• Source:JND

The Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in northern India is referred to as the "Land of Gods" or "Devbhoomi." In the middle of the wilderness, there are many temples and sacred shrines here honouring thousands of gods. In addition to being a haven for hikers and adventure seekers, the state draws hordes of followers from across the globe. Additionally, Uttarakhand is the location of the well-known Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuits. Let us check out the top 5 temples located in the state which everyone must visit once in a lifetime. 

Top 5 Temples To Visit In Uttarakhand 

1. Kedarnath Temple - Situated close to the Mandakini river in Kedarnath town, the Kedarnath temple in Rudraprayag district is a well-known Shaivism site in India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas that were rebuilt by Guru Adi Shankaracharya after being first constructed by the Pandava brothers. Due to the severe weather in the area, the temple's gates are only open from the end of April (Akshaya Tritiya) to Kartik Purnima, which is celebrated on the autumn full moon. The temple deity is taken to Ukhimath during the winter and is revered there for six months.

Uttarakhand is known as the "Land of Gods" and is home to numerous sacred temples. (Image Source: Canva)

2. Gangotri Temple - One of the holiest sites among the Chota Char Dhams is the 18th-century Gangotri Temple in Uttarkashi, which is tucked away amid the untamed landscape of Garhwal. One of the main draws of Gangotri town is the immaculate white Gangotri temple, which stands an astonishing 20 feet tall along the Bhagirathi River. The main draws for tourists are the shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the partially submerged Shivlinga carved out of the rock. It is important to schedule your visit to the Gangotri temple appropriately because it is closed over the winter.

3. Tungnath Temple - One of the holiest Panch Kedars is the Tungnath temple, which is thought to be over a millennium old and situated atop Chandranath Parbat in the Rudraprayag area. Hailed as the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tungnath is located 3,680 metres above sea level. Tungnath is a highly respected Shaivism place where idols of several gods and goddesses, including Goddess Parvati, are housed. It is easy to go to this temple by starting the quick hike from Chopta. 

4. Yamunotri Temple - The Yamunotri temple in Uttarkashi district, which houses a black marble idol of Goddess Ganga, is 5 km away from Jankichatti, which is located on the Yamuna River's left bank. The Yamunotri temple, one of the Char Dhams and the first site to be seen on the Char Dham circuit was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. 

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5. Nanda Devi Temple - Nanda Devi, the goddess of the Chand dynasty and the daughter of Kumaon, is honoured in this ancient shrine. The Nanda Devi, an incarnation of Durga Mata, is thought to keep the populace safe from evil. Renowned for its hosting of the ostentatious Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra, which takes place once every twelve years, this temple is highly renowned in the Kumaon region.