Come visit these temples of Uttarakhand
Char Dham Yatra, one of the religious pilgrimages of India, is considered to have special significance. In Hindu religion, it is believed that one must visit Char Dham Yatra once in a lifetime after visiting Gangatri, Yamunautri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Every year this religious pilgrimage, which starts from April, is stopped in October-November. This is done due to change in weather. Apart from Char Dham, Uttarakhand is famous for many ancient temples. That’s why lakhs of people from India and abroad come here for pilgrimage. According to the Uttarakhand Tourism website, all the temples located at high altitude are closed at the beginning of winter. After six months the doors are opened again.
Even though the doors of the main Dhams have been closed, the Uttarakhand government has given an opportunity to perform this Yatra in a different way. In simple words, you can do the Char Dham Yatra in the mountains even in winter. Actually, the Dhami government is giving the opportunity to visit and visit Joshimath, Ukhimath, Mukhwa and Kharsali.
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Come visit Pandukeshwar Temple
Pandukeshwar is a famous temple located near Joshimath. Pandukeshwar is also considered to be the winter abode for the idol of Lord Badrinath when the doors of Badrinath are closed. It is believed in this temple that Mahabharak’s father King Pandu had worshiped Lord Vishnu here. For this reason this place was named Pandukeshwar. In winter, when the doors of Badrinath Dham are closed, the idol of Lord Badrinath is kept in the Pandukeshwar Yag Dhyan Badri temple. This time you can come to Pandukeshwar for Char Dham Yatra. Its distance from Delhi is 503.3 kilometers. If you are going by your own car, you can take Delhi-Haridwar route and NH7 route. Whereas, for private bus, you can take a bus from Kashmere Gate of Delhi to Rishikesh and from here you can take another bus to reach Pandukeshwar.
Omkareshwar Temple located in Ukhimath
Omkareshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered an important pilgrimage site, which is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. When the doors of Kedarnath Dham are closed during winter, the festive idols of the temples are taken here and worshipped. Idols of many gods and goddesses are installed in it. It is believed that Lord Shiva had performed penance in this temple. This temple is very beautiful in appearance, in which intricate stone carvings have been done. To reach here from Delhi you have to travel 436.6 kilometers. You can reach here via NH7. If you are going by bus then take a bus from Kashmiri Gate to Rishikesh or Dehradun and from there you can reach Omkareshwar Temple by government bus or taxi.
Jyotirmath Narasimha Temple
Jyotirmath Narasimha Temple is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is also visited during Badrinath Yatra Dham. The temple is known for its amazing architecture, ancient statues and tranquil atmosphere. Where you can go and see the views surrounded by clouds and also take the blessings of Lord Vishnu. You can visit this temple after the doors of Badrinath Dham are closed. The distance from Delhi to Jyotirmath temple is 488 kilometers. To reach here, you will get a bus from Kashmiri Gate of Delhi, which will take you to Rishikesh. After this you can reach the temple by taking a private taxi.
visit Mukhwa
Mukhwa is a small village located near Harsil Valley in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is also considered the winter feast of Gangotri Dham. When the doors of Gangotri temple are closed, the idol of Goddess Ganga is installed here. Goddess Ganga is worshiped here for 6 months. You will see traditional wooden houses in this village. Seeing the beauty of this place, you will not feel like leaving here. To reach here from Delhi, you will have to take a bus from Kashmiri Gate, which will drop you at Haridwar. From here you can reach the village by taking auto or taxi.
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