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Famous Hindu Temples in Garhwal Kumaon, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand dotted with numerous pilgrimage destinations and the Chota Chardhams is a paradise for the God lovers. If you are pious by heart and desperate for salvation, this article listing the top 30 Uttarakhand temples will definitely serve as a useful read for you:

Uttarakhand is the Abode of Gods and to be more precise, it is the abode of Shiva, worshipped by millions of Hindus throughout India. Uttarakhand is also home to the famous mini char Dham. A pilgrimage to these Char Dham is one of life’s duties for every Hindu and quite convenient for those who cannot undertake a pilgrimage of the famous major Char Dham spread in the four corners of India. Uttarakhand abounds in temples and you could be confused as to which one to visit and which one to leave out, given time constraints.

Here are the major temples (Mandir) of Uttarakhand you must visit apart from the famous four (Chardham):

Badrinath Temple, Chamoli (Garhwal Region)

Badrinath is a Hindu religious hub which has a magnificent temple that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is located in the climes of Garhwal range along the river Alaknanda. The Badrinath temple is made of stone and has arched doors and windows. The walls and pillars of the temple are covered with beautiful carvings and there are 3 main parts of the temple; Garba Griha, Sabha Mandap and Darshan Mandap.

Kedarnath Temple, Rudraprayag (Garhwal Region)

Kedarnath is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to God Shiva. It is perched on the Gharwal Himalayas and isn’t directly approachable by road. 14 km of uphill trek is required onwards Gaurikund to reach this temple. The temple contains stone statues of Pandava brothers, Draupadi, Nandi, Krishna etc. the Samadhi of Adi Shankara lies just behind the temple.

Gangotri Temple, Uttarkashi (Garhwal Region)

Gangotri Temple lies at an elevation of 3100 meters in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Gangotri temple is built at the spot where the holy Ganga river originated. The temple is pristine white and is believed to have contained a submerged Shivalingam. The temple was built by the leader of the Gorkhas; Amar Singh Thapa.

Yamunotri Temple, Uttarkashi (Garhwal Region)

The Yamunotri temple is situated in the Western Garhwal range at an altitude of 3292 meters in the district of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Yamuna Goddess and contains a black marble statue of her. The temple complex is only accessible after a 13 km trek from the Hanuman Chatti town and a 6 km path from Janki Chatti. This temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes its gates on Yama Dwitiya. Yamunotri is dedicated to the source of the holy Yamuna river. This temple is a part of the Char Dham (Chota) circuit.

Lakha Mandal Temple, Dehradun (Garhwal Region)

Lakha Mandal is an old temple complex which is situated in the Jaunsar Bawar zone of the district of Deradun in Uttarakhand state. The temple belongs to Shakti cult and people believe that a visit to this temple will end their bad luck. The temple contains a jet black Lingam made of Graphite which reflects light whenever it is wet. The temple derives its name from Lakh (wax) and Mandal (sanctum).

Also Read: Historical Places in Uttarakhand

Hemkund Sahib, Chamoli (Garhwal Region)

Hemkunt Sahib is known as the Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib Ji. It is a Sikh place of worship in the district of Camoli, Uttar Pradesh. The Gurudwara is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh (1666 to 1707) the 10th Guru of the Sikhs and is mentioned in the Dasam Grantha. The Gurudwara is located beautifully with seven mountain peaks flanking it and a lovely lake on front. This shrine is always enveloped in snow which is why the name is Hem (snow) Kund (Bowl). each peak flanking the gurudwara ha a small shrine or Nishath Sahib on it.

Baleshwar Temple, Champawat (Kumaon Region)

The Baleshwar temple is marvellously carved in stone and dates back t the 10th century AD. The temple is located in Champawat in Uttarakhand and the primary diety is Baleshwar or Lord Shiva. One of the temple in the complex is dedicated to Ratneshwar Maharaj and the other to Champawati Durga. The temple exteriors are filled with intricate carvings of the local Gods and Goddesses. There is a Naula or Freshwater stream that flows close to the temple.

