Har Ki Pauri - Haridwar Uttaranchal

Hindu temples can be found at almost every fold as you take to the mountains of Uttaranchal. The Himalayas offer you excellent scenic beauty. Often most sought after retreat for sages keen to seek the path of God, Himalaya became a home to many. On their spiritual quest, there arose many temples connected to Indian mythology which later became great sites for pilgrimage. Visiting Har Ki Pauri Temple can be an enchanting experience amidst the mountain ranges and the splendid sceneries around. Known for pilgrimage, Uttaranchal is rightly named as the abode of Gods.

Har Ki Pauri Temple in Haridwar was built by King Vikramaditya who had in memory of his brother Bhatrihari’s long spiritual quest on the banks of the river Ganga had constructed it. The temple was also known as called Brahamakund. Auspicious for the Hindus, devotees take a holy dip before offering prayers. Footprints of Lord Hari are found in the temple.

Pilgrims flock to Har Ki Pauri temple especially during the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh. The most enchanting spectacle is when devotees float lighted lamps in the river Ganga thereby illuminating the river. Har Ki Pauri Temple situated amidst the hills is serene and thronged by pilgrims and long haired and ash smeared sages. The most beautiful moment is the evening aarti which casts a golden hue to the surroundings.

Traveling to Haridwar by air can reach you till he nearest Airport, Jolly Grant, BhaniaWala, Dehradun. Haridwar is also connected with all important cities of India through railways. Major cities and other parts of the state are well connected to Haridwar by road too.

Lakha Mandal Temple - Dehradun Uttaranchal

Located in Dehradun Lakha Mandal Temple is the pride of Uttaranchal. An ancient temple, enshrining Lord Shiva, this is an apposite place for pilgrimage. For the worshippers of Shakti Cult, this temple is a dream destination. Generally Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the embodiments of Shakti and they are supposed to relieve men from pains and pangs of daily existence.

Lakha Mandal Temple located in Dehradun, is a prime attraction for both a common man and a pilgrim alike. It is actually located 75 kilometers from Dehradun and 125 kilometers from Missouri in North India. Being one of the ancient temples it was constructed in North Indian Architectural style, ensouled by Lord Shiva. In order to obtain the blessings of Lord Shiva, a Hindu pilgrim travels here from remote places.

Encircled by the cerulean Himalayan peaks, Lakha Mandal Temple is conspicuous for its lofty tower. The graceful Yamuna River flowing in front of Lakha Mandal Temple seems to wash the feet of the presiding deity as it passes by.

History of the Lakha Mandal Temple in Uttaranchal:

The Lakha Mandal Temple is located 80 kilometers from Missouri-Yamunotri Road and has a strong legendary background. It is believed that the wicked son of blind king Dritarashtra conspired against the Pandavas and wished them to be burnt alive inside the Jatugriha, located here. But fortunately they were saved by the power of the Shakti and therefore a Shakti Temple had been constructed here to commemorate the sacred power of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

In the 8th Century, this Lakha Mandal Temple, Dehradun was constructed with numerous stone engraved figures, each with a mythological association. These embellish the décor of the Lakha Mandal Temple and display the richness of Indian Heritage as well.

You can avail taxi service from Missouri and visit this temple, and whether you are a Shakti believer or nor, Lakha Mandal Temple in Dehradun would simply delight you.

Madmaheshwar Temple - Kedarnath Uttaranchal

Truly an Abode of God, Uttaranchal boasts its mythological association. From time immemorial, the unvoiced sentinels known as Himalayas guarded this place from many an unfriendly confrontations endowing it with peace and serenity.

This peaceful land is a resort of Gods, so called Devbhoomi by people of India. Studded with some of the most renowned pilgrim spots, Uttaranchal is a Tourists paradise.

The ringing of temple bells striking the ears, the aromatic smell of incense sticks and the non stop chanting of Mantras creates a powerful impact on the onlooker. It helps him to reawaken his soul, long being in stupor due to the pollution of advancing civilization.

Natural calamities and foreign invasions have contributed in the slow destruction of temples, but by conjoint effort of the inhabitants and Government these temples were slowly recovered and reconstructed. One such is the Madmaheshwar Temple.

Description of Madmaheshwar Temple in Uttaranchal:
Situated in Rudraprayag, the Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Five Kedar Temples. There is a legendary connection of this place to the birth of Lord Shiva, According to mythical source the stomach of Lord Shiva emerged from here. So devotees throng the temple premise during Shiva Ratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is one of the holy Trinities; Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the Destroyer.

