Religious Places

Exploring Uttarakhand's Spiritual Landscape

Explore the Religious Destinations of Uttarakhand's Holy Sites and Religious Journeys

Kedarnath Temple
A Sacred Abode in the Himalayas

Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Garhwal Himalayas, is a symbol of faith and devotion. This historic shrine, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, draws travelers from all over the world who come here to seek blessings and heavenly favor. Depending on the weather, the temple yatra usually starts in late April or early May and ends around Diwali in October or November.

Legend has it that the original temple was built by the Pandavas, and its current form was reestablished by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Located at an altitude of over 3,500 meters, reaching Kedarnath requires a challenging trek through scenic landscapes. Pilgrims brave the rugged terrain, enduring both physical and spiritual tests, to pay homage at this sacred abode of Lord Shiva.

Kedarnath Temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, considered highly sacred by Hindus.

It is situated amidst the stunning Garhwal Himalayas, offering breathtaking views to pilgrims.

The temple's ancient structure and remote location add to its mystical allure, attracting devotees seeking spiritual solace.

Gateway to Divine Blessings

Badrinath Temple

The Badrinath Temple is a ray of spirituality and devotion, tucked away in Uttarakhand’s stunning Chamoli area. This ancient shrine to Lord Vishnu is revered as one of the Char Dham pilgrimage destinations and draws devotees who are seeking salvation and heavenly benefits. Usually starting in late April or early May, the yatra to Badrinath ends around Diwali in October or November, when winter officially arrives.

Hindu mythology states that Adi Shankaracharya founded the Badrinath Temple in the eighth century. Its name comes from the belief that it is located where Lord Vishnu once sat under a Badri tree to meditate. The Alaknanda River and snow-capped peaks surround the temple, whose calm atmosphere and hallowed aura provide visitors with a deeply moving spiritual experience.

One of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu is the Badrinath Temple.

The Saligram stone deity of Lord Vishnu is said to have been found by Adi Shankaracharya from the Alaknanda River and placed in the temple.

The entrance of the temple is marked by the vibrant "Singh Dwara" (Lion Gate), which is ornately carved with images from Hindu mythology.

Source of Sacred Serenity

Gangotri Temple

Situated amidst the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, the Gangotri Temple is a representation of spirituality and devotion. This ancient sanctuary, revered as the Ganges River’s source, draws people looking for purification and heavenly favors. The Gangotri yatra usually starts in late April or early May and ends around Diwali in October or November, when winter officially arrives.
Situated amidst the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, the Gangotri Temple is a representation of spirituality and devotion. This ancient sanctuary, revered as the Ganges River’s source, draws people looking for purification and heavenly favors. The Gangotri yatra usually starts in late April or early May and ends around Diwali in October or November, when winter officially arrives.

The Gangotri Temple honors the goddess Ganga, and the river is revered there as a goddess.

It is close to the Gangotri Glacier, which is thought to be the Ganges River's sacred source.

The temple's architecture, which features fine wood carvings and a tranquil mountain backdrop, is in keeping with traditional Himalayan design.

Source of Divine Purity

Yamunotri Temple

Tucked away in the jaw-dropping splendour of the Garhwal Himalayas, the holy shrine of Goddess Yamuna is called Yamunotri Temple. In order to receive blessings and purification from the chilly Yamuna River, pilgrims set out on a spiritual pilgrimage. Before winter arrives, the Yamunotri yatra usually starts in late April or early May and ends around Diwali in October or November.
Hindu mythology states that Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal built the Yamunotri Temple in the 1800s. It is situated close to the Yamuna River’s source, which is the Champasar Glacier. Encircled by serene, snow-capped peaks and breathtaking scenery, the temple provides followers with a peaceful haven for introspection and meditation.

The Yamuna River's origins is marked at the Yamunotri Temple, a revered location for Hindus.

The temple provides pilgrims with stunning vistas as it is tucked away within the charming Garhwal Himalayas.

To get to the temple, pilgrims hike through beautiful scenery, signifying their adoration for Goddess Yamuna.

