10 Must-Visit Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand

List Of Shiva Temples In Uttarakhand

Famous Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand: A Spiritual Guide  

Lord Shiv temples like Kedarnath Temple and Jageshwar Dham are most popular among pilgrims. Tourists come from all around the world to visit these famous Shiva Temples and take the blessing of Lord Shiv. Explore these 10 famous Mahadev Temples in Uttarakhand that take you on a spiritual journey.

1. Kedarnath Temple | Rudraprayag

Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus. The temple is located in Rudraprayag, and surrounded by Himalayan peaks. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to reach there. The temple is open from April to November and attracts thousands of devotees. 

• Built by: Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD
• Best Time to Visit: April to June.
• Temple Timings: 4 am to 8 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Trek from Gaurikund or helicopter service from Phata.
• Nearby Railway Station: Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
• Nearby Bus Station: Sonprayag.

2. Rudranath Temple | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand

Rudranath Temple is a famous lord Shiva temple located in the Chamoli district in Uttrakhand. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples. It is the only temple where Lord Shiva worshipped in his face (mukha) form. It is situated at 3,600 meters between the Garhwal Himalayas and offers amazing views.

• Built by: Believed to be a natural shrine, discovered by devotees; no specific builder.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October.

• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.

• How to Reach: Trek from Sagar Village (23 km) or from Mandal Village (20 km).

• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh 

• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

• Nearby Bus Station: Gopeshwar.

   

3. Baijnath Temple | Baijnath

Baijnath Temple is situated on the bank of the Gomti River in the Bageshwar district of Uttrakhand. The temple was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest Shiva temples in India. Its stone-carved architecture, intricate sculptures, and the presence of a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Shivling inside the sanctum are the uniqueness of the temple.

• Built by: Katyuri King Lakshmi Karan in the 12th century AD.
• Best Time to Visit: April  to June
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Accessible by road via Almora or Bageshwar.
• Nearby Railway Station: Kathgodam (148 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Pantnagar Airport (180 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Bageshwar Bus Station.

4. Tungnath Temple | Rudraprayag

Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is situated in Rudraprayag district and dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple is over 1,000 years old. The temple is special for its beautiful Himalayan views and an easy trek from Chopta, making it reachable for pilgrims and trekkers. In winter, it stays covered in snow, creating an amazing view.

• Built by: Believed to be built by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era; formalized as a temple by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Best Time to Visit: May to November.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: 4 km trek from Chopta, which is well-connected by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (260 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Chopta Bus Stand.

5. Madmaheshwar Temple | Gaundar Village, Uttarakhand

Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the famous Shiva Temples in Uttarakhand state. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shivand and is part of the Panch Kedar temples. The temple offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It is an adventure for pilgrims due to its remote location, requiring a trek through picturesque villages and forests. Pilgrims received a peaceful environment away from the crowds.

• Built by: Bhima, The second Pandava brother.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Trek from Ransi Village (16 km) via Gaundar, Ransi is accessible by road from Ukhimath or Rudraprayag.
• Nearby Railway Station: Haridwar (192 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (219 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Ukhimath Bus Stand.

6. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple | Pauri Garhwal

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is located in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand surrounding lush forest and tumbling waterfalls. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's Neelkanth (blue throat) form. This temple shows his consumption of the poison during the churning of the ocean. Neelkanth temple is also famous for its annual fairs and rituals, attracting pilgrims from across India.

• Built by : Maharajadhiraja Mathanadeva
• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: The temple is 32 km from Rishikesh and can be reached by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (32 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (45 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Rishikesh Bus Stand.

7. Kalpeshwar Temple | Chamoli District, Uttarakhand

Kalpeshwar Temple part of the Panch Kedar temples is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most popular Shiva temples which holds a unique place in Hindu pilgrimage. It is surrounded by dense forests and stunning mountains. The temple is must must-visit destination in Uttrakhand for Shiv Devotees and nature lovers. The temple is a cave-like structure where the Shiva idol is placed.

• Built by: Believed to be associated with the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era; the temple was revived by Adi Shankaracharya.
• Best Time to Visit: May to October.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: The temple is accessible via a 2 km trek from the road head at Urgam village. Urgam is well-connected by road from Joshimath or Chamoli.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh (225 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (215 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Chamoli Bus Stand.

8. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple | Rudraprayag

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is known as a hidden gem dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the bank of the famous Alaknanda River. It is a perfect place for meditation and reflection due to its beautiful and peaceful atmosphere. It's not built in a traditional architectural style like other Hindu temples. People believed that Lord Shiva meditated here before the Mahabharata war.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Koteshwar is located about 3 km from Rudraprayag town.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh (140 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (165 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Rudraprayag Bus Stand.

9. Jageshwar Temple | Almora District

Jageshwar Temple nestled amidst dense forests in Almora district is a popular pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its architectural splendour. It is also part of 12 Jyotirlinga of India. More than 100 temples are located in this temple area. It is also one of the oldest temples of India. 

• Built by: The temple complex dates back to the 9th to 12th century AD, with many of the temples attributed to the Katyuri dynasty.
• Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to November.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 8 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: Jageshwar is about 35 km from Almora and can be reached by road.
• Nearby Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (127 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Pantnagar Airport (136 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Almora Bus Stand.

10. Triyuginarayan Temple | Triugi

Triyuginarayan Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. The temple offers amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, it is the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati were married in the presence of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also known for its eternal fire, which is believed to have been burning for centuries.

• Built by: The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Mahabharata
• Best Time to Visit: May to October.
• Temple Timings: 6 am to 7 pm - Every day.
• How to Reach: The temple is accessible via a 5 km trek from the nearest road head at the village of Triyuginarayan.
• Nearby Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station (160 km away).
• Nearby Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (165 km away).
• Nearby Bus Station: Rudraprayag Bus Stand.

In conclusion, Uttarakhand's Shiva temples are not just spiritual destinations but also offer a peaceful environment. Most of the temples are surrounded by the great Himalayas and offer amazing and memorable views. Shiv Mandirs (temples) of Uttrakhand are a must-visit for anyone seeking a connection with the divine.

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