10 Historical Temples of Uttarakhand

With more than a thousand temples, Uttarakhand has rightfully been named ‘Devbhoomi’. The ever present essence of spirituality here can be felt from the moment you set your first foot here. It is understood that a place with so much historical and mythological relevance will be home to some of the most ancient and architecturally magnificent temples.

If you wish to have the complete spiritual and religious experience then here are some temples of historical significance:

Jageshwar Dham Group of Temples (Almora)

This group of ancient temples, which was constructed by the Katyuri Kings of the pre medieval era is located amidst the lush green surroundings of the tall tree covering of deodar and is definitely one of the finest creations of India. Several years ago when the pilgrims used to make their way on their Kailash Mansarovar Yatra they used to stop here in Jageshwar as a resting point. Now only a limited number of tourists visit here and most of them choose to perform meditation. The architectural marvel of this temple is remarkable and built in Nagara style with tall Shikharas complete with a wooden rooftop.    

Badrinath Temple (Chamoli)

The spirituality and importance of Badrinath is well known all over India for being a crucial hub spot of religion for devout Hindus. This temple (which was in the past a Buddhist monastery) was established by the great sage and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya during the 7^th century. However the history of this temple dates back to the time when Vishnu ji had performed his penance here as his consort Laxmi ji stood there protecting him from the harshening weather conditions. Set against the backdrop of the Nar and Narayan mountain peaks Badrinath is one of the most celebrated historical site, not only in Uttarakhand, but also in India.

Triyuginarayan Temple (Rudraprayag)

This humble looking temple that resembles the structure of Kedarnath Dham shrine is set amidst the panoramic views of the snow clad mountain peaks. This is said to have been the exact place which is believed to be the marriage spot of shiv and Parvati. The marriage took place in front of all the prominent sages, gods and goddesses and was done by lord Brahma and Vishnuji had played Parvati’s brother making this place all together incredibly holy and is quickly coming up as one of the most popular places for marriage. Marking the holy ceremony is an eternal bonfire which is said to have been burning ever since the time shiv Parvati were married.

Baleshwar Temple (Champawat)

Constructed during the 10^th and 12^th century AD by the Chand rulers of this temple is famous for its fine cravings and stunningly well preserved designs. Every inch of the pillars and arches and even the walls are adorned with whimsical engravings. This is a lord Shiva temple and the entire complex which is divided into two parts is built using the south Indian style of architecture which is very clear through its structures. There used to be a freshwater source that used to run behind the temple which has now been dried up and it is now being taken care of by the Archaeological survey of India or ASI.   

Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave (Pithoragarh)

Having found its mention in Skanda Purana this iconic shrine has grabbed the attention of not only devout Hindus but adventure lovers as well. This place is a limestone cave which is 160 metres long and 90 feet deep. It holds a lot of historical and mythological relevance making it one of the prime destinations to experience spirituality and religion at its peak. Adi Shankara is also said to have visited this cave during 1191 AD and inside the cave you will be able to see at the stone formation of a Sheshnag holding earth. The cave had remained a mystery until it was rediscovered by king of Surya dynasty – Raja Rituparna.

Kedarnath Temple (Rudraprayag) 

Known for being one of the most difficult of all the Chardham Yatra portals of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath temple is the place where Shivji is worshipped as ‘lord of Kedar valley’. The temple is said to have been built by the Pandav brothers when they were out looking for Shiv to ask for his forgiveness. The temple is located on a high altitude and people sometimes even experience mountain sickness while making their way to the temple. This is also the place where Adi Shankaracharya had taken his last breath after travelling all over India.

Baijnath Temple (Bageshwar)

This is one of the lesser known iconic temples of Uttarakhand where the presiding deity is worshipped in the form of the healer of vaidyanath and is perched aside the holy river of Gomati. The interesting legend behind this temple is that once when Ravan had come here to perform his penance and ask for his kingdom of Lanka, he had sacrificed all 10 of his head as an offering to the lord which pleased him and not only did Shiv grant him the wish he even fixed all his 10 heads which earned him the name of Vaidhya. This is a 13^th century temple which is clear through its typical architectural style and still never seizes to offer a spell binding experience.

Mahasu Devta Temple (Dehradun)

This is probably one of the most uniquely beautiful looking temples in Uttarakhand with interesting architecture. Located right on the banks of the holy river of Tons the chief deity worshipped here is that of Mahasu Devta. This ancient temple was constructed during the 9^th century and people primarily looking for justice visit here. The architectural design utilised here is known as the one of a kind Huna style but it also represents some other mixed styles as well.

Lakhamandal (Dehradun)

This is a holy shiv temple which houses a graphite Shivling that shines brilliantly when poured water on top of it. Various archaeological founds have unearthed different elements of this temple that offers a glimpse into the past and some remains can still be seen here. The architecture of this temple clearly depicts that it was built by the local rulers of Uttarakhand on a place which is believed to be the spot where Duryodhan had tried to kill the Pandavas.

Devalgarh Temples (Pauri)

The town of Devalgarh which is situated amidst the lush greenery of Pauri district and is dotted with numerous temples if historical and mythological relevance this hamlet was founded by king Deval of Kangra during the 16^th century AD. The entire town alone houses innumerable temples like Laxmi Narayan, Gauri Devi temple and Raj Rajeshwari temple that showcase the grand and traditional Garhwali architectural style. Several of these temples are now protected by the Archaeological survey of India.