TEMPLES OF UTTRAKHAND

Uttarakhand is the Land of Gods and undoubtedly temples as well. This sacred state has been the earthly refuge for many Hindu Gods whose famous and infamous legends have stayed intact with the history of Uttarakhand. Most of these places where the presence of God was felt were converted into temples and to our amazement, we’d find temples at every hairpin bend we take and SUCH is the majesty of this land!

CHITAI GOLU TEMPLE,ALMORA

Situated somewhere about 8kms from Almora, Chitai Golu is quite a famous temple in Uttarakhand. Presided by the deity of Golu Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav, Chitai Temple is easily recognised by the amount of copper bells hung in its premises. Golu Ji is reckoned to be the God of Justice and it is a common belief that when someone worships him in one of his temples in Uttarakhand, Golu Devta provides justice and makes wishes of his devotees come true.

CHITAI GOLU TEMPLE,ALMORA

The Chitai Golu Devta temple is the most celebrated temple dedicated to the deity and is about 4 km (2.5 mi) from the main gate of Binsar wildlife sanctuary & about 10 km (6.2 mi) from Almora.^[1]
The other famous temple is located near Bhowali, next to the Sainik School, Ghorakhal.
Golu dev used to travel far distances on his horse and used to meet people of his kingdom, Golu Darbar used to take place and Golu Dev used to hear the problems of the people and help them in any way possible, he had a special place for people in his heart and he was always ready to help them, due to his complete dedication to people, he led a very simple life and lived his life on the principles of brahmacharya.
Golu dev still meet with his people and in many villages the practice of Golu darbar is still prevalent, where Golu dev appear in front of people and listen to their problem and help people in every way possible, the most common form of Golu Dev Darbar these days is Jagar.
Golu Dev always had a special place for his White horse in his heart, he still do love his horse. So it is believed by many that he still travels on the back of his horse .
He is the god of justice and he serves it well. That is why people worship him as The God of Justice "Jai Nyay Devta Golu apki Jai ho"

DEVIDHURA BAGWAL,CHAMPAWAT

Devidhura is a beautiful town situated 45kms from Lohaghat. This small town is famed amongst locals for its Barahi Temples, where an annual fair takes place. The fair is called Bagwal and it has a specific ritual, which makes it a must-see event in Uttarakhand. During this fair, two groups of people indulge in stone pelting, singing and dancing is also the part of this ritual. It is believed that no life has ever been lost during this bizarre stone pelting event.Champawat is famous for its Barahi temples. A very unusual fair, which attracts people from Kumaon, Nepal, and even other places, is held every year at the temple of Barahi Devi on Raksha Bandhan day.Devidhura Fair(Bagwal)

Devidhura, situated at the trijunction of three beautiful hill stations of Uttarakhand- Almora, Nainital and Champawat is not only well known for its beauty but for the Bagwal mela. It is held in the compound of Maa Varahi(Barahi) Devi temple on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

Bagwal is played between four different groups of people. These groups are called "Khams". These Khams are- Lamgariya Kham, Valig kham, Chamyal Kham and Garahwal Kham. Only people of these Khams can take part in this Baghwal . On the day, when Baghwal is played one by one all the four Khams enter the compound with the "Jai kare of Maa Barahi" and do the Parikrama of the compound with the Jai Kare. After each Kham has done the parikrama , each Kham place themselves to each corner of the compound.and then the priest of the temple gives the signal to start the fight with the sound of "Shankh". And then the Baghwal fight starts which is witnessed by thousands of people. The fighters of the four Khams brings sticks, stones and cover (known as farra*). As soon as fight starts fighters throw stones to each other and no matter how much injury has taken place , they won't stop until the priest ask them to do so by blowing the shankh. After the Baghwal Fight ends , fighters of each Kham then hug each other and then with the sound of the "Jai kare of Mata Varahi" baghwal fights end.

