Famous Shiv Temples in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, the ‘Dev Bhoomi’ is dotted with innumerable temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Let’s learn more about the major Shiv Temples of Uttarakhand-

Kedarnath

kedarnath dham

The Kedarnath Temple enshrines the deity of Kedarnath Ji whose shape and form replicates the Bull’s hump. According to mythology Pandavas prayed to Lord Shiva to redeem them of the sin of killing their cousins on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. But Lord Shiva did not want to give into their request so easily. Thus he disguised himself as a bull to elude them. As Pandavas kept on pursuing him, he fled by diving down onto the ground but in the process his hump was left behind. That hump took the form of Kedarnath ji and is worshipped at the shrine. Kedarnath shrine of Uttarakhand is one of the Char Dhams in the Chota Chardham circuit and also one among the 12 Shiv Jyotirlingas that dot the country.

Jageshwar

Jageshwar Dham

Jageshwar in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region is a small sacred town that falls within the district of Almora. The main temple of Jageshwar is an abode of the Nagesh Jyotirlinga, one among the 12 famous Shiv Jyotirlingas believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu. Common beliefs point out that on the site of Jageshwar temple, Lord Shiva spent many days, rapt in meditation. The Temple is set amid the scenic forest of the Deodar trees and its complex features a number of other temple’s at a stone throw distance. That temple conglomeration includes temples like Dandeshwar temple, the main Jageshwar temple, Chandika temple, Mrityunjaya temple, Kuber temple, Nav Durga temple. Mritunjaya temple and Dandeshwara temple with Lord Shiva as their deity are recognized as the biggest and perhaps the most ancient Lord Shiva enshrinements. 

Bageshwar

Bageshwar Dham

The picturesque holy town of Bageshwar within Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district houses two important Shiva temples. Those are Bagnath and Bajinath temples. Lord Shiva is known as Bageshwar in this region and the temples stand at the holy confluence point of River Sarayu and River Gomti. There are a multiple other temples nearby dedicated to the different incarnations of Lord Shiva and that of Devi Parvati. Bagnath temple of Bageshwar especially has unrivalled spiritual importance for the devotees. The temple complex of Bagnath features many other temples belonging to deities like Hanuman ji, Ganga Devi, Bhairav temple, Vaneshwar temple etc.

Bajinath

Baijnath Dham

Bajinath Shiv Temple is lodged on River Gomti’s bank. Historical records point out that this temple was constructed around 1150 A.D under the initiative of a ruler of Kumaon Katyuri dynasty. The Bajinath temple is actually a conglomeration of many temples within the same complex and each of these temples enshrines one particular deity. For instance, there are temples of Lord Shiva, Kubera, Ganesha, Brahma, Chandika, Parvati. The main temple however belongs to Vaidhyanatha, a form of Lord Shiva. The Bajinath Temple is only 17kms away from Kausani and falls within Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district. Legends hold that at this place, Lord Shiva wedded Devi Parvati, near to the point where Gomti River meets River Gaur Ganga. Thus Bajinath temple has assumed a special significance for Shiv Bhakts and for Hindus in general

Baleshwar Temple

Baleshwar Temple

Baleshwar temple falls within Uttarakhand’s Champawat city and belongs to Lord Shiva. The main shrine belongs to Baleshwar, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple complex also houses temples of Champawati Durga and that of Ratneshwar. The stone carvings on the temple of Baleshwar grab all attention.

Binsar Mahadev Temple

Binsar Mahadev

This 9th century Lord Shiva temple was set up under the initiative of King Kalyan Chand and is about 22kms away from Thalisan. The temple sanctum also features idols of Goddess Durga, Parvati and Ganesh apart from that of Shiva. The Binsar Mahadev temple is highly significant from the archaeological view points. 

Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi

vishwanath temple

Guptkashi is famous for the ancient Shiva temple, the Vishwanath Temple. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as the presiding deity. This stone temple features a striking wooden frame atop the tower and is housed within a courtyard enclosed from all sides. The image of Lord Shiva in Bhairav form and two guards crafted out of stone grace the temple’s entrance. The temple’s exterior walls are decked by many Lotus patterns engraved on the stone. Another temple comparatively smaller in size, falls towards the left of Vishwanath temple. That temple is the Ardhnareshwara temple. The Vishwanath temple of Guptkashi replicates the Shiva Temple of Varanasi.