The state of Uttarakhand known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ i.e., the Land of Gods, is home to numerous temples dedicated to many Gods, Goddesses, deities and holy persons. Some of the temples most frequently visited are those of Jageshwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri.
The temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath together constitute
the Char Dham Yatra. Jageshwar Temple is one the important pilgrimage sites for
Lord Shiva’s devotees. Some other important places of worship in Uttarakhand are
Rudranath Temple, Naina Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Madmaheshwar Temple,
and Neelkanth Temples.
Jageshwar Temple
The town of Jageshwar perched at an altitude of 6,135 feet is believed to be the
abode of one of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’ and is one of the most important religious
places for Hindus in Kumaon. Jageshwar consists of a cluster of 124 exquisite stone
carved temples dating between the 8th and the 13th Century.
Snow-capped mountains form a perfect backdrop for this beautiful temple site, and
two streams, Nandini and Surabhi, converge near a sacred spot in the temple
complex.
The mystical and tranquil setting of Jageshwar makes it an ideal holiday destination
to explore, meditate and rejuvenate the body and mind.
Katarmal Temple
Over eight centuries old, this intricately carved temple in Katarmal, Almora is set
amid the jaw-dropping vistas and deodar forests of the Kumaon hills. This ancient
structure is dedicated to the Sun God and is one of the foremost temples of its kind.
Despite its age, it continues to be the spiritual centre of this village and an
important site of worship that brings in devotees from across the country especially
during the annual Chhath Puja celebrations.
The Katarmal Temple was built in the 9th century by the Katyuri kings, a Hindu
Rajput dynasty who ruled over the region in that period and were responsible for
the construction of nearly 400 temples in Uttarakhand alone. This temple was built
by Katarmalla and is a grand complex featuring a shrine dedicated to the ancient
avatar of the Sun God known as Burhadita or Vraddhaditya. It is surrounded by 44
smaller temples constructed at different periods in time. These temples are built out
of large slabs of locally quarried stone.
The main shrine has been designed with great thought and in accordance with the
cycles of nature. On certain days of the year, especially around the time of the
equinox, the light supposedly passes through an opening in the walls and
illuminates the main idol.
Although the temple ranks high in importance to India’s roster of grand sun
temples, second only to Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, it remains largely unknown.
The temple has been declared a monument of national importance under the
government’s Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act
Dandeshwar Temple
The Dandeshwar temple stands tall amidst the panoramic vistas of the Kumaoni
hills. Hindu mythological lore is that Lord Shiva resides in the temple and guards
over the region with a staff. The traditional houses, intricate temples, the gurgling
sounds from nearby flowing streams add to the character and ambiance.
Kainchi Dham Temple
Kainchi at an altitude of (1400 MT) on the Nainital – Almora Road, 9 Km from
Bhowali and 23 Kms from Naukuchiatal is a modern pilgrim center. The famous Shri
Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj ji’s Ashram is situated here.
Founded by the famous Maharaj Neem Karoli Baba in 1962 it is very well
maintained and neat and clean.
15th June is celebrated every year as Pratishtha Divas when a Bhandara is held and
reportedly over one lakh devotees are fed that day.
Ghorakhal Temple
Golu Devta is a local deity, an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva) and is
worshipped all over the Kumaon and Garhwal and Kumaon regions as the God of
justice and as a key deity (Ista/Kula Devata) . Golu Devta is seen as the form of
Lord Shiva, while his brother Kalva Devta as a form of Bhairava and Garh Devi as
Shakti. The temple is famous for the thousands of bells hanging in its premises.
Devotees come to the temple and write a petition to Golu Devta for their wishes to
be fulfilled. Once their wishes have been granted they come and tie bells as a token
of their gratitude.