Last Updated on December 27, 2024
Popularly nicknamed ‘Devbhoomi – Land of Gods’, Uttarakhand is one of the most pristine destinations in India. This hill state is famous for being the abode of some of the most supreme gods and goddesses. The entire region is dotted with a number of ancient temples that evoke a feeling of deep-seated spirituality in everyone. Each district of Uttarakhand has several temples that have served as magnets for peace seekers and spiritual learners since time immemorial. Here are some of the most popular temples in Uttarakhand that give Devbhoomi its name:
Badrinath Dham (Chamoli)
Badrinath Dham is undoubtedly one of the most prominent temples in Uttarakhand. It is not only one of the crucial pillars of the all-India Char Dham Yatra and Chota Char Dham Yatra but also an important part of the Panch Badri Yatra of Uttarakhand. Standing majestically at an elevation of 10,827 feet above sea level and by the holy River Alaknanda, Badrinath Dham is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the most revered ancient shrines in India. Surrounded by snow-clad mountains and dense forested greenery, Badrinath Dham is also one of the most picturesque centers of pilgrimage.
- Things to Do: Visit Vasudhara Falls and Narad Kund. Go trekking to the Valley of Flowers and Mana village.
- Travel Tips: No matter the season, be sure to carry heavy woolen clothing such as winter jackets, mufflers, woolen socks, gloves, and thermals.
Baijnath Temple Complex (Bageshwar)
Located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 3,691 feet above sea level, this splendid temple complex is home to almost 18 Hindu temples. Situated next to the Gomati River, these temples house 102 stone images and are known for being one of the very few temples where Goddess Parvati is shown with her consort, Lord Shiva. Devotees and pilgrims throng this place during Maha Shivratri and Makar Sankranti, seeking blessings from the almighty.
- Things to Do: Pay a visit to nearby temples like the Bhramari Devi Temple. You can also take a stroll through Garur, the market area in the Baijnath region, which contains numerous shops.
Travel Tips: May to September is the best time to visit this temple.
Chitai Golu Devta Mandir, (Almora)
Dedicated to Golu Devta – a legendary mythological lord worshipped mainly in the Kumaon and eastern Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand – this temple is one of the most celebrated in the subcontinent. Situated 4 km from the main gate of the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, this temple is home to a glorious selection of flora, fauna, and numerous panoramic vistas, along with being lined with innumerable bells, which pilgrims themselves tie. It is believed that a devotee’s wishes will be fulfilled once asked from the lord with a clear heart and conscience.
- Things to Do: Visit the famous Mrig Vihar Zoo, Kalika Mandir, Valmiki Mahadev Mandir, Sun Temple, and more.
- Travel Tip: The temple is located 9 km from Lala Bazar in Almora, which takes around 25 minutes to cover.
Sitting high at an elevation of 2,116 meters above sea level, this ancient 2nd-century temple is known for its immense healing and rejuvenation powers. This mysterious temple attracts not only devotees and pilgrims but also the attention of many NASA scientists due to its location on the Van Allen Belt. People who meditate here report feeling a higher degree of rejuvenation due to the unique geomagnetic forces present in the region.
- Things to Do: Visit Crank’s Ridge, trek to Nanda Devi Mandir, and visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Best Time to Visit: February to November
Kamakhya Devi Mandir (Pithoragarh)
Nestled among sun-drenched, snow-clad mountains and lush greenery of the valleys, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya Devi. Located 7 km from the main city of Pithoragarh, this temple holds significance for Hindu devotees who visit seeking marital bliss and freedom from various physical and mental health ailments. This is the only Kamakhya Devi temple in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.
- Things to Do: Visit tourist attractions like Maharaja Park, Pithoragarh Fort, Lover’s Point, and Dhwaj Mandir.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June
Kedarnath Dham (Rudraprayag)
Dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Kedarnath (Lord of Kedar Khand), this ancient and highly significant temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayan Range. Being a part of the Chota Char Dham Yatra and the Panch Kedar Yatra, this temple witnesses a vast throng of pilgrims and devotees from around the world during the open season, which lasts for 6 months when the snow recedes.
- Things to Do: Visit Bhairav Mandir, Gaurikund, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Gandhi Sarovar, Sonprayag, and Vasuki Tal.
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to October
Madhyamaheshwar Mandir (Rudraprayag)
This ancient Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the crucial pillars of the famous Panch Kedar Yatra. Located amidst the lush greenery of the meadows in the Garhwal region, at an elevation of 11,473 feet above sea level, this temple is spiritually captivating. It is widely believed that even a few drops of holy water from the temple are enough for ablution. During the winter months, the presiding deity is moved to Ukhimath, Lord Shiva’s winter abode.