Yamunotri Temple
Ascend to Divine Abode

Tungnath Temple

The highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath Temple, is hidden away in the beautiful Garhwal region. This ancient shrine, which is thought to be over a millennium old, is revered in Hindu mythology and is said to have originated during the time of the Mahabharata. To get to the temple, pilgrims must endure a strenuous walk through picturesque scenery. There, they pray for blessings and divine grace amid the tranquil views of the mountains.

Situated at 3,680 meters above sea level, Tungnath Temple is rich in both spiritual and historical significance. Hindu mythology states that the Pandava brothers constructed it while they were in exile. The Himalayan scenery provides a profoundly spiritual experience for believers, who can also enjoy distinctive architecture and a serene atmosphere within the temple. During the Char Dham Yatra, Tungnath Temple is of immense significance, drawing pilgrims from all over the world who face the difficult terrain to pay their respects to Lord Shiva, the universe’s creator and destroyer.

Tungnath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva; it is thought to be over a millennium old.

Situated 3,680 meters above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas, it is the world's highest Shiva temple.

In the Uttarakhand region of Garhwal, Tungnath Temple and four other temples devoted to Lord Shiva are included in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit.

Journey to Divine Enlightenment

Hemkund Sahib

Located in the peaceful Chamoli area of Uttarakhand, Hemkund Sahib is a highly respected Sikh pilgrimage place. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pure alpine meadows, Guru Gobind Singh Ji is honored at this holy site. Before winter sets in, the yatra to Hemkund Sahib usually begins in May and ends in October.

Climbing to a height of 4,329 meters above sea level, Hemkund Sahib is among the world’s highest holy sites. Seekers set out on an arduous journey across untamed territory and stunning scenery to get at this mystical haven. In the midst of the majesty of nature, devotees can have a profound spiritual experience at Hemkund Sahib with its tranquil ambience and majestic beauty.

Hemkund Sahib is one of the world's highest gurudwaras, perched at 4,329 meters above sea level.

Surrounded by a glacial lake and seven snow-capped peaks, it provides a calm and beautiful environment for introspection.

The gurudwara, which welcomes millions of pilgrims each year, is devoted to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru.

Hemkund Sahib
Gateway to Spiritual Harmony

Haridwar

Known for its spiritual significance, Haridwar is a highly regarded pilgrimage destination located in Uttarakhand, nestled along the holy banks of the Ganges River. Travelers swarm this historic city in search of spiritual renewal and purification from the Ganges’ sacred waters. Haridwar is particularly well-known for being the site of the massive Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of worshippers from all over the world and is one of the biggest religious events in the world.
Ganga Aarti, a riveting ritual held at Har Ki Pauri ghat, is the reason Haridwar is famous. Priests in saffron robes give prayers and ignite oil lamps every evening as the sun sets, resulting in a beautiful display of devotion and illumination. Amidst the bustling cityscape, a sense of divine peace is evoked by the smells of incense and the rhythmic chanting of mantras.

The Ganges River emerges from the Himalayas at Haridwar, one of the seven holiest sites in Hinduism.

Every twelve years, the city plays host to the major religious celebration known as the Kumbh Mela, which draws millions of pilgrims.

The famous Ganga Aarti in Haridwar, held at Har Ki Pauri Ghat, is a captivating display of lights, prayers, and devotion that draws tourists from all over the world.

A Beacon of Peace in Rishikesh

Trayambakeshwar Temple

The famed 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, is located near Rishikesh on the banks of the sacred Ganges River. This well-known temple provides followers with a calm setting for prayer and meditation. It is a notable landmark. Offering a holistic spiritual experience, each floor is home to a different deity.
The temple’s imposing tower provides stunning views of the surroundings, including the Ganges’ majestic expanse and Rishikesh’s vibrant town center. A panoramic view and a stronger spiritual connection are the main draws for those who ascend to the summit. In the center of Rishikesh, the Trayambakeshwar Temple symbolizes spiritual calm.

Ascending the magnificent 13-story Trayambakeshwar Temple offers a distinct spiritual experience as it pays homage to several deities on each floor.