JHOOLA DEVI TEMPLE,RANIKHET

Blessing Ranikhet and the area around it is Jhoola Devi Temple. The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has been named as Jhoola Devi because the presiding deity is seen seated on a cradle. According to locals this temple is 700 years old and the original deity was stolen in 1959. Like Chitai Golu Temple, this temple is also recognized by the number of bells hanging in its premises. It believed that Jhoola Devi fulfils the wishes of her devotees and after the completion of the wishes; the devotees come here to offer the copper bell. The temple has found great fame amongst Hindu believers, thus it is a place to atleast visit once in Uttarakhand.One of the main attractions of Ranikhet, Jhula Devi temple is an 8th-century temple, located in Chaubatia Gardens and at a distance of 7 km. from the city centre. Situated in Kumaon Himalayan range of Uttrakhand, Jhula Devi temple is highly esteemed for devotees from around the world. The presiding deity of the temple, Lord Durga, sits on a wooden swing (Jhula), thus, it was called as ‘Jhula Devi Temple’. According to the locals, the main deity of the temple, Goddess Durga, protects them from the wild animals. People even say that after many years of its formation, the goddess continues to shower its blessings. Despite being a forest area filled with animals like leopards and tigers, the area remains accessible for the locals. The present temple complex, built in 1935, covers a vast territory and is known in the country for the countless number of the bells, which are the testimony to the divine and the healing powers of "Maa Jhula Devi". Amidst serenity and tranquillity, the Jhula Devi temple invites many pilgrims and adventurers to have a different experience altogether.

PURNAGIRI TEMPLE,CHAMPAWAT

PURNAGIRI TTEMPLE,CHAMPAWAT

JAGESHWAR DHAM TEMPLES,ALMORABaba Neem Karoli is perhaps the most known figure in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The temple dedicated to him stands on the bank of River Shipra on Bhowali-Almora road and is known as Kainchi Dham. It is believed that Baba Neem Karoli visited this place in the year 1962 and ever since it has become a sanctified place. After the establishment of the deity of Lord Hanuman on June 15, 1964, the temple has started to organize an annual fair. Therefore, each year on June 15, the followers and devotees of Neem Karoli Baba visit this shrine. To witness such immense faith is rare and that is why visiting Kainchi Dham seems like a good idea.t is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) On the Nainital - Almora Road, 9 Km from Bhowali and 17 Kms from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition owing to the ashram of the famous Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharajji. Many hundreds of people visit the temples here every day, in season. Each year, during the June 15th Bhandara, reportedly, more than one lakh (100,000) people are fed. Kainchi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has NO relation with scissors.Founded by the famous Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba in 1962 and is very well maintained and kept neat and clean.

PATAL BHUVNESHWAR CAVE,PITHORAGARH

Patal Bhuvneshwar Cave is an interesting Hindu shrine that always grabs the attention of both devotees and adventurists. Situated in the Pithoragarh district, Patal Bhuvneshwar Cave has been mentioned in the Hindu scripture called Skanda Purana. The shrine has been dubbed as the only place where 33 crores Hindu God and Goddesses are present together. It is also believed that a visit to Patal Bhuvneshwar is equal to the pilgrimage to Chhota Char Dham in Uttarakhand. It is one of those spiritual destinations in the state that demand adventure instincts as it is a limestone cave which is 160m long and 90ft deep. An interesting place to be, this cave open a lot of untold chapter of Hindu mythology and thus a must visit place in Uttarakhand.Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a limestone cave temple 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is located in the village Bhubneshwar. Legend and folklore have it that this cave enshrines Lord Shiva and thirty three koti demigods [33 types of Demigods (12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, 1 Indra and 1 Prajapati) in hindu culture]. The cave is 160 m long and 90 feet deep from the point of entrance. Limestone rock formations have created various spectacular stalactite and stalagmite figures of various hues and forms. This cave has a narrow tunnel-like opening which leads to a number of caves. The cave is fully electrically illuminated. Built by the flow of water, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is not just one cave, rather a series of caves within caves.
"He who wants to feel the presence of eternal power should come to the sacred Bhuvneshwar situated near the confluence of Ramganga, Sarayu and Gupt-Ganga." -Manaskhanda, Skandapuran, whose 800 verses refer to Patal Bhuvaneshwar

