Uttarakhand, a state that lies to the north of India, is one of the major attractions because of its extensive cultural diversity, stunning landscapes and not to mention, its temples. Apart from the plethora of healing methods and yoga services that Uttarakhand has to offer, it is also a wildlife restoring site.
With so much to offer, an aspect of Uttarakhand that often gets forgotten is its temples. They’re beautifully constructed and carry immense cultural and historic significance.
While you’re already imagining how enriching this journey would be, here’s a list of temples that make Uttarakhand all that more special:
- Rudraprayag: Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple
18 kilometres from Rudraprayag, Agasteshwar Mahadev Temple lies on the bank of the river Mandakini and is a cherished pilgrimage site. The location is picturesque and offers an incredible environment to meditate and put one’s fleeting thoughts to rest. The temple is also popularly known as the Agastyamuni Temple; it is believed that the great sage Agastya meditated here for a number of years to achieve a balanced self.
- Baijnath: Baijnath Temple
Located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, Baijnath is a remote town popular for its people and its ancient Mahadeva Temple. The river Gomati flows by, making Baijnath a very pleasant place to visit. There’s an interesting thing about this temple – the devotees worship the deity from its back, never from the front.
- Chamoli: Binsar Mahadev Temple
Surrounded by a thick, natural cover of Deodar forests in Chamoli, the Binsar Mahadev Temple is 2480m above sea level and offers an awe-inspiring view. Ranikhet, one of the most cherished hill stations, sits at a distance of 19 km from the Binsar Mahadev temple.
The temple witnesses a huge footfall during Vaikunth Chaturdashi, when women come all the way to wish for the good health and prosperity of their family.
- Almora: Gananath Temple
A widely visited cave temple of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, the Gananath temple is situated near the Satrali village, approximately 2116m above sea level. Situated around 47 km from Almora, this temple is thronged by people during Kartik Purnima and the fairs held in this period. The fairs are popular among the locals for their rhythmic hymns, fascinating folk dance, and the joyous blend of culture and festivities.
- Jageshwar: Maha Mrityunjaya Temple
One of the oldest and most popular places that Lord Shiva has been associated with is found in the Uttarakhand state and is called the Maha Mrityunjay temple. The lingam of Lord Mahadev is cherished for its third eye, and is considered very sacred. Popular belief says that people have faith in and chant the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra to get relief from terminal illnesses and to protect their loved ones from unnatural deaths.
