Uttarakhand, often called the Land of Gods, is also the land of ancient temples and timeless legends. This sacred Himalayan state has long been regarded as a divine place, where many Hindu deities are believed to have dwelled. Over the centuries, these sites, where the presence of the divine was once felt were transformed into holy sanctuaries, now home to some of the most revered temples in Uttarakhand.
These temples are not only places of worship but also living monuments that showcase Uttarakhand’s deep connection to divinity and nature. For those seeking faith, history, or simply the peace of the mountains, Uttarakhand’s temples offer a journey into the very soul of India’s spiritual landscape.
Locally Popular Uttarakhand Temples with Significant Religious Events
- Chitai Golu Temple, Almora
- Devidhura Bagwal, Champawat
- Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet
- Purnagiri Temple, Champawat
- Kainchi Dham Temple
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave, Pithoragarh
- Jageshwar Dham Temples, Almora
- Binsar Mahadev Temple, Ranikhet
- Chandrabadni Temple, Tehