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Uttarakhand - Pilgrimages and Temples


1. Foothills of the Himalayas:

1. Maya Kshetra - Gangadwar - Moksha Puri (Haridwar): (314 m)

Haridwar, Haridwar district, Uttarakhand Haridwar (Haridwar district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Ganga flows (Aarti)
Bilva Parvat
Nila Parvat

Devi: Devi Ganga, Maya Devi, Devi Sati, Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Sureshwari Devi
Shiva: Daksheshwar Mahadev, Bilvakeshwar Mahadev

Greatness:
1. Moksha Puri: Ayodhya is one of the seven Moksha Puris, a sacred place bestowing liberation (Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika, Dwaravati).

2. Place of Kumbha Mela: Haridwar is one of the places where Kumbha Mela is held (Prayaga, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik).

3. Gateway to Char Dham: Haridwar is the gateway to Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra.

Puranic References:
Skanda Purana - Kedara Khanda (About the places in Garhwal Himalayas)
Sapta Mokshapuri Sloka


2. Kubjamraka Kshetra (Rishikesh): (340 m)

Rishikesh Triveni Ghat, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand Rishikesh (Dehradun district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Ganga flows

Shiva: Neelkanth Mahadev
Devi: Devi Ganga, Kunjapuri Devi

Greatness: Place of meditation of the Rishis.

Puranic References: Skanda Purana - Kedara Khanda


2. Badrinath Route:

1. Dev Prayag: (690 m)

Dev Prayag, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand Dev Prayag (Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Bhagirathi Sangam (Confluence)

Rama: Raghunathji
Devi: Devi Chandrabadni

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Dev Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Sage Dev Sharma performing penance: Sage Dev Sharma performed penance here, due to which this place is known as Dev Prayag.

3. Presence of Sri Rama: King Dasharatha and Sri Rama meditated here.

4. Divya Desam: Dev Prayag is one of the Divya Desams (Thirukandamennum Katinagar).

Puranic References:


2. Rudra Prayag: (610 m)

Rudra Prayag, Rudra Prayag district, Uttarakhand Rudra Prayag (Rudra Prayag district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Mandakini Sangam (Confluence)

Shiva: Rudranath, Koteshwar Mahadev
Devi: Chamunda Devi, Dhari Devi
Kartik: Kartik Swami

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Rudra Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Sage Narada worshipping Lord Shiva: Sage Narada worshipped Lord Shiva to learn the finer points of music.

Puranic References:


3. Karna Prayag: (788 m)

Karna Prayag, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Karna Prayag (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Pindar (Pindari) Sangam (Confluence)

Person: Karna
Devi: Uma Devi, Chandika Devi
Vishnu: Adi Badri

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Karna Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Karna worshipping Surya deva: Karna worshipped Surya deva and obtained his Kavacha and Kundala.

3. King Dushyanta meeting Shakuntala: King Dushyanta met Shakuntala in this place.

Puranic References:


4. Nanda Prayag: (914 m)

Nanda Prayag, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Nanda Prayag (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Nandakini Sangam (Confluence)

Devi: Rajrajeshwari Devi, Chandika Devi
Krishna: Gopalji

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Nanda Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. King Nanda performing Yagna: A king named Nanda performed a great yagna in this place.

3. Divya Desam: Nanda Prayag is one of the Divya Desams (Thirupirudhi).

Puranic References:


5. Vishnu Prayag: (1372 m)

Vishnu Prayag, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Vishnu Prayag (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Dhauli Ganga Sangam (Confluence)

Vishnu: Vishnu, Kagbhusandi Tal

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Vishnu Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Sage Narada meditating on Lord Vishnu: Sage Narada meditated on Lord Vishnu who appeared before him.

Puranic References:


6. Joshimath: (1875 m)

Joshimath, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Joshimath (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Alakananda flows

Saint: Jyotirmath (Adi Shankaracharya)
Narasimha: Narsingh
Shiva: Bhavishya Kedar
Vishnu: Bhavishya Badri

Greatness: Divya Desam (Thirupirudhi). Gateway to Badrinath. Jyotir Math of Adi Shankaracharya.