- Things to Do: Trek to Kanchani Tal, Buddha Madhyamaheshwar, and Omkareshwar Mandir.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
Yogadhyan Badri (Chamoli)
Located at an elevation of 6,001 feet above sea level and close to the famous Badrinath temple, Yogadhyan Badri is an important part of the Sapta Badri Yatra. Known for being as old as the ancient Badrinath Dham, this temple stands at the spot where King Pandu is said to have meditated to Lord Vishnu, asking him to cleanse the sin of killing two mating deer who were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandava brothers were also born here, and their father, King Pandu, achieved salvation here.
- Things to Do: Trek to Badrinath Dham, Nanda Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, and Vishnuprayag.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October
Nanda Devi Mandir (Pithoragarh)
Perched at a height of 7,500 feet above sea level and dedicated to Goddess Nanda (Parvati), this is one of the most sacred Hindu sites of worship. The temple can be reached by completing a breathtaking 3 km trek that offers views of some of the most picturesque surroundings. The temple region is surrounded by lush green meadows, providing a 180-degree view of the surrounding Himalayas.
- Things to Do: Visit the unique Tribal Heritage Museum, Birthi Falls, and Maheshwari Kund.
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
Mata Murti Mandir (Badrinath)
Located 3 km from the main Badrinath Dham on the right bank of the Alaknanda River, this temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Mata Murti, the mother of Nar and Narayan, the temple witnesses large crowds during the eve of Vaman Dwadashi and Shravan Dwadashi. Pilgrims visiting Badrinath often make it a point to visit this holy temple as well.
- Things to Do: Trek to Mana Village, Surya Kund, Charan Paduka, Tapta Kund, and Narad Kund.
- Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October
This majestic temple, which sits by the softly flowing river amidst the scenic beauty of natural surroundings, is not only a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman but also an ashram of Neem Karoli Baba. Followers believe that once you perform deep meditation, you will be able to feel the strong and powerful presence of Lord Hanuman. This place has been visited by a number of famous people, such as Steve Jobs (the late CEO of Apple) and Mark Zuckerberg (the founder of Facebook).
- Things to Do – Visit Golu Devta Mandir, Shyamkhet Tea Gardens, Aurobindo Ashram, Ramgarh.
- Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to February.
Jhula Devi Mandir (Ranikhet)
This ancient temple, dating back to the 8th century, is located just 7 km from Ranikhet. Dedicated to Durga Maa, this temple is known for being extensively adorned with brass bells, covering almost every part of the temple. The local belief, which still persists, is that this temple is home to Mata Jhula Devi, who protects livestock and other cattle from wild animals, such as leopards, which inhabit the area.
- Things to Do – Visit Haidakhan Mandir, Chaubatia Gardens, Manila, Somnath Ground.
- Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to February.
Hanuman Garhi (Nainital)
As the name suggests, this holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is located at a height of 6,401 feet above sea level, surrounded by scenic beauty. The temple is situated about 3.5 km from the main bus stop of Nainital and was built by the famous saint Neem Karoli Baba in the 1950s. Visitors can not only offer their prayers to the presiding deity but also enjoy the temple’s strategic location, which offers magnificent sunrise and sunset views.
- Things to Do – Visit Naukuchiatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, Shitala Devi Mandir, Lila Sah Bapu Ashram.
- Best Time to Visit – March to June and September to December.
Bagnath Temple (Bageshwar)
Literally meaning ‘Tiger Lord’, this ancient temple draws its name from the city it is built in, Bageshwar. The temple gets flooded with devotees and pilgrims during the auspicious occasion of the Shivratri festival. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is strategically located at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, making it a highly sacred site. According to Hindu legend, sage Markandeya worshipped Lord Shiva here, and the divine lord is said to have visited him in the form of a tiger.
- Things to Do – Visit Chandika Mandir, Swaraj, Gauri Udiyar, Kanda.
- Best Time to Visit – December to February
Bineshwar Mahadev Temple (Binsar)
This 16th-century temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in a naturally captivating area. The presiding deity is a Shiv Lingam, which was constructed during the Chand dynasty, as Binsar was a popular summer retreat for the rulers of the Chand dynasty. Apart from its religious significance, the temple is also known for its impressive architectural excellence. Visitors often stop by this temple on their way to the famous Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Things to Do – Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Gairar Golu Devta, Pariyadeva Pashan.
- Best Time to Visit – October and November
Each of these temples is not only beautifully built but also holds special meaning in Hindu stories and pilgrimage customs. Uttarakhand, with its Himalayan mountains and peaceful scenery, attracts many worshippers seeking peace and blessings at these holy places.
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