Lord Shiva is enshrined in Madmaheshwar Temple. The unique North Indian architecture is noticeable in the construction of this temple focusing on the legendary issues and stories of Kings and warriors. The glorious temple is surrounded by natural vegetation of unparalleled scenic elegance. This sanctified place reflects the spirit of religiosity in India, speaking much of its endless panoramic pilgrim spots and heritage points.

If you want to implore the spiritual vista of India and indulge in sacramental acts, no other place would be more suitable. For a pilgrim as well as a common man, Madmaheshwar Temple is an apt place.

Mansa Devi Temple - Haridwar Uttaranchal

Mansa Devi is one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar, Uttaranchal. The temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti (Power). Located at the top of Bilwa Parvat (Hill), Mansa Devi Temple can be reached by taking local buses, rickshaws or by hiring from Haridwar. In order to reach the hill-top, one can either go for trekking or for cable-car.

Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes of a sincere devotee. Actually, the term 'Mansa' is the altered form of word 'Mansha', which means 'wish'. On the top of the hill, there are many shops where coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks are available. These things are offered to the Goddess.

To visit the temple, pilgrims have to follow a queue for the 'darshan' of the Goddess. Mansadevi is said have born from the mind of Saint Kashyap. She is regarded as the wife of Nag Raja Vasuki. This temple is one of the most prominent temples of North India. Mansa Devi is one of the famous Siddh Peethas (Holy Places where one's wishes are fulfilled) along with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi in Haridwar.

People usually tie threads on a holy tree that is located in the vicinity of the temple asking the Goddess to fulfill their wishes. On the fulfillment of the wishes, people come to untie the thread from the same tree once again. The temple is of great importance to the followers of Hinduism. One can have a panoramic view of Haridwar from the top of Bilwa Hill.

Rudranath Temple - Gaurikund Uttaranchal

Passing through the glorious mountain ranges of Himalaya tourist will reach the land of Hindu god and goddess.

Rudranath temple in Gaurikund is situated amidst the thick woods of Uttaranchal. The mountain formation in the area is strange and if looked at closely, resembles the face of Lord Shiva, and is thus known as ‘Rudramukh’. The word ‘Mukh’ means face, and the word ‘Rudra’ refers to Lord Shiva. This place is situated at a height of 2,286meters and is surrounded by pristine nature and mountainous flora. In this place Lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Neelkantha’. The idyllic ambience and the unspoilt nature make the place more pious and sacred for the devotees.

Not only the domestic tourists, but the international tourists too, will always find nirvana in the Himalayan ranges. The land and the spirituality associated with it make a perfect combination for the people who want to enjoy their holidays in Uttaranchal.

Apart from religious importance, this place holds mythological significance too. An old rusty sword is worshiped in Nandikund, which is believed to be the sword of Pandavas who left their mark in the place. Rudramukh is a perfect place to spend time in tranquility. The peace and the silence that fills the place will definitely help the devotees to identify a different dimension to life and can easily help to enlighten them in true sense.

Trekking to Rudrakund is always a matter of adventure and thrill. The route is not a very easy one and tourist should take help from a local guide, as they can help you reach the perfect destination. While trekking towards Rudranath, tourists will find various other temples, which proves Uttaranchal to be the ‘abode of lords’. The nearest airport is Jollygrant which is connected by various domestic flights. Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are the nearest rail heads. From the railway junction, tourists can hire taxis, jeeps or buses that are easily available. After reaching Gopeshwar, tourists have to trek for 15 kms to reach Rudranath. The Mandir committee guest house is available for the devotees who want to stay overnight at the place.

Naina Devi Temple - Nainital Uttaranchal

Nainital is a beautiful hill-station in the state of Uttaranchal, surrounded by mountains on the three sides. Earlier, this area of Nainital had many lakes and it was known as the ‘City of 60 Lakes’ or ‘Chakta’. Most of the lakes have disappeared in the present times. Now, the very life of the town of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. There are few other lakes in and around Nainital which are equally attractive and beautiful as the Naini Lake.

The hill-station of Nainital was discovered by a British called Lord Barron in the year 1841. It is known that the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings and the pleasant weather of the place impressed the British administrator very much. Lord Barron transformed the hill-station of Nainital into the summer capital of the United Province. The splendid hill-station of Nainital is a major tourist attraction and is always bustling with visitors.

The lake of Nainital is very pretty. According to legend, Goddess Sati, wife of Lord Shiva, jumped into a sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva, in order to mourn the death of his beloved wife, carried her body across the country.

The remains of the sacred body of Sati fell at various places, and according to the belief of the local populace, the lake is the site where the eyes of the Goddess Sati fell. All of these places have become the holy worship places for the Hindus. Here, the Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.