Puranic References:

7. Badarikashrama Kshetra - Swayam Vyakta Kshetra (Badrinath): (3300 m)

Badrinath - Badrinarayana Temple, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand Badrinath (Chamoli district, Uttarakhand):
Nar Parvat
Narayan Parvat
▬ River Alakananda flows

Vishnu: Badri Vishal Temple
Others: Brahma Kapal, Tapta Kund, Charan Paduka, Vyas Gufa, Ganesh Gufa, Mata Murti (Nara-Narayan)
Pancha Shilas: (1) Varaha Shila (2) Narasimha Shila (3) Narada Shila (4) Markandeya Shila (5) Garuda Shila
Pancha Dharas: (1) Prahlada Dhara (2) Kurma Dhara (3) Bhrigu Dhara (4) Urvashi Dhara (5) Indira Dhara

Greatness:

1. Swayam Vyakta Kshetra: Badrinath is one of the Swayam Vyakta Kshetras (Srirangam, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Salagrama, Naimisha, Thoyadri or Thotadri, Pushkara, Nara Narayana Ashrama).

2. All India Char Dham: Badrinath is one of the All India Char Dhams (Badrinath, Puri, Rameshwaram, Dwarka).

3. Uttarakhand Char Dham: Badrinath is one of the Uttarakhand Char Dhams (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).

4. Divya Desam: Badrinath is one of the Divya Desams (Thiruvadariyasramam).

5. Place of Penance of devas and sages: Ancient Badarikashrama was the place of penance of many sages and divine personages like Nara-Narayana rishis, Agni Deva, sage Narada, sage Markandeya. Sri Garuda etc.

Puranic References:
Skanda Purana - Badarikashrama Mahatmya (About Badrinath)
Srimad Bhagavatam (About Nara-Narayana in Badrinath)




3. Kedarnath Route:

1. Dev Prayag: (690 m)

Dev Prayag, Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand Dev Prayag (Tehri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Bhagirathi Sangam (Confluence)

Rama: Raghunathji
Devi: Devi Chandrabadni

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Dev Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Sage Dev Sharma performing penance: Sage Dev Sharma performed penance here, due to which this place is known as Dev Prayag.

3. Presence of Sri Rama: King Dasharatha and Sri Rama meditated here.

4. Divya Desam: Dev Prayag is one of the Divya Desams (Thirukandamennum Katinagar).

Puranic References:


2. Rudra Prayag: (610 m)

Rudra Prayag, Rudra Prayag district, Uttarakhand Rudra Prayag (Rudra Prayag district, Uttarakhand):
Alakananda - Mandakini Sangam (Confluence)

Shiva: Rudranath, Koteshwar Mahadev
Devi: Chamunda Devi, Dhari Devi
Kartik: Kartik Swami

Greatness:

1. Pancha Prayag of Uttarakhand: Rudra Prayag is one of the Pancha Prayags of Uttarakhand (Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag, Vishnu Prayag).

2. Sage Narada worshipping Lord Shiva: Sage Narada worshipped Lord Shiva to learn the finer points of music.

Puranic References:


3. Gauri Kund: (1982 m)

Gauri Kund, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand Gauri Kund (Rudra Prayag district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Mandakini flows

Devi: Devi Gauri
Vishnu: Triyuginarayan
Others: Sonprayag

Greatness: Paadal Petra Sthalam (Anekathangapadam).

Puranic References:

4. Kedara Kshetra - Kedarnatha Jyotirlinga (Kedarnath): (3581 m)

Kedarnath - Kedareshwarar Temple, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand Kedarnath (Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand):
Kedarnath Parvat
▬ River Mandakini flows

Shiva: Kedarnath, Bhairavnath
Devi: Gauri Kund (16 km)
Saint: Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi
Others: Chorabari Tal (3 km), Vasuki Tal (8 km)

Greatness:

1. Jyotirlinga: Kedarnath is identified with the Kedarnatha Jyotirlinga. Where Lord Shiva granted boon to devotees Nara and Narayana and abided for their worship.

