Uttarakhand is a state whose society is deeply connected to religion and religious rituals. There are several god temples of different deities established in the state of Uttarakhand. But this state is popularly known for its shiva temples. There are several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva also called Mahadev.
Uttarakhand has one of the most revered Shiva temples in the world which is the Kedarnath Temple. This temple is also one of the important destinations in Char Dham circuit. If you are a devotee of Mahadev or interested in Spiritual Tourism. You must visit these places of Shaiva Circuit in Uttarakhand.
Let us guide you through this article in the journey of Shiva Temple. Let us start with the
Ekeshwar Mahadev Temple
One of the most important siddh peeth dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Ekeshwar Mahadev Temple is located near Satpuli town in Pauri Garhwal. Surrounded by solitude, the temple, also known locally as Igasar Mahadev, attracts devotees all through the year.
There are worshipers of both the Shiva and Shakti sects in Uttarakhand, due to which many important Shiva and Shakti Peethas have been established here. Ekeshwar Mahadev, which is also known as “Igasar Mahadev” in the local language, is one of these five main Shakti Peethas.
This temple is situated on the Kotdwar-Pauri highway at a distance of about 20 kilometers from a place called Satpuli at a place called Ekeshwar.
Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is a holy and famous Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple is open to the general public only between April which is Akshaya Tritiya and November that is Kartik Purnima.
During the winters, the vigraha of the temple is carried down to Ukhimath to be worshiped for the next six months. The temple is not directly accessible by road and has to be reached by 22 kilometers uphill trek from Gaurikund. Pony, mule and manchan services are available to reach the temple.
There are many legends attached to this holy and magical temple.
Madhmeshwar Temple
Madhmaheshwar, in Ukhimath, is the second most prominent holy abode among the five such holy sites dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Panch Kedar . Here, the navel of Lord Shiva is worshiped. It is located in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Its story is related to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata period.
As much as the religious importance of the Madmaheshwar temple, it is also popular among those interested in trekking because the amazing views of the Himalayan peaks from here fascinate anyone. We suggest you to definitely have a look at its mesmerizing terrain and landscape.
Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple, located in Rudraprayag district, is an ancient temple situated amidst the top of the mountains. This temple is 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated at an altitude of 3680 meters above sea level, this temple was built by the Pandavas.
This temple is made of very beautiful architecture and there are many temples around it which is very amazing. During the rainy season, the idol of Lord Shiva is removed from this temple and installed in the Tungnath temple in Chopta, and after the rains are over, the idol of Lord Shiva is again installed in the Tungnath temple with drums and instruments.
Tungnath temples are opened in April-May and are closed after Diwali.
Rudranath Temple
Rudranath Temple is a religious place dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Panchkedars called Kedar. It is situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level is full of grand natural shade.
The most interesting thing about this temple is that, in this temple, only Lord Shiva’s face is worshiped. His other, remaining complete body is worshiped in the Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu, the capital of India’s neighboring country Nepal.
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
The Koteshwar Mahadev temple stands on the banks of River Bhagirathi at Chaka in Narendranagar, Pauri Garhwal district. Devotees come to this temple to pray for children.
Most of the devotees who go on the journey of Chardham move forward only after seeing this temple, this temple present in the form of a cave is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva, while going to Kedarnath, had meditated in this cave and this idol is made naturally.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath Temple or the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most well-known ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Uttarkashi town, it is visited by pilgrims on the char dham yatra. Said to have been built about 150 years ago, this temple stands on the bank of river Bhagirathi. Next to it stands the Shakti Temple, dedicated to the goddess of strength.
Daksha Prajapati
Daksha / Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Kankhal Haridwar, Uttarakhand. This is a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is about 4 km from Haridwar. It is situated far away. This temple is also known as “Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple” and “Daksh Prajapati Temple”.
In the middle of the temple, the idol of Lord Shiva is enshrined. This temple is a sacred place of devotion and faith for the devotees of Lord Shiva. This temple of Lord Shiva is named after King Daksha Prajapati, father of Goddess Sati who was Lord Shiva’s first wife. In this temple, Lord Vishnu’s footprints are made, to see that there is always an influx of devotees in the temple.
Timbersain Shiva Temple
Timmersain Mahadev is a cave of Lord Shiva which is situated in Niti village of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This cave is naturally famous like the Amarnath temple of Jammu and Kashmir. Because there is a natural Shivling of ice here, this place is gaining popularity day by day.
