SPIRITUAL

The pious Uttarakhand is dubbed the Land of the Gods, and indeed it is. This holy ground of the mighty Himalayas and the glistening Ganga and Yamuna is replete with pilgrimage sites that can offer both the blessings of the divine and the much-needed peace of mind. Uttarakhand is where the popular Chhota Chardham Yatra is performed at high altitude Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. It is also the land to witness the divinity at several river confluences or Prayag, which in number are five, and thus, called Panch Prayags. Then there are Panch Kedars and Panch Badris that add to the spiritual ambience of the state. Needless to mention that Uttarakhand is also home to one of the four Kumbh Mela spots in India, Haridwar. Also called the gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas, Haridwar attracts millions of Hindu devotees to its temples as well as its Ganges Ghats.

The region of Kumaon is also replete with a number of Hindu temples like Baijnath, Patal Bhubaneshwar and Jageshwar each being an important religious destination to visit in Uttarakhand. The state of Uttarakhand though may seem to have more temples than a sacred shrine of any other religion but there are a few significant holy sites for people of other faith as well. The state houses the highest Gurudwara in the world, Hemkund Sahib along with other important Gurudwaras like Nanakmatta and Ritha Sahib for the Sikh devotees to obtain blessings at. For the Budhhist pilgrims, the Mind Rolling Monastery in Dehradun is the major pilgrimage site whereas, the Muslim devotees can offer prayers at various mosques in the state as well as the famed Piran Kaliyar Shareef near Roorkee. Uttarakhand also boasts a plethora of British era churches that are both beautiful and sacred places to pay homage in the state.

BADRINATH DHAM

The picturesque town of Badrinath is where divinity meets with the serenity of nature. Located in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand at the height of 3,133 meters, the pre-eminent abode of Lord Vishnu is one of the holiest of the holy shrines of Char Dham pilgrimage in India. Other Char Dham sites include Dwarka, Puri and Rameswaram.

Situated between Nar and Narayan peaks, the pious land of Vishnu also belongs to the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Starting with Yamunotri, Gangotri and Kedarnath, Badrinath is the last and most celebrated stop in the pilgrimage tour of Garhwal Himalayas. Badrinath Dham is easily accessible by motorable roads and the Badrinath temple can be reached by walking along an easy trek. Around 3 km from Badrinath is the village of Mana, which is one of the last villages before the boundary of India ends and that of Tibet begins. The peak of Neelkanth stands strong spreading its mighty aura for all pilgrims and travellers alike.

Badrinath is a land of myriad legends, each one only adding to the glory of this place. Along with these legends, the snowy mountain peaks, gracefully flowing Alaknanda River and incredible landscapes create the perfect background to facilitate a spiritual connection.

Badrinath Temple Opening Dates 2020

The holy shrine of Badrinath in Uttarakhand will open for pilgrimage 2020 on April 30. The Badrinath opening date 2020 was declared by the chief priest on the auspicious day of Basant Panchami held in the month of January

KEDARNATH DHAM

Kedarnath Dham, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is one of the most paramount locations for worshipers of Shiva. The air appears to be reverberating with the name of Lord Shiva amid the mighty snow-clad peaks, enchanting meadows and forests of the lower mountain range of Himalayas. Situated in a breathtaking location, near the source of Mandakini River and at the height of 3,584 meters, Kedarnath Dham celebrates the greatness of Lord Shiva. Kedarnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotir Lingams and is also the most important temple among the Panch Kedars (group of 5 Shiva temples in Garhwal Himalayas). It is also one of the significant temples of the sacred Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, raising the glory of the place to further heights.

Accessible from major destinations of Uttarakhand, the motorable road towards Kedarnath temple stretches till Gauri Kund. After that one needs to take a 14 km trek towards Kedarnath temple. Ponies and palanquins (doli) are easily available; one can also avail helicopter services during peak season of yatra.

The hard journey till the great shrine of Shiva is well compensated with the spiritual atmosphere which is created by the unruffled, tranquil and splendid beauty of the region. The majestic Kedarnath peak (6,940 meters) stands behind the temple along with other peaks, forming a perfect setting for the holy land of the supreme deity. The conical-shaped Shiva lingam in the Kedarnath temple is a unique feature of the temple among all Shiva shrines.

Kedarnath Temple Opening Dates 2020

The date for the opening of the portals of the holy Kedarnath Dham in 2020 will be declared on the Hindu festival of Mahashivratri, which is to be held on February 21, 2020.

GANGOTRI DHAM

Gangotri Dham, located at the height of 3,100 meters (approx.) on the Himalayan range in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, holds a very special place in the hearts of Hindus. It is one of the four sacred and important pilgrimage sites of Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Amid all the natural beauty and grace which the mountains and altitude of the place affords, what makes Gangotri one of the holiest places is its intimate connection with River Ganga (the Ganges).

Ganga Maa (mother), the much revered deity of Hindus, originates from the Gangotri glacier at Gaumukh which is some 18 km from the Gangotri town. It is said that Goddess Ganga came to earth in order to wash away the sins of King Bhagirathi’s ancestors. From the folds of mythology till the present time, Ganga River has always been a sacred source of purity for the mankind. Coming to Gangotri for a religious tour is not only a religious duty but a spiritual calling too.

Gangotri Opening Dates 2020
Devotees will be able to perform the pilgrimage to Gangotri Dham from April 26, 2020, the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya.

YAMUNOTRI DHAM

On the western side of Garhwal Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, lies the holy place of Yamunotri. About 3,293 metres above the sea level, Yamunotri stands proudly with its enormous mountain peaks, glaciers and gushing waters of Yamuna. River Yamuna, the second most sacred river of India, originates in Yamunotri, making it one of the pilgrimage sites in the Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

The venerated goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Sun and twin sister of Yama (the god of death); in Vedas, Yamuna is called Yami (lady of life). A bath in the sanctified waters of Yamuna is said to cleanse all sins and protect from untimely or painful death. Such strong associations in Hindu mythology place Yamuna Devi (goddess) in high ranks of divinity.

Yamunotri Temple Opening Dates 2020

The sacred shrine in Uttarakhand will open for the pilgrims on April 26, 2020, on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritya.

Kainchi Dham Temple Uttarakhand

Spend your days in the rejuvenating realms of one of the most spiritually blessed destination of Uttarakhand, Kainchi dham. Perched on an elevation of 1400 m above the sea level on the Nainital-Almora Road, it is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India. Going back to 1942, as it was the year when Shri Poornanand of Kainchi Village and Neem Karoli Baba propounded the idea of dedicating an ashram to the revered Sombari Maharaj and Sadhu Premi baba who used to offer yajnas here. It was in 1962 when the forest area of the village was cleared and a platform in rectangular shape was established which was later procured by Neem Karoli baba with authorization by the Forest Conservator. Where now stands the divinely beautiful Hanuman Temple close to which stands an ashram and this popular religious site of Kainchi Temple.

Neem Karoli Baba compassionately followed Lord Hanuman and believed in preaching simple yet spiritually empowering teachings. With his firm beliefs and different way of thinking he won hearts not just in India but abroad as well.

Apple Co-Founder, Steve Jobs who visited Kainchi Dham in the year 1974 also influenced Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder to pay a visit, which he did in the year 2008 and in 2015 again are the perfect examples of the same. After his visit this already popular tourism destination in Uttarakhand gained more recognition and was jammed with devotees. Till this time, 108 temples all over the world are built in the loving memory of the saint. And there’s more to the place as the temple celebrates the birthday of Neem Karoli baba and the foundation day of the ashram every 15 June by organising a fair.

Our Kainchi Dham Temple travel guide is overflowing with information on best places to visit and amazing things to do in and around, which makes it quite essential for the travellers looking for an impeccable travelling experience. Also, handcrafted for you are the varied holiday packages by Tour My India that ensure a vacation unlike any other.

Dhari Devi Temple Uttarakhand

Located between Srinagar and Rudraprayag on the banks of Alaknanda River in Kalyasaur, Dhari Devi is an ancient Hindu temple in Uttarakhand. This shrine has the deity of Maa Dhari Devi and it was relocated from the 20 m high rock to a man-made structure in the year 2013. �A manifestation of Goddess Kali, Dhari Devi is reckoned to be the protector of the Char Dhams. Since a long time now this temple has been a center of faith for the people of Garhwal. According to the legend, Dhari Devi is the guardian deity of Uttarakhand, whose idol was removed from her temple on 16th June 2013 by priests and locals, just a few hours before the cloudburst. As per believers, Uttarakhand had to also face the Goddess’ ire when she was shifted from her ‘mool sthan’ which means the ‘original abode’ to make way for a 330 MW hydel project that lies in ruins after the flood.

A similar attempt was done in the year 1882 by a local king which resulted in a landslide that had flattened Kedarnath. The legend also has it that the idol of Dhari Devi should not be kept under a roof, so the idol is always kept under the sky. Taking pictures in the temple is prohibited. Devotees come here to worship the goddess round the year but during the Navratras, the number of pilgrims increases and people come here to get blessings. Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratra are observed and celebrated in this temple.

The festivals of Dussehra, Deepavali and Kartik Purnima are celebrated with great zeal.

Best Time to Visit Dhari Devi Temple

The months between November and June are favourable to witness the serenity of Kalyasaur where the temple is located. Also, it is ideal to visit this place during any Hindu festival, as then it looks delightful.

SUMMERBright shining sun with a calm fresh air, summer is indeed the best time to visit Kalyasaur. The temperature being moderate here ranging from 20�C to 36�C, you can trek your way to temples and other tourist attractions for the rejuvenating spiritual vibe without any hindrance during summer months.
MONSOONSee the sky changing colours and trees swaying as the rain falls on the land of Kalyasaur. Starting from July and lasting till September, the monsoon in the district lets one enjoy the aroma of the soil and the liveliness rainfall brings in with a fall in temperature from 27�C to 21�C. As there are chances of landslides and roadblocks during monsoon, it is advised to check the weather forecast before planning a vacation in this season.
WINTERGet the chance to hold snow in your hands, as the district is something not to miss in the winter season. Carry your warm clothes as it gets very cold in Kalyasaur from December to nearing the end of February. With temperatures dropping down to 0�C or even below.

Where to Stay in Dhari Devi Temple?

Srinagar and Rudraprayag are two places which you can choose for your accommodation. From budget hotels to resorts, everything is available in these two places that are situated close to Dhari Devi Temple. These destinations ensure some of the best places to stay near Dhari Devi Temple that are comfortable and cater to every guest’s needs.

How to Reach Dhari Devi Temple?

The best way to reach Dhari Devi temple is via road because there are many interstate and local buses that run on a regular interval and can provide you a comfortable ride.

BY AIRThe nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is about 136 km from the temple and is located at Dehradun. There are many buses and taxis which are regularly running between the two terminals.
BY RAILThe nearest railheads are in Rishikesh around 124 km from Kalyasaur and Haridwar which is 142 km away from where this temple is located and after getting down here you can take a bus or a taxi to your destination.
BY ROADThe temple has a well-connected road network. It is 124 km from Rishikesh, 19 km from Rudraprayag and 165 km from Dehradun. It also has a smooth connection to many other major and popular destinations in the state.