compound being complemented by carved artworks to boost its spiritually inspired outlook. Devotees bathe in Tapt Kund before entering the temple for darshan; Since its opening in 2011, the temple draws millions of devotees every year.
Major Attractions: Tapt Kund, Charan Paduka
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Badrinath, Chamoli
Timings: 4:30 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 8 PM
2. Kedarnath Temple
Photo: Shivam Kumar 766 / Wikimedia Commons
Another important temple is the Kedarnath temple which is also a pilgrimage site of Char Dham yatra, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in the Kailash Mansarovar region of Tibet where it stands at an altitude of 3,583 meters it is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. The temple has a large, grey stone infrastructure, providing a perfect example of a preserved historical architectural design. Located near great mountains with awe-inspiring scenery it provides a perfect environment for praying and meditating.
Major Attractions: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhairav Temple
Best Time To Visit: May to November
Location: Kedarnath, Rudraprayag
Timings: 5 AM – 2 PM, 3 PM – 9 PM
3. Gangotri Temple
Photo: Atarax42 / Wikimedia Commons
Situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi, the temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites to honour the Goddess Ganga in anthropomorphic form. Situated at a dizzying height of 3,042 meters, this temple is one of the main shrines of Char Dham Yatra. There is much harmony with nature where the temple is built and the sound of water gurgling makes the environment so calm to pray. It is considered that bathing in the river here washes one’s sins as well as any other sins one might have. This is complemented by a background of greenery besides other snowcapped mountains that surround the central structure.
Major Attractions: Bhagirath Shila, Gaumukh Trek
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Gangotri, Uttarkashi
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
4. Yamunotri Temple
Photo: Atarax42 / Wikimedia Commons
Yamunotri Temple is located at a height of 3,235 meters and is a famous temple based on Hindu mythology for Goddess Yamuna. The temple is an important pilgrimage for Hindus situated in the Char Dham Yatra circuit. It is quite interesting to note that pilgrimage to this place takes one through several scenic terrains. Before entering the temple, these tourists have a ritual bath at the available thermal springs that are believed to be sacred.
Major Attractions: Surya Kund, Divya Shila
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Yamunotri, Uttarkashi
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
5. Rudranath Temple
Photo: Ssdhyani / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the lap of alluring hills, Rudranath Temple is one of the PanchKedar Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 7500 feet, this is one of the most peaceful temples where faith can be practised. This place is located in traditional meadow territories and in close contact with wonderful mountain landscapes which create a comfortable atmosphere for contemplation. The trek to Rudranath is also an eventful journey; people interested in nature and spirituality visit this site. This temple is considered to host the face of Lord Shiva and therefore pilgrimage is so important among the devotees.
Major Attractions: Anusuya Devi Temple, Himalayan Flora
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Rudranath, Chamoli
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
6. Madhyamaheshwar Temple
Photo: Bodhisattwa / Wikimedia Commons
The next shrine of the Panch Kedar is Madhyamaheshwar Temple situated at an elevation of 3,289 meters above sea level. This temple is one of the main pilgrimage sites because within the temple Lord Shiva resides in the Navel of the Earth. The natural beauty of the temple and the beautiful location provided by the lush green valleys and towering mountains enhance the effect of worship. It is easy to get to Madhyamaheshwar as the trek passes through the Himalayas and this makes the pilgrims get closer to the divine.
Major Attractions: Scenic Trek, Himalayan Flora
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Madhyamaheshwar, Chamoli
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi
Photo: Ashvin Kaitabhya / Wikimedia Commons
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva at Uttarkashi is also known as the northern Kashi. The temple has marvellous architecture and is surrounded by very beautiful and calm environments, the devotees visit the temple all year. There is a belief that going to this temple cleanses a person’s soul, as well as helps to get what you want. Situated on the right bank of the Bhagirathi River, which flows near the temple adds to its religious appeal.
Major Attractions: Bhagirathi River, Ancient Temple Architecture
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Uttarkashi
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
8. Kalpeshwar Temple
Photo: Shaouraav Shreshtha / Unsplash
The Panch Kedar pilgrimage Kalpeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of 2,200 meters. This temple is special in the sense that the temple remains open throughout the year and it is part of the Kedar group of temples. The natural setting of the temple means that there are wonderful trees and rocks to view when you visit the temple. This is a shrine that requires pilgrims to travel some distance to get to this place which is surrounded by beautiful valleys.
Major Attractions: Scenic Trekking Routes, Local Flora and Fauna
Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Kalpeshwar, Chamoli
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
9. Naina Devi Temple
Photo: Photographer Praveen Singh Bisht / Wikimedia Commons
The foremost shrine is the Kali temple of Naina Devi which is situated in the district of Nainital at the edge of Naini Lake. This temple is known not only by inhabitants of the island but also by guests of the island and is famous for its fascinating atmosphere and the views around it. The temple construction along with a scenic view of the lake enhances the religious fervour among the devotees. Boating on Naini Lake, with views of the temple, allows visitors to take in the sanctity of the temple at the same time.
Major Attractions: Naini Lake, Scenic Views
Best Time To Visit: March to June, September to November
Location: Nainital
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Uttarakhand temples are wrapped with the spiritual value and beauty of nature. Every temple has its history that attracts people to plunge into the culture of this area. If you want quiet and solitude, the beauty of nature, or an even greater challenge like trekking, these sacred places have it all. Each temple is unique in itself and promises a divine experience. Now that you are aware of what to do near Uttarakhand Temples, subscribe to our Uttarakhand Tour Package with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Yann / Wikimedia Commons