Attracting both believers and tourists, the temple offers spectacular panoramic views of the Ganges River and the surrounding Rishikesh region.

Hindu pilgrims travel from all over the world to the Trayambakeshwar Temple, which is thought to be over 400 years old and has great historical and cultural significance.

Trayambakeshwar Temple Uttarakhand
Surkanda Devi Temple
Ascend to Divine Serenity

Surkanda Devi Temple

Located in the peaceful Garhwal region, the Surkanda Devi Temple is a symbol of devotedness and spiritual intensity. This ancient shrine, steeped in mythology and dedicated to Goddess Parvati, is thought to have been constructed by Lord Shiva himself. In search of heavenly grace and blessings, pilgrims set out on a picturesque journey to reach the temple, which offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
According to mythology, Goddess Sati’s head dropped at the Surkanda Devi Temple, signifying the divine feminine force, following Lord Shiva’s tandav. The temple’s ethereal charm is enhanced by its expansive views of verdant valleys and snow-capped peaks from its 2,757-meter elevation. During the Navratri festival, pilgrims go to this hallowed location, enduring the strenuous hike to honor the Goddess and experience the Himalayan spiritual atmosphere.

Surkanda Devi Temple is located at an altitude of 2,757 meters amidst the Garhwal Himalayas, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The temple honors Goddess Parvati, who represents the holy feminine force and is thought to have been constructed by Lord Shiva himself.

During the Navratri holiday, the Surkanda Devi Temple is very important and draws devotees who travel there on a beautiful walk in search of blessings and divine grace.

Yoga capital of the world

Rishikesh

Rishikesh is a serene haven known for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty, situated along the banks of the Ganges River in the foothills of the Himalayas. With its tranquil atmosphere for meditation, yoga, and spiritual inquiry against the serene backdrop of the Himalayan foothills, this holy city draws seekers and yogis from all over the world.

In addition, Rishikesh is a paradise for thrill-seekers, providing an abundance of exhilarating experiences including trekking, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting. The famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula bridges cross the Ganges to link the busy town with tranquil temples and ashrams. Every traveler visiting Rishikesh can expect an amazing experience, whether they are looking for thrilling experiences or spiritual calm.

Rishikesh is known as the "Yoga Capital of the World," drawing visitors from all over the world to its many ashrams and yoga centers who are spiritual seekers and yoga devotees.

The city is regarded as the beginning of the Char Dham pilgrimage, from which pilgrims travel to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.

Adventure sports enthusiasts can find enough to do in Rishikesh, including trekking, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting in the beautiful environs.

Rishikesh

Religious Places Blog

Ultimate Guide to Kedarnath: History, Legends, and Travel Tips
Ultimate Guide to Kedarnath: History, Legends, and Travel Tips
One of the most important and respected locations for Hindu visitors is Kedarnath, which is nestled away...
Read More
Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila Trek Travel Tips & Comprehensive Travel Guide
Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila Trek Travel Tips & Comprehensive Travel Guide
One of the most scenic and spiritually meaningful treks in Uttarakhand is the Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila...
Read More
A Complete Guide to Valley of Flowers and Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trek
A Complete Guide to Valley of Flowers and Shri Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara Trek
Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Land of the Gods,” is home to several breathtaking...
Read More
Rishikesh Travel Guide: The Yoga Capital of the World!
Rishikesh Travel Guide: The Yoga Capital of the World!
Rishikesh, a small town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is much more than a picturesque travel...
Read More
FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Since Uttarakhand is home to numerous Hindu holy places, it is known as devbhoomi, or the “land of the gods.” Moreover, Uttarakhand has been referred to as Devbhoomi from ancient times.
The Char Dham, consisting of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri is one of Uttarakhand’s most well-known holy sites. These sites are highly revered by Hindus and attract millions of pilgrims annually.
It is said that Mansa originated from the mind of Lord Shiva and this temple, perched on the Bilwa parvat, is one of the 51 Shakti peeths.
Of the five Panch Kedar temples in the Rudraprayag area, Tungnath is the highest, ranking among the highest Shiva temples worldwide.