Kalipad Shakti Peeth, Bageshwar (Kumaon Region)

Kalipad Shakti Peeth is situated on the base of Girechhina in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. This temple is renowned for its mystical wish fulfilling properties. It is believed that a visit to this temple can result in fulfilment of long coveted wishes. The location of this temple is 14 km from Someshwar and it is in an area of dense vegetation and lovely natural panorama.

Garjiya Devi Temple, Nainital (Kumaon Region)

This temple is located in the Garjiya village near Ramnagar in Uttarakhand. It is situated on the Outskirts of the National Park of Corbett on a large rock on the banks of Kosi river. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple on Kartik Poornima. Inside the temple there is a valuable and ancient 9th century lakshminarayan temple made of black granite.

Purnagiri Temple, Champawat (Kumaon Region)

Purnagiri temple is perched on top of a hill and lies 20 km away from Tanakpur in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. The temple is located on the banks of the river Kali. There is a 3 km steep trek till the Maa Purnagiri temple which is made accessible by stairs and the railing. The Purnagiri temple is frequently visited during Navratri and devotees believe that wishes are granted after sincere prayers here.

Mansa Devi – Naina Devi Temple, Haridwar (Garhwal Region)

Since your tour of Uttarakhand probably starts in Haridwar the holy city, the first on your list should be the Mansa Temple dedicated to Mansa Devi, one of the manifestations of Shakti. This old temple sits atop a hill and it is said the naval and heart of Sati fell here at this spot. The Chandi Devi Temple also in Haridwar is another Shaktipeeth much visited by devotees. If you are a devotee of Shakti, then Naina Devi temple is another of the Shaktipeeths and significant for the fact that Sati set herself ablaze here and Shiva, in anger, performed the Tandava Dance at this spot. Lord Vishnu sent forth his charka that cut Sati into 51 pieces scattered all over India. Her eyes fell at this spot located on the Naina peak at an elevation of 2611 metres.

Jwalaji Mandir, Mussoorie (Garhwal Region)

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The Jwala Ji temple is based on the fissures in earth through which natural gas seeps up. The temple is located at the summit of Benog hill, west of Mussoorie. The hill town of Mussoorie is about 9 kms away from the Jwalaji temple. The number of flames depicted in the temple is ‘7’. The Jwalaji temple is the oldest temple described here apart from Vaishno Devi. This temple is in the form of a natural cave where flames burn eternally. The temple style of the shrine is four cornered with a small dome at the top of the structure and a square shaped central pit made of hollowed stone. There is a lot of rush of pilgrims to this temple around the Navratri.

Also Read: Devi Temples in Uttarakhand

Rudranath Temple, Chamoli (Garhwal Region)


Kedarnath is inaccessible in winter but you can visit Rudraprayag and worship the Lord Shiva at the Rudranath temple located here at the confluence of the holy Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers. Rudraprayag is picturesque and the quaint temple is surrounded by holy ponds where pilgrims take the obligatory dip. Rudraprayag has another significance since Hindus believe that the soul of every departed passes through this place on its journey onwards.

Naini Devi Temple, Nainital (Kumaon Region)

The original Naina Devi temple was destroyed in a landslide in 1880 and then later rebuilt. Located at the northern shore of the lake, not far from the Boat Club, the site of the temple is legendarily said to be the actual place that Goddess Sati’s eye fell. The statue of the deity is only two large eyes. Accompanying Naini Devi are the statues of Mata Kali and the Lord Ganesha.

Hanuman Garhi, Nainital (Kumaon Region)

For more mythological reminders to this valley, go 3 km out of town to Tallital or South End. There you will find a complex of temples known as Hanuman Garhi. You will immediately notice the imposing form of the presiding Lord Hanuman, the monkey god from the Ramayana. Innovatively and symbolically, this idol of the Hanuman is depicted tearing open his to reveal the Lord Rama and Sita.

