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| Uttaranchal Pilgrimages |
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| About Uttaranchal |
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| Travel Destinations Guide |
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| Tourist Attractions - Uttaranchal |
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| Uttaranchal - Pilgrimages / Religious Places |
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Uttaranchal is situated on the northern part of India at the foot hills Himalayas and this state is ideal for peace lovers. The combination of Himalayan range, the green vales and the pious weather make the land the adobe of Hindu God and Goddesses.
The mountain ranges and the snow capped peaks are the homeland of various mythological stories. The holy rivers like Ganga and Yamuna that add life and vivacity to the state of rich historical and mythological tales. Uttranchal is always named as the land of Hindu gods and goddesses. The temples, the old shrines and the tranquility and peace that resides make the travelers to unveil their inner self.
Uttaranchal and its pilgrimage spots like Cham Dhams, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri are regarded as the dwelling places of serenity. Most of the Hindu followers take Haridwar as the 'gateway of Land of Gods' and the temples with the echoing bells of temples, chanting of mantras by the sages can take you away from this material world.
The spirituality and the holiness that resides are so dissimilar from the busy materialistic city life. Uttaranchal and its religious places are ideal for relaxing and spending time in peace and tranquility. The rambling springs and the holiness that is believed have the power to cure all the difficulties and stress. Apart from innumerous number of temples and holy shrines, there are other historical structures like Laksman Jula and Rishikesh house are the sights of tourist attraction.
 Badrinath Temple
 One of the most famous pilgrimage hill station of Uttaranchal is Bardrinathh, which is an important halt for all those who take up Char Dham Yatra. Cradling in the arms of twin peaks of Nar-Narayan and Neelkanth, Badrinath is an ideal place for holiday. Covered with a web of myths and legends, the holy town of Badrinath has many attractions. Take up Badrinath tours of Uttaranchal to see the temple attractions that belong to Hinduism and various other tourists spots. Get drenched in the holiness that reverberates in the air of Badrinath. The best time to visit Badrinath is from May to November, when all the temple are open for visits.
Baij Nath Temple Kausani
 Himalayas play a great part not only in Hindu mythology, but also in the Hindu Religion. Visiting Baij Nath Temple, Kausani located amidst the mountain ranges with the splendid sceneries around, can be an enchanting experience. Known to be specked with auspicious pilgrimage destinations in Uttaranchal all over, the place is rightly named as the abode of Gods. These Temples in Uttaranchal play an important part in Uttaranchal Tourism. 53 kms north of Almora, Kausani is a magnificent hill station replete with picturesque and splendid views. The 300 km wide view of the Himalayas is spectacular.
Kausani is nestled amongst deep pine forests, on a hill top where the view of the snow capped Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one feels the snow is at a touching distance. Baijnath Temple, located at a distance of 19 kms from Kausani, is one of the tourist attractions in Uttaranchal.
It is a 12th century temple on the banks of Gomti River. At an elevation of 1126 m. in the Garur valley of Katyur is the complex of Baijnath Temple. Built by the Katyuri kings there are ancient temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama. The Baijnath Temples dating back to the 12th and 13th century are constructed of stone. The temple complex exhibits the amazing architecture of the age. The main temple that houses the beautiful idol of Parvati is chiseled in black stone. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga.
 Gangotri Temple
Gangotri is the place of the origin of the holy River Ganges, drawing thousands of pilgrims every year. Gangotri is the earthly throne of Goddess Ganga and is one of the four sites of the sacred Char Dham circuit. It is situated at an altitude of 3,753 m (about 12,313 ft). The 'new-born' river is called Bhagirathi at the source and acquires the name Ganga from Devprayag onwards, where it meets the Alaknanda River. Ganga originates at Gaumukh in the Gangotri Glacier which is a 19 km trek from Gangotri. Gangotri gives the excitement of conquering nature combined with a person's spiritual awakening.
Gangotri Temple, constructed in the 18th Century, is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Near the temple is located a sacred stone where King Bhagiratha is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva. Ganga is believed to have touched earth at this spot. The temple is a beautiful 20 ft high structure made of white granite. Gaumukh is about 18 kms is the proboscis of the Gangotri Glacier and is the source of the Bhagirathi River. Pilgrims have to trek upto the sacred spot on foot or they have the option of going on ponies to take a holy dip in the ice-cold water.
Har Ki Pauri Temple Haridwar
 Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred ghats in India. It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, the Ghat is magnificently illuminated in the evening during a Maha Aarti performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ageless pilgrimage destination, held in reverence for centuries. Several temples and ashrams are found in this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a comletely different world.
Once known as Gangadwara, Haridwar (and Rishikesh) represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organised at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate.
 KedaRnath Temple
Amidst the camouflaged Himalayas that seem to be holding nothing but snow, lies the pilgrimage town of Kedarnath. In the dramatic landscape lies one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Kedar, also known as Lord Shiva. Sharing its bank with the Mandakini river, and at an altitude of 3584 mtrs, Kedarnath is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu towns in India. The dotted temples in Kedarnath are the outcome of the various legends that engulf the whole town. Take you tours of Uttaranchal and pay homage to the pilgrimage destination of Kedarnath that is also an important junction in the Char Dham yatra. A fusion of holiness as well as adventure, is what makes this destination beyond par.
Madmaheshwar Temple, Uttaranchal
Situated in Rudraprayag, the Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Five Kedar Temples. There is a legendary connection of this place to the birth of Lord Shiva, According to mythical source the stomach of Lord Shiva emerged from here. So devotees throng the temple premise during Shiva Ratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is one of the holy Trinities; Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the Destroyer.
Lord Shiva is enshrined in Madmaheshwar Temple. The unique North Indian architecture is noticeable in the construction of this temple focusing on the legendary issues and stories of Kings and warriors. The glorious temple is surrounded by natural vegetation of unparalleled scenic elegance. This sanctified place reflects the spirit of religiosity in India, speaking much of its endless panoramic pilgrim spots and heritage points.
If you want to implore the spiritual vista of India and indulge in sacramental acts, no other place would be more suitable. For a pilgrim as well as a common man, Madmaheshwar Temple is an apt place.
Yamunotri Temple
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The shrine is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas or Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.
Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. The legend says, this lonesome hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the prime attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and thick forests.
Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar
Goddess Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag King Vasuki, is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees visiting her temple. To seek the blessings of the Goddess and get their wishes fulfilled, the devotees tie sacred threads on the sacred tree that stands proud in the temple premises. Once the wishes are fulfilled, the devotees mark respect by returning to the tree to untie the threads.
One of the famous Siddhapeeths, the Mansa Devi temple is located atop the Shivalik Hills. A picturesque view of Haridwar awaits those visiting this temple. Mansa Devi temple is one vertex of the Siddhapeeth triangle formed between three temples, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples being the other two.
Gaurikund Temple
Traveling to the Northern part of India can be a very exhilarating experience. If you are an avid trekker and hiker you will enjoy the mountains, the beauty of the snow capped hills as well as the trail that leads to the Greater Himalayan peaks and the beautiful temples in Uttaranchal that lie nestled in its folds. In the yester years sages seeking God ventured to the Himalayas. Himalayas play a great part in Hindu mythology. It is often considered the abode of Gods. If you are planning a tour in Uttaranchal, visiting Gaurikund Temple can be an enchanting experience amidst the mountain ranges and the splendid sceneries around. Known for the various religious Places in Uttaranchal, the state is rightly named as the Devbhoomi. |
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