Top Reverend Religious Sites In Uttarakhand

With numerous reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand, the state is considered the abode of gods and goddesses. All these reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand are predominantly Hindu temples. Despite the harsh weather and hilly terrain, many of these ancient temples were built thousands of years ago. Even today, these temples stand as testimonies to the faith people have had. Snowfall and landslides keep most of these reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand closed for six months every year. And when they are open, millions of devotees flock to these pilgrimage destinations. As there are innumerable reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand, only a handful of them could be mentioned here. Among the top reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand, the below given temples are more famous.

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Haridwar is considered as one of the sacred places and is home to several ancient temples. Among the many popular temples, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Daksha Mahadev Temple and Bharat Mata Temple are a few prominent ones. Dedicated to goddess Mansa, the Mansa Devi Temple is built atop Bilwa hills. Mansa is considered to be the sister of goddess Vasuki hence both the deities are placed within the Sanctum of the temple. An exact date of the construction of the temple is unknown. However, it is believed to be built in the early 1800s. The north Indian style architecture of temple has a Shivalik background. Climbing the hundreds of steps to the temple gives a panoramic view of Haridwar city. The main offerings to the goddess are garlands, coconuts and fruits. Navratra and Kumbh Mela are the popular festivals here.

Badrinath Dham, Badrinath

Badrinath is considered as one of the four holy sites in India. Sitting on the banks of River Alaknanda, Badrinath Dham temple is one of the top reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand. At a height of above 10,000 feet from sea level, the temple is believed to be in existence since 500 BC. With a golden gilded roof, the conical shaped temple is structured following Pawar style architecture. There are three divisions to the temple. Lord Vishnu is the chief deity at the temple and is positioned in Padmasana. Golden throne on the deity and the golden gates to the temple are unique features here.

Besides Lord Vishnu, Kubera, Garuda, Badrivishal, Uddhava, Narada, Narayan, and Nar are also worshipped here. Mata Murti ki Mela and Badri Kedar Festival are the most significant festivals observed here. The temple is closed for winter on Vijayadashami during Oct – Nov every year for the next 6 months. Although, the temple is open only for six months in a year due to inclement weather, the temple sees the greatest number of pilgrims.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh

Rishikesh is another sacred city that sees constant flow of devotees from the Hindu population. Among the several temples and pilgrimage destinations, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple holds the prime spot. The presiding deity of the temple is Shiva. A 6-foot-high monolith Shivalinga made of a single black kasoti stone is a major attraction at the temple. Constructed in the 10^th century, the architecture of the temple follows Dravidian style which is mostly found in South of India. Sculptured works all over the walls and painted with bright colours make the temple a beautiful structure. Other small shrines can also be seen within the temple complex. Apart from the scenic surrounding of the temple, a natural spring in the temple premises, is a cool sight. Shivaratri and Shravan are the two main festivals here that attract tens of thousands of devotees.

Jageshwar Temples, Almora

A cluster of over hundred small and big temples from the 8th to 14th centuries situated in Almora form Jageshwar temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, these temples are constructed in Nagara style. Stone sculptures and carvings are key highlights of these temples. The works in these temples also reflect historic designs and ancient culture. Different versions of Shiva are venerated here and the shrines are dedicated in those names. The main temple in the temple complex is dedicated to ‘Bal Jageshwar’, or the Child Shiva. Thus, each of these temples has a specific character of Shiva associated with them. Shivaratri is the main festival in these temples.

Kedarnath Mahadev Temple, Kedarnath

Perched at a hight of over 3500m, Kedarnath temple sits at a sublime spot. It is one of the four most sacred places of worship for the Hindu believers. The stunning stone-carved monument is in existence for more than thousands of years. Dedicated to Shiva, the temple houses a lingam that is believed to be born of natural elements. Since the monument has undergone resurgences due to natural calamities, it reflects a blend of different styles. However, predominantly north Indian Nagara style of construction gives it the stunning looks. Built with grey stones, the structure has a sturdy stance.

The temple has two sections: Sanctum sanctorum and a main hall. Furnished with images of goddess Parvati and five Pandava brothers, the hall itself is an impressive site. At the entrance is the idol of Nandi. Due to unreliable weather, the temple is open only for six months from April to November. Festivals like Vinayak Chathurthi and Deepawali are popular here.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath temple is considered as the highest Lord Shiva temple in the world. How about that? Located at Tungnath mountain range in the Rudraprayag district, the temple is at an altitude of 3680 meters above sea level. An exact year of its construction is not mentioned anywhere but it is believed to be in existence for more than thousands of years. dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is built with stones in Nagara style. Antique sculptures of deities and mythical characters embellish the walls. The structure has a stone-slab-roof decorated with carved wooden works. Due to its high altitude, it is another temple in the state that is open only for six months in a year. Opening ceremony of the temple after the break is marked by Tunganath Mahadev Fair.

Conclusion….

When you think of a pilgrimage to top reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand, you will be enriched both spiritually and mentally. Besides the innumerable top reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand, the state is also a paradise for trekkers and nature-lovers. Gangotri, Yamunotri, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Gomukh, Rudranath, Satopanth Lake, Nilkantha Peak are a few other reverend religious sites in Uttarakhand. Although the state is home to Hindu religious beliefs, there are important pilgrimage sites belonging to other religions too. Mussoorie Christ Church, Piran Kaliyar Sharif, Buddhist Khamba Temple, Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib, etc. are a few of them.