Tungnath Temple, Rudraprayag (Garhwal Region)


Tungnath, 109 km from Rishikesh, is one of the Panch Kedar and also the highest Shiva Temple in the world besides being one of the oldest, dating back to the times of the Pandavas and even before that. The Pandavas sought Lord Shiva here to ask for his forgiveness but he turned into a bull and then vanished at Guptakashi, appearing in the form of the arm at Tungnath, hump at Kedarnath, Stomach and navel at Madhyamaheshwar, Jata or matted locks at Kalpeshwar and head at Rudranath.

Kalpeshwar Mandir, Rudraprayag (Garhwali Region)


Kalpeshwar, about 109 km from Rishikesh, is where Hindus worship the matted locks of Lord Shiva. It is an important spot of pilgrimage for Shiva devotees because it is one of the Panch Kedar and also because it is an ancient site where Shiva manifested himself in the form of matted locks after he disappeared on being pursued by the Pandavas.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Pithoragarh (Kumaon Region)


Majority of Shiva Temples are so alike that there is no novelty in visiting them except for the religious significance. However, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, about 14 Km from Gangolihat in Pithoragarh is different. This is an underground cave that is dedicated to Lord Shiva but it also said to be home to over thirty-three Crore Gods in the Hindu pantheon of Gods. The cave is 160 metres long and is about 90 feet deep. The walk underground itself is a wonderful experience as you get to admire unique rock formations before arriving at the holy spot. This is one of the oldest and most sacred temples, even more important for some Hindus than the char Dham.

Also Read: Famous Caves in Uttarakhand

Madhyamaheshwar Mandir, Rudraprayag (Garhwal Region)

Located about 34.8 km from Rudraprayag and only 1 km from Gaundhar in Bantoli, Madhyamaheshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and he is worshipped in the form of a navel shaped Linga. IN addition to the ancient temple, Madhyamaheshwar also offers some enchanting scenery.

Adi Badri Mandir, Chamoli (Garhwal Region)

Adi Badri, about 109 km from Rishikesh, is even more ancient than Badrinath with an ancient shrine located here. Legend goes that Lord Vishnu lived here in the Dwapar, Treta and Satyug and only descended to Badrinath in Kalyug. The temple is one of the seven Badris or temples to Vishnu in Uttarakhand also significant for the fact that Ved Vyas wrote the Bhagavata Purana here at this spot. The holy River Saraswati also emerges at this spot.

Bhavishya Badri, Chamoli (Garhwali Region)

If Lord Vishnu resided in Adi Badri and then in Badrinath, Bhavishya Badri is predicted to be his future dwelling. The temple is about 34.8 km from Rudraprayag and it is said the two mountains in Badrinath will join in future and this is where Hindus will worship Vishnu.

Har ki Pauri, Haridwar (Garhwal Region)


It is back to Haridwar where you can visit Har Ki Pauri on the banks of the Ganges. Hindus believe Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited this spot. The evening Aarti is a beautiful sight with hundreds of oil lamps lighting up the waters of the Ganga. Taking a dip in the river cleanses one of all sins is one of the ancient beliefs and on any given day you can see devotees performing this ritual prior to Puja.

Kainchi Dham Mandir, Nainital (Kumaon Region)

Dham is situated in Nainital-Almora road, it s 9 km from  Bhowali and 17 Kms from Nainital. It was eventually in 1962 when Maharajji called for Shri Poornanand of Kainchi town while he himself held up sitting on parapet divider by the way side close Kainchi. When he came, they revived the memories of their first gathering which they had 20 years in 1942. They examined about the spot around. Maharajji needed to see the spot where Sadhu Premi Baba and Sombari Maharaj had existed and performed Yagyas. The woods was cleared and Maharajji requested the development of a Chabootara (rectangular stage) coating the Yagyashala. Maharajji reached the then “conservator of woodlands” and took ownership of the essential arrive on lease.

This spot has accomplished distinguishment owing to the ashram of the acclaimed Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kainchi is a term utilized for two sharp barrette twists of the engine way in nearby lingo thus the name. It has no connection with scissors.