In the winter season, a natural Shivling is formed in this spiritual cave of Timmarsain Mahadev in Chamoli. This village is situated on the India-China border in the lap of the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas. Special permission is required to visit this place. The Shivling almost looks like the Shivling of the Amarnath cave in Jammu.
Binsar Mahadev Temple
Bineshwar Mahadev is a 16th century A.D temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple was built during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand of the famous Chand Dynasty. Interestingly, the toy town of Binsar which used to be the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty was named after this temple. It is situated at a distance of 6 Km from Ayarpani en route to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. This temple has a great architecture and is visited by many devotees every year.
Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is located at some 1800 meters at a distance of 38 km from Lansdowne, it is one of best places to visit around Lansdowne. It is surrounded by Deodar trees and tranquil atmosphere which also favors it as a best meditation place for sages from a long time.
This temple is one of the ancient temples of Uttarakhand and this temple is called one of the Siddha Peethas of Mahadev. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple is surrounded by deodar trees and a serene atmosphere. This place is one of the best religious places for the sages.
Lakhamandal Shiva Temple
Uttarakhand has a deep connection especially with the Mahabharata period. The Lakhamandal temple located in the state capital Dehradun was built by the Pandavas. According to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas managed to escape from the Lakshagraha conspiracy of the Kauravas at this very place.
There are many mysterious caves in Bhavani mountain of Lakhamandal. According to beliefs, Duryodhana had constructed Lakshagriha with Purochana to kill the Pandavas. After this, Vidura sent a miner to get a tunnel constructed. This tunnel used to lead to a cave and there was an exit from there.
Yudhishthira came out of the cave named Chitreshwar with his four brothers and mother Kunti. This village is located in the lower part of the Lakhamandal village, at a distance of 2 km from the Shiva temple.
Jageshwar Mahadev
Jageshwar Dham is situated at a distance of 36 km on the Pithoragarh road in the northeast direction from Almora town on the Himalayan ranges. The height of Jageshwar is 1870 meters from the floor. It is believed about Jageshwar Dham that this is the first temple where the tradition of worshiping Shiva in the form of Linga first started. This place is mentioned in many Puranas. It is believed that Mahadev resides here in the form of a tree along with Mother Parvati. Surrounded by thick deodar trees, this valley is a beautiful pilgrimage site.
Binsar Mahadev Ranikhet
The temple of Binsar Mahadev is situated in the midst of thick deodar trees. Along with its divinity and spiritual aura, this place is famous for its unique natural beauty. Binsar Mahadev is said to have been built in the 9th/10th century and hence has been an important religious site in Uttarakhand for centuries. With idols of Ganesha, Har Gauri and Maheshmardini, the temple is known for its architectural excellence .
The idol of Maheshmardini is inscribed with texts in ‘Nagrilipi’ dated to the 9th century. This temple is believed to have been built by King Pitha in the memory of his father Bindu and is also known as Bindeshwar Temple. Surrounded by forests of deodar, pine and oak, this temple is a unique place to visit in the state.
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple
Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple is a grand downhill trek about 9 km from Mukteshwar through a forest full of deodar and flowers, fruits. It is an amazingly beautiful trek and the best time to visit is during the months of March and April. And if you don’t want to trek that long, don’t despair, it can also be reached by road.
A drive of about 45 minutes from Mukteshwar and then a downhill trek of about one kilometer will take you to Kapileshwar Temple. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to have been built by the Katyur kings around the 8th-10th century.
Shakuni river Chaikhan and Kumiya river originate from Motia Pathar. Looking at the structure of the temple located between the rivers, it seems as if it is situated between two serpent-shaped rivers. The main temple of this temple has become a bit crooked.
Some people believe that the temple is leaning due to landslides, but the local people say that there was a fight between two snakes in this temple, due to which the temple has bowed down.
Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple
There are many beliefs about Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave temple located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. To have darshan of Lord Shiva in this temple one has to go to the cave which is about 90 feet deep from the sea level.
This cave is 160 meters long from the entrance. It is believed that 33 crore deities reside in this temple. The narrow tunnel leading to this cave has several rock formations and intricately carved images of various deities. Along with this, the artifacts of Adhishesh, the king of snakes are also seen here.