JAGESHWAR DHAM TEMPLES,ALMORA

One of the finest examples of architecture in Uttarakhand, Jageshwar Dham is a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are 124 big and small temples that look simply beautiful with a gorgeous backdrop of rolling green mountains and a gurgling Jata Ganga stream. As per ASI (Archaeology Survey of India), the temple dates back to post Gupta and pre-medieval era and said to be 2500 years old. Stone lingams, stone sculptures and carving on altars are the highlight of the temple. The temple’s location is ideal for meditation as well.Jageshwar Temples, also referred to as Jageswar Temples or Jageshwar valley temples, are a group of over 100 Hindu temples dated between 7th and 12th century near Almora, in the Himalayan Indian state of Uttarakhand. The valley has a number of temple clusters such as the Dandeshwar and Jageshwar sites. Some locations have attracted construction of new temples through the 20th-century. Together these clusters over the valley consist of over 200 structural temples built from cut stone. Many are small, while a few are substantial. They predominantly illustrate North Indian Nagara style of architecture with a few exceptions that show South and Central Indian style designs, many are dedicated to god Shiva, while others in immediate vicinity are dedicated to god Vishnu, Shakti goddesses and Surya traditions of Hinduism.
Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town and one of the Dhams (pilgrimage region) in the Shaivism tradition. The site is protected under Indian laws, and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It includes Dandeshwar Temple, Chandi-ka-Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Kuber Temple, Mritunjaya Temple, Nanda Devi or Nau Durga, Nava-grah temple, a Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple. The site celebrates the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (overlaps with July–August) and the annual Maha Shivratri Mela (Shivratri festival), which takes place in early spring.
There are other Hindu temples in the Himalayan region that are called Jageshwar Temple such as one in Dalash, Himachal Pradesh

BINSAR MAHDEV TEMPE,RANIKHET

The Binsar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped here as Bindeshwar. The temple was built in 10th century by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu, hence this temple is also known as Bindeshwar temple. The temple also houses the idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Gauri and Goddess Mahisasuramardini. The idol of Mahisasuramardini is engraved with texts in Nagarilipi which dates back to as early as the 9th century.The temple is known for its fine architecture. It is believed that Binsar Mahadev temple was built in a single day. The surroundings of the temple offer beautiful views of fresh water springs and cedar forests. It is a unique place for meditation and picnic. The temple also has an ashram nearby, dedicated to Binsar Mahadev.A large number of devotees came here on the occasion of Baikunth Chaturdashi in the month of June. It is said that devotees, especially women, pray all night with lamps in their hands on this day for the Lord's blessings. Binsar Mahadev is famous for its Archeological significanceAmidst the thick deodar is situated the holy temple of Binsar Mahadev. Along with its divinity and spiritual ambiance, this place is famed for its impeccable nature’s beauty. Binsar Mahadev is said to have been built in 9/10^th Century and thus has been an important religious place in Uttarakhand since ages. With idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri and Maheshmardini, this temple is known for its architectural finesse. The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in ‘ Nagarilipi ‘ that dates back to 9th century. The shrine is believed to be built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu and it is also known as Bindeshwar temple. Overlooking a small stream and surrounded by forest of deodar, pine and oak, this temple makes quite a place to visit in the state.

CHANDRABADNI TEMPLE

Perched on Chandrabadni Mountain, Chandrabadni temple is said to be the place where the torso of sati fell along with her weapons. Chandrabadni Mountain is situated on the border of Devprayag and Pratapnagar Tehsil and from the top of it beautiful view of the Surkanda, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks can be witnessed. The shrine is very small and contains a Shri-yantra which is carved out on a flat stone. The ritual here is to tie a cloth canopy to the ceiling over Shri-yantra once a year and the priest doing so has to be blind-folded. In the month of April each year a fair is organized in the temple and thus it is an ideal time to be here.The legend says that the torso of Sati fell here and her weapons got scattered all around the place. Thus, even today huge number of iron trishuls (tridents) and some old statues can be seen lying around the revered temple of Chandrabadani. The place commands a beautiful view of the Surkanda, Kedarnath and Badrinath peaks. The temple is very small and contains a Shri-yantra carved out on a flat stone instead of any idol. Traditionally, a cloth canopy is tied to the ceiling over this Shri-yantra once a year and the Brahmana priest doing it has to do it blind-folded.

KANDOLIYA TEMPLE,PAURI

Showering blessing on Pauri from atop the hill, Kandoliya Temple is one of the important pilgrimage destinations in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is due to the temple that the hills around are named as Kandoliya. The temple is 2kms walk from the main town of Pauri and is visited by locals regularly. The walk upto Kandoliya is quite scenic and this is what makes the highlight of visiting the temple. A stunning view of Himalayan peaks and the Gangwarsyun Valley, dense oaks, swaying pines and deodars, orchards of rhododendrons, shrubs and a variety of flowers are what one can look forward to during their visit to this Kandoliya Temple.

JWALPA DEVI TEMPLE

Situated on the left bank of Navalika River in Pauri, Jwalpa Devi is a highly revered temple in the region. Considered to be one of the Siddh Peethas, this temple is known for fulfilling the wishes and bringing prosperity. According to a legend, the demon king Pulom’s daughter, Sachi wanted to marry the king of heaven-Indra. She then prayed to Jwalpa Devi who appeared to her in the form of ‘Deptiman Jwaleshwari’ and made her wish come true. Even today, hundreds of people throng to this temple, as it is believed that all wishes are granted by the Goddess.

KOTESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE,RUDRAPRAYAG

KOTESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE, RUDRAPRAYAG

Around 3kms trek from Rudraprayag takes you to Koteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is a cave temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at such a peaceful location, this holy shrine is a must see in Uttarakhand. The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was hiding himself from Pandavas (As the Pandavas were seeking repentance from Lord Shiva after killing Kauravas) and was heading towards Kedarnath, he chose to stay and meditate for sometime in Koteshwar. Another legend attached to the temple is that Lord Shiva hid himself here from Bhasmasur Demon. It is said Lord Shiva meditated here and found favour by Lord Vishnu, who in turn killed Bhasmasur in his Mohini Avatar. This temple thus is an important religious destination for Hindus and being close to the river Alaknanada, it makes a great place for explorers as well.

KARTIK SWAMI TEMPLE,RUDRAPRAYAG

Standing on the edge of the cliff, Kartik Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son. The temple is at an elevation of 3050m above sea level and is famed for the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. On a clear sky day, one can see mountain peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Sumeru, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri and Nanda Devi. There is a naturally carved idol of Lord Kartik on a marble type rock. To reach here, one has to trek 2kms from Kanak Chauri via a dense forest. It is a less frequented temple but visiting it is one of its kinds of experience.

HARIYALI DEVI TEMPLE,RUDRAPRAYAG

Hariyali Devi is a Siddha Peetha temple, situated at an elevation of 1400m above sea level. According to Hindu mythology when Kansa threw Mahamaya violently on the ground; several body parts of her were scattered all over the earth. It is believed that a hand fell at Haryali Devi, Jasholi and that is why this place is revered high as a Siddh Peetha. The temple houses a bejewelled idol of Hariyali Devi riding on lion’s back. During Janamastimi and Deepawali this place is visited by thousands of devotees. The temple also has idols of Kshatrapal and Heet Devi.

KAMLESHWAR TEMPLE,SRINAGAR GARHWAL

KAMLESHWAR TEMPLE,SRINGAR GARHWAL

Kamleshwar is the most prominent temples in Srinagar, Garhwal. The legend has it that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva here with a thousand lotus flowers. It is said that when Rama realized that he was one flower leaf short, he compensated this by offering one of his eyes. That is the reason why he is also known as ‘Kamal Nayan’ (lotus eyed). Every year on the occasion of ‘Vaikunth Chaturdashi’, women come here to worship Lord Shiva and worship is done for an entire night with lighted lamps.

UMRA NARAYAN TEMPLE,RUDRAPRAYAG

Lord Umra Narayan temple is reckoned to be the holy abode of Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated in the proximity of Alaknanda River. It is believed that this temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya when he was on his way to Badri Dhaam. Lord Umra is said to be the clan deity of Gairola Clan of Gram Sann. After every harvest, the first groups of crops are offered to the Goddess who is believed to endow blessings and prosperity.

KALIMATH TEMPLE,RUDRAPRAYAG

KALIMATH TEMPLE ,RUDRAPRAYAG

Amongst the 108 Shakti Peethas in India, Kalimath Temple is a famous temple in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated close to Guptkashi and Ukhimath and is visited by a large number of Goddess Kali devotees. Kalimath is only the place where the goddess Kali is worshipped along with her sisters Laxmi and Saraswati. One thing that makes this temple stand apart from the other temples that there is no idol instead, the Sri Yantra, is the object of devotion. The legend has it that after killing demon Raktbeej, Goddess Kali went underneath the earth from this point.

SURKANDA DEVI

SURKANDA DEVI

Surkanda Devi is a Hindu temple situated close to the small resort hamlet of Dhanaulti in the village Uniyal gaon of Tehri District. It is at an altitude of about 2510 metres lies close to nearby hill stations of Dhanaulti (8 km) and Chamba (22 km)walking distance of approx 3 km from Kaddukhal, the place where vehicles are parked.
It is surrounded by dense forests and affords a scenic view of the surrounding region including the Himalayas to the north, and certain cities to the south (e.g., Dehradun, Rishikesh) The Ganga Dusshera festival is celebrated every year between May and June and attracts a lot of people. This is a temple which is situated among the trees of rounslii. It is covered with fog most of the time of the year.

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