Jageshwar Dham, Almora (Kumaon Region)

Jageshwar is a beautiful Hindu pilgrim dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is located in the Almora District of Uttarakhand. Jageshwar is surrounded by the dense forest of Deodar. Jageshwar Temple is popular because of the 124 stone temples established in the region. These temples are from very ancient time and display the architectural designs of old times.

Jageshwar is among the twelve Jyotirlinga of India. Out of all the 124 temples, The Maha Mrityunjaya Temple is the oldest and also the biggest. There are some inscriptions in the wall of this temple in the language Sanskrit and it is said that these inscriptions are from 7th to 10th century.

The other important temples of Jageshwar are Dandeshwar Temple, Jageshwar Temple, Nau Durga, Chandi-ka-Temple, Nava-Grah Temple, A Pyramidal shrine, and Surya Temple and Kuber Temple. Jageshwar is also a beautiful place for sightseeing. The sun and moon rise from the mountains looks awesome in Jageshwar.

Bagnath Mandir, Bageshwar (Kumaon Region)

The Bagnath Temple devoted to Lord Siva. On a hefty portion of the sanctuaries there are bronze chimes left as offerings by fans. It is said that Siva resulted in these present circumstances place. Some long treks are started from Bageshwar. The temple is arranged at the bank of Sarayu waterway. Exceptionally great perspective with reverential situations. This is a barely more diminutive sanctuary than the other in Kumaon, however the value of going to this spot is truly valuable. You can get the “PUJA KI THALI” effectively in 50 rupees from the outside of the sanctuary with the goal that you can do Puja independent the sanctuary. You can additionally face monkeys there, however not to stress, monkeys are not forceful.

Daksh Mahadev Temple & Sati Kund, Haridwar (Garhwal Region)

Devotes believe that Daksh Prajapati, father of sati, performed a fire sacrifice at this place, but did not invite his son-in-law, Lord Shiva, to attend, Safi was very insulated at her father’s rudeness and so she burnt herself in the sacrificial hearth, the shrines here are eye catching. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 A.D. there is several temples and ashrams.

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar (Garhwal Region)

Chandi Devi Temple situated on top of neel parvat, The temple is a 3 kms trek from Chandi Ghat. Legend has it that Chanda Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here. There is a dense forest on the other side of the inhabited by elephants and other wild animals. A Round to Chandi Devi Temple is preferred only before noon.

Bharat Mandir, Rishikesh (Garhwal Region)

This temple is situated in the heart of Rishikesh town. This is the ancient temple of Rishikesh Narayan Sri Bharatji Maharaj, Jagat Guru Adi Shankaracharya had this temple removal and reinstalled the presiding deity on 3 months before the removal in of the Badrinath temple.

It is said that Bharatji, the broker of Shri Rama, had meditated here at this place for many years. Pilgrims never fail to visit Bharat temple. Any pilgrim who does 108 parikarmas of this temple on Akshaya Tritiya Day will enjoy the blessings of Badrinarayan without going to Badrinath.

Kailash Niketan Temple or Thirteen Story Temple, Rishikesh (Garhwal Region)

This is is a main temple as Laxman Jhoola. Pilgrims can see the beautiful idols of every God and goddesses in this thirteen stories big temple. The site of the mission is on Manikut Hills and bounded on one side by the river Ganga and on the other by the start of the Himalayan mountain range.

There exists an interesting legend about the Manikut Hills. It is this in the famous epic. The Ramayana, Hanuman gathered the Sanjivani herb which is found exclusively on the Manikut Hill.

Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, Rishikesh (Garhwal Region)

(12 kms) situated at 1330 metres on a hill above Swarg Ashrama, Neel Kanth Mahadev is one of the most important temples around Rishikesh. According to mythological accounts, after the great “Sagar Manthan”.

The churning of the sea by gods and demons to receive the treasures hidden under water, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom turned up from that act here. The temple can be reached along a footpath, either from Swargashram or Laxman Jhoola.

You may also like to read: Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Uttarakhand

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