Uttarakhand is known as the land of gods. It is home to many ancient and sacred temples. Among them, the Shiva temples hold great spiritual importance for devotees. These temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism.
Have you ever wanted to visit a place filled with peace, history, and powerful energy? The Shiva temples in Uttarakhand offer all of that and more. From mountain peaks to deep valleys, these temples are built in the most breathtaking locations.
In this blog, you’ll learn about the most famous Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. Each temple has its own story, beauty, and spiritual charm. Whether you are a traveler, a pilgrim, or just curious, these temples are worth exploring.
Famous temples in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand has many famous temples that attract devotees and tourists from all over India. These temples are known for their beautiful locations and deep spiritual meaning.
Some well-known temples include:
- Kedarnath Temple – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
- Badrinath Temple – Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, part of the Char Dham
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple – Surrounded by forests and hills, near Rishikesh
- Tungnath Temple – The highest Shiva temple in the world
1. Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India. It sits high in the Himalayas and is part of the Char Dham yatra. People believe visiting this temple washes away sins. It opens only for a few months each year due to heavy snowfall.
History
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva. It is located in the high Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old. According to legends, it was built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva.
The present structure is said to be rebuilt by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is made of massive stone slabs and has survived many natural disasters. The temple is a part of the Panch Kedar and also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand.
The temple is open only for six months, from May to November. In winter, the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to Ukhimath. Kedarnath’s history, spiritual importance, and stunning location make it one of the most visited temples in India.
2. Badrinath Temple
Badrinath is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, not Shiva, but it’s one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. It’s also part of the Char Dham. The temple lies between the Nar and Narayan mountain ranges and has a peaceful, divine vibe.
History
Badrinath Temple is one of the most important temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is part of the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham pilgrimages. The temple is located in the town of Badrinath, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. According to legends, Lord Vishnu meditated here for many years.
The present temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It was later rebuilt and expanded by various kings over time. The temple has a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in a meditative pose. Surrounded by mountains and the Alaknanda River, it holds deep spiritual and historical value for Hindus.
3. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near Rishikesh. It is believed to be the place where Shiva drank the poison during the Samudra Manthan. Surrounded by forests and hills, it’s a calm spot that attracts thousands of devotees.
History
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva. It is located near Rishikesh, surrounded by dense forests and mountains. According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Lord Shiva drank the poison that came out during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). The poison turned his throat blue, and that’s why he is called Neelkanth, which means “blue throat.”
The temple stands as a symbol of Lord Shiva’s power and sacrifice. Devotees believe that visiting this temple brings peace and blessings. It is especially crowded during Mahashivratri and in the holy month of Sawan. The spiritual atmosphere and natural beauty make it a peaceful place for worship and reflection.
4. Tungnath Temple
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is part of the Panch Kedar and is a favorite among both trekkers and pilgrims. The trek to the temple is short but scenic, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
History
Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is part of the Panch Kedar. According to legends, the Pandavas built this temple to worship Lord Shiva and seek forgiveness for their sins after the war of Mahabharata.
The name “Tungnath” means “Lord of the Peaks.” The temple is made of stone and has a peaceful, ancient feel. It is said that Lord Shiva’s arms appeared here when he hid from the Pandavas in the form of a bull. Trekkers and pilgrims visit this temple not just for blessings, but also for the stunning mountain views and spiritual energy.
Opening And Closing Timing
Most Shiva temples in Uttarakhand open during summer and close in winter due to heavy snowfall. The ideal time to visit is between April and November. Temples like Kedarnath and Tungnath are seasonal and remain closed during the winter months. On the other hand, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple stays open throughout the year. Most temples open early in the morning for rituals and close by evening.
The total cost of visiting depends on location, transport, food, and stay. Local temples are budget-friendly, but remote or high-altitude temples may require extra money for trekking or helicopter services. Here’s a detailed table showing opening months, timings, and approximate budget for each temple:
| Temple Name | Opening Months | Daily Timings | Approx. Budget (INR) | What’s Included in Budget |
| Kedarnath Temple | May – November | 4:00 AM – 9:00 PM | ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | Travel, stay, food, pony/palki or helicopter (optional) |
| Badrinath Temple | April – November | 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 | Travel, hotel stay, meals |
| Neelkanth Mahadev | Open Year-Round | 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | Local transport, prasad, basic meals |
| Tungnath Temple | May – October | 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 | Travel to Chopta, trek, meals, night stay if needed |
| Rudranath Temple | May – October | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹5,000 – ₹9,000 | Trekking gear, local guide, food, basic accommodation |
| Madmaheshwar Temple | May – November | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 | Trek, transport, food, homestay |
| Kalpeshwar Temple | Open Year-Round | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 | Travel, short trek, food, simple stay |
How to Reach
These four temples are located in different parts of Uttarakhand and can be reached by road, trekking, or helicopter depending on the location. Here’s a simple travel guide to help you reach each temple:
- Kedarnath Temple: Travel by road to Gaurikund from Haridwar or Rishikesh, then trek 16 km or use a pony, palki, or helicopter service.
- Badrinath Temple: Well-connected by road; buses and taxis are available from major cities like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Located near Rishikesh; can be reached easily by car, auto, or a short trek through the forest.
- Tungnath Temple: Drive to Chopta and then take a 3.5 km scenic trek to reach the temple.
Conclusion
Visiting Shiva temples in Uttarakhand is a special experience. These temples offer peace, beauty, and a chance to connect with spirituality.
Whether you are a pilgrim or a traveler, Uttarakhand’s temples will leave you feeling calm and inspired. Plan your trip well, and enjoy the divine journey.
FAQs
- When is the best time to visit Shiva temples in Uttarakhand?
The best time is from April to November, as most temples remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. - Are there any entry fees to visit these temples?
Most temples do not charge an entry fee, but some may have small charges for special services or parking. - How can I reach Kedarnath Temple?
You can reach Kedarnath by road to Gaurikund, then trek 16 km or take a pony, palki, or helicopter. - Is trekking required to visit Tungnath Temple?
Yes, after driving to Chopta, you need to trek about 3.5 km uphill to reach Tungnath Temple.
Are these temples open all year round?
No, many high-altitude temples like Kedarnath and Tungnath are seasonal and close during winter months.
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