Thal Kedar Temple
Thal Kedar is a pilgrimage site that is reached through a narrow passage, Thal Kedar is situated at an altitude of 880 meters above sea level. The place is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is mentioned in the ancient text of Skanda Purana. The place also provides some amazingly stunning views of the valley and attracts many tourists every year during the festival of Shivratri.
Bagnath Temple
Bagnath Temple is a major and mythological grand temple located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The Bagnath Temple, located near the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a group of many temples near the Bagnath temple. This temple exists as a religious heritage site located at an altitude of 1004 meters above sea level near the Saryu and Gomti rivers.
If you are planning to visit Bagnath temple, then you should visit here either during any festival like Shivratri or Makar Sankranti. Otherwise, talking about the best time to visit here, the time between March to June is considered. So if you want to go here, then you go here in the middle of this month.
Kranteshwar Mahadev
Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is a holy temple of Lord Shiva, situated on top of a high hill in the east of Champawat town. It is situated 6 km away from the main Champawat town and is built at an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as it becomes clear from the name of the temple. This temple is also addressed by the names “Kandev ” and “Kurma Pada ” by the local people. It is a wonderful temple built with unique architecture. Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple is an important tourist destination for tourists because this place is blessed by God.
Risheshwar Mahadev
This temple of Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Lohawati river, was once a halt on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Risheshwar Mahadev Temple is a major center of faith for the people of Lohaghat. A visit to Lohaghat is considered incomplete if this temple is not visited.
Siddhi Narasimha Temple
The temple of Lord Narasimha located in Joshimath is situated on Gandhamadana mountain. The Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu is considered fierce and this avatar of Lord Vishnu is worshiped for the destruction of sorrow, pain, enemy obstacles.
Lord Vishnu is seated in Narasimha avatar in Joshimath area of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Half of Vishnu’s body in Narasimha avatar is in lion form and half in human form, this is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Deities of Uddhav and Kuber are also installed in this temple along with Lord Badrinarayan Narasimha.
Surrounded by thick trees of oak, this temple is surrounded by natural beauty. Though there is a crowd of devotees at the Siddha Narasimha temple throughout the year, more devotees can be seen here during Navratri.
Bhimeshwar Mahadev
Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is 22 km from Nainital. There is an ancient temple situated on the banks of Bhimtal lake at a distance, which was established by Bhima out of his devotion to remember his name for generations. This temple of Bholenath located in Uttarakhand is famous all over India, where the movement of devotees continues throughout the year.
The tourist places around Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple are Naina Devi Temple, Naini Lake, Hanuman Garhi, Cave Garden and Tiffin Top, the distance of which is shown in the table below, so that you can visit all these places from Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple in any time. There should not be any kind of problem.
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple is situated atop the highest point of Mukteshwar in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. This temple is also known as “Mukteshwar Dham or Mukteshwar”. The entrance to the temple can be reached by stone steps and this temple is situated in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2315 meters above sea level. The name Mukteshwar comes from the name of the 350-year-old Shiva shrine known as Mukteshwar Dham, which is the topmost, highest place in the city. Near the temple there is a rock called “Chauli Ki Jali”.
Moteshwar Mahadev
Moteshwar Mahadev Temple also known as Bhagwan Bhim Shankar Mahadev is a temple of Lord Shiva in Kashipur village of Udham Singh Nagar district in the state of Uttarakhand. Due to the high thickness of Shivling, it is known as Moteshwar. In ancient times, this place was known as Dakini Rajya. Here, Lord Shiva can be seen in the form of a Jyotirlinga known as Bhima Shankar. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity in this temple
Baijnath Temple
Baijnath is a spiritual retreat for the devotees of Lord Shiva. It is situated on the banks of River Gomti. The temple here was built in the 13th century and is home to Vaidyanath or the Lord of physicians, who is a form of Lord Shiva. Baijnath temple reflects the North Indian style of architecture called the Nagara style. The temple has idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Surya, Chandika, Kuber, Mahishasur Mardani, etc.
Dandeshwar Mahadev
A part of the Jageshwar group of temples, Dandeshwar Temple is among the biggest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. It lies in the foothills of the meeting point of Doodhganga and Jai Ganga rivers, surrounded by dense deodar forests. The temple is surrounded by nine small shrines and can be dated back to the 9th century CE. Inside the temple is a lingam.
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