2. Pancha Kedar: Kedarnath is one of the Pancha Kedars (Kedarnath, Tunganath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar).

3. Uttarakhand Char Dham: Kedarnath is one of the Uttarakhand Char Dham (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).

4. Paadal Petra Sthalam: Kedarnath is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam (Thirukkedaram).

Puranic References:
Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 19 (About Kedarnath Jyotirlinga)
Skanda Purana - Kedara Khanda (About Pilgrimages in Garhwal Himalayas)


4. Gangotri:

1. Uttarkashi: (1158 m)

Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Uttarkashi (Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Bhagirathi flows

Shiva: Kashi Vishwanath, Kaleshwar Mahadev
Devi: Shakti, Kuteti Devi
Others: Kandar Devata, Nachiketa Tal

Greatness: Northern Kashi. Similar to Kashi.

Puranic References:


2. Gangotri: (3140 m)

Gangotri - Devi Ganga Temple, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Gangotri (Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand):
Gangotri Glacier
► River Bhagirathi Udgam (Source) (Aarti)

Devi: Devi Ganga Temple
Others: Gaumukh, Surya Kund, Pandav Gufa

Greatness:

1. Source of river Bhagirathi Ganga: Gangotri is the source of river Bhagirathi Ganga. The divine river was brought down from the celestial region by the penance of king Bhagiratha and his ancestors. (The actual source is from Gaumukh which is around 20 km away from Gangotri)

2. Uttarakhand Char Dham: Gangotri is one of the Uttarakhand Char Dhams (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).

Puranic References:

Valmiki Ramayana (About descent of river Ganga)
Mahabharata (About descent of river Ganga)




5. Yamunotri:

1. Uttarkashi: (1158 m)

Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Uttarkashi (Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand):
▬ River Bhagirathi flows

Shiva: Kashi Vishwanath, Kaleshwar Mahadev
Devi: Shakti, Kuteti Devi
Others: Kandar Devata, Nachiketa Tal

Greatness: Northern Kashi. Similar to Kashi.

Puranic References:


2. Yamunotri: (3292 m)

Yamunotri - Devi Yamuna Temple, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand Yamunotri (Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand):
Yamunotri Glacier
► River Yamuna Udgam (Source) (Aarti)

Devi: Devi Yamuna Temple
Others: Surya Kund, Divya Shila, Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti

Greatness:

1. Source of river Yamuna: Yamunotri is the source of river Yamuna. (The actual source is from Kalindi Parvat in the Bandar Poonch range)

2. Uttarakhand Char Dham: Yamunotri is one of the Uttarakhand Char Dhams (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri).

Puranic References:




6. Others:

1. Nageshwara Jyotirlinga (Jageshwar Dham): (1870 m)

Jageshwar Mahadev Temple, Almora district, Uttarakhand Puranic Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Kshetra is identified with Dwarka Nageshwar, Hingoli Aundha Nagnath and Almora Jageshwar Dham:

Jageshwar Dham (Almora district, Uttarakhand):
Daruka Vana (Puranic)

Shiva: Nageshwar

Greatness:

1. Jyotirlinga: Jageshwar Dham is identified with the Nageshwara Jyotirlinga. Where Lord Shiva protected devotee Supriya from the atrocities of demon Daruka.

Puranic References:
Shiva Purana - Koti Rudra Samhita - 29 to 30 (About Nageshwara Jyotirlinga)


Pilgrimages and Temples Summary:


1. Pilgrimages and Temples of Devi: (Uttarakhand)

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Devi Sati (MP-3) (KM-2) - Devi Sati destroyed the Daksha Yagna

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Devi Chandi - Haridwar; A famous pilgrimage

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Devi Manasa - Haridwar; A famous pilgrimage

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Maya Devi - Haridwar; A famous pilgrimage

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Devi Sureshwari - Near Haridwar; A famous pilgrimage

-- Rishikesh - Devi Kunjapura - Near Rishikesh; A famous pilgrimage

-- Kanatal - Surkanda Devi - Near Rishikesh; A famous pilgrimage

-- Dev Prayag - Devi Chandrabadni - Near Dev Prayag; A famous pilgrimage

-- Srinagar - Dhari Devi - Srinagar; A famous pilgrimage

-- Kalimath - Devi Kali - Close to Ukhimath; A famous pilgrimage

-- Almora - Kasar Devi - Almora; A famous pilgrimage

-- Nainital - Naina Devi - Nainital; A famous pilgrimage

-- Tanakpur - Devi Purnagiri - A famous pilgrimage

-- Dwarahat - Devi Dunagiri - A famous pilgrimage

-- Kashipur - Devi Bala Sundari - A famous pilgrimage

-- Lohaghat - Ahil Tarini Devi - A famous pilgrimage

-- Kurud - Nanda Devi - A famous pilgrimage

-- Gauri Kund - Devi Parvati (PP-11.1) - Starting point of Kedarnath trek; Devi Parvati performed penance.


2. Pilgrimages and Temples of Lord Shiva: (Uttarakhand)

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Daksheshwar Mahadev (MP-3) (KM-2) - Lord Shiva destroyed the Daksha Yagna

-- Maya Kshetra (Haridwar) - Bilvakeshwar Mahadev - Haridwar; Famous pilgrimage

-- Rishikesh - Neelkanth Mahadev - Near Rishikesh; Famous pilgrimage

-- Rudra Prayag - Rudranath - Rudra Prayag; Famous pilgrimage

-- Rudra Prayag - Koteshwar Mahadev - Rudra Prayag; Famous pilgrimage

-- Kedarnath - Kedarnath Jyotirlinga (UCD-2) (JL-5) (PP-11.2) - Uttarakhand Char Dham; Lord Shiva granted boon to devotees Nara and Narayana

-- Uttarkashi - Kashi Vishwanath - A famous pilgrimage

-- Jageshwar Dham - Nageshwara Jyotirlinga (JL-10) - Lord Shiva protected devotee Supriya from demon Daruka


3. Pilgrimages and Temples of Sri Rama: (Uttarakhand)

-- Dev Prayag - Raghunathji (UPP-1) (DD-68) - A famous pilgrimage


4. Pilgrimages and Temples of Lord Vishnu: (Uttarakhand)

-- Badarikashrama - Lord Badri Vishal (ICD-1) (UCD-1) (SVK-8) (DD-69) - Char Dham; Place of penance of many sages and divine personages


5. Pilgrimages and Temples of Lord Narasimha: (Uttarakhand)

-- Joshimath - Narsingh (DD-67) - A famous pilgrimage


6. Pilgrimages and Temples of Sri Murugan: (Uttarakhand)

-- Rudra Prayag - Kartik Swami - A famous pilgrimage


7. Pilgrimages and Temples of Sages: (Uttarakhand)

-- Kubjamraka Kshetra - Rishikesh; Place of meditation of the Rishis


8. Pilgrimages and Temples of Rivers: (Uttarakhand)

-- Haridwar - River Ganga (KM-2) - River Ganga Aarti; Place of Kumbha Mela

-- Dev Prayag - Alakananda - Bhagirathi Sangam (UPP-1) (DD-68)River Ganga - Uttarakhand Pancha Prayag; Source of river Ganga

-- Rudra Prayag - Alakananda - Mandakini Sangam (UPP-2) - Uttarakhand Pancha Prayag

-- Karna Prayag - Alakananda - Pindar (Pindari) Sangam (UPP-3) - Uttarakhand Pancha Prayag

-- Nanda Prayag - Alakananda - Nandakini Sangam (UPP-4) (DD-67) - Uttarakhand Pancha Prayag

-- Vishnu Prayag - Alakananda - Dhauli Ganga Sangam (UPP-5) - Uttarakhand Pancha Prayag

-- Gangotri - Devi Ganga - River Bhagirathi (UCD-3) - Uttarakhand Char Dham; Source of river Bhagirathi; Devi Ganga Aarti

-- Yamunotri - Devi Yamuna - River Yamuna (UCD-4) - Uttarakhand Char Dham; Source of river Yamuna; Devi Yamuna Aarti




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