The abode of Gods and goddesses or Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand is an extremely sacred state which is home to numerous highly revered temples and pilgrimage sites. From the annual Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which can also be completed by availing helicopter services for Char Dham Yatra, to innumerable sub pilgrimages like Panch Kedar and Panch Badri Yatra among so many others. There are also a number of confluences or Prayags due to the presence of some of the holiest rivers in this region. This holy state is dotted with a number of temples and an enigmatic history of mythological importance. All these holy and pious destinations are set against the ravishing backdrop of the mighty snowcapped Himalayan ranges which also work perfectly in attracting religious tourists from all across the globe.
Here are some of the most highly revered places in Uttarakhand which remains flocked by pilgrims throughout the year:
The ancient and sacred city of Haridwar is located in the foothills of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas. This holy town sits majestically on the banks of the holy river Ganga which marks the entry of the river to the plains from the hilly terrain. Haridwar is host to a number of fairs and festivals of religious significance along with being a crucial part of the Sapta Puri circuit (7 holy cities of India) including Ayodhya, Mathura, Varanasi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. Haridwar is not only extremely popular for its evening GangaAarti which takes place every day on the banks of River Ganga but it is also well known for being the ‘Yoga Centre of the World’.
The holy Centre of Badrinath is located in the Chamoli district of the Garhwal region of Himalayas. Sitting on the banks of River Alaknanda at a height of 10,170 feet above sea level Badrinath is of immense spiritual importance to all the religiously inclined population. Home to the pious pilgrimage destination of Badrinath Dham, this place is replete with a number of historical and religious temples and sites. This region gets its name from the holy temple here which is visited on an annual basis by devout Hindus during their All India Char Dham Yatra, Chota Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand and Panch Badri Yatra.
Also popular for being the temple town of Uttarakhand, the sacred center of Guptkashi is perched at an elevation of 4,327 feet above sea level and offers its visitors some of the most stunningly panoramic views of the lush green surroundings which are all set against the background of the majestically stark Chaukhamba Mountain. Located at a distance of 47 Kms prior to the Kedarnath Dham this place serves primarily as the stopover location for the holy journey to the main Dham shrine. This place have found its mention in a number of Hindu literary sources and scriptures making this sacred center one of the most religiously active destinations in the entire subcontinent.
Popularly known as the city of temples, this place is home to a holy group of 100 Hindu temples. all these temples which are situated in Almora district date back to the 7th and 12th century and attract a number of pilgrims from all across the globe. These temples vary in size from small to large complexes and represent a typical north Indian nagara style of architecture where a number of them are dedicated to Lord Shiva along with the others being dedicated to Lord Vishnu, goddess Shakti and Surya. This Hindu pilgrimage site also witnesses a number of fairs and festivals of national and local significance and are celebrated with immense vigor and enthusiasm.
Located in the foothills of the mighty Garhwal Himalayan ranges Rishikesh is also popularly known as the ‘gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas’. This pilgrimage destination is also regarded to be one of the holiest places for all the Hindu population. Ever since the ancient ages numerous sages, saints and philosophers have graced this place with their presence with an aim of meditating and looking for some higher knowledge. Sitting comfortably on the banks of river Ganga and being one of the holiest sites in India, all alcohol and non-vegetarian food items have been prohibited here.
Situated in the Western Himalayan region of the state of Uttarakhand Pithoragarh is the largest city in this state. This city is not only a holy destination but it also sits strategically on the shared international boundaries of China as well as Nepal. The thriving biodiversity of Pithoragarh is well known among holiday goers and vacationers seeking the peace of mind along with some spirituality. The region is dotted with not just ancient important temples but it is also home to a number of ashrams. Fondly referred to as ‘little Kashmir’, this urban town is an enchanting representation of natural beauty, spirituality, and adventure.
Sitting in the Tehri Garhwal district of Devbhoomi, this place is extremely pious for being one of the holy Panch Prayag or confluences. This is the site where River Bhagirathi and Alaknanda converge and forming the holiest river of India, River Ganga. This is an extremely significant place of pilgrimage for devout Hindus since this is the place of convergence of five holy confluences in the hilly region. The Sanskrit name Devprayag literally translates into ‘godly confluence’ and has found its mention in numerous Hindu scriptures making it an extremely holy center of pilgrimage.
Located at a height of 6,150 feet above sea level in Chamoli district, Joshimath is the gateway to innumerable mountaineering experiences like Valley of Flowers and Guru Govindghat. Apart from being one of the prime outdoor adventure destinations, this place is also a holy pilgrimage center for devout Hindus for being the home to one of the four ‘Shakti Peeths’ which was established by Adi Shankaracharya. Joshimath is also home to one of the 108 ‘Divya Desams’ (important Lord Vishnu temples) and is situated extremely close to the popular pilgrimage site of Badrinath Dham. This quaint hillside hamlet offers its visitors a mesmerizing opportunity to have the time of their lives.
The creation of this ancient and holy town of Tungnath dates back to almost 1000 years ago and to this day it remains one of the most visited and auspicious centers of pilgrimage for devout Hindus throughout the subcontinent. The region is popular primarily due to the presence of the famous Tungnath temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also credited for being the highest Lord Shiva temple in the world. It is also the highest of the Panch Kedar Temples circuit of India. This charming holy town is replete with obvious presence of immense spirituality and unparalleled natural beauty.
Located in the Mansoona village of the Garhwal Himalayan region at an elevation of 11,473 feet above sea level, Madhyamaheshwar is an integral part of the holy Panch Kedar Yatra pilgrimage circuit. This temple has been linked with the Pandavas of Mahabharata for having being built this temple by them. The water from this temple is said to be adequate for the ablution of sins in this lifetime. The temple premises are surrounded by extremely lush greenery and a picturesque 360-degree view of the surrounding snowcapped mountain range which allows the visitors to savor some of the most enchanting vistas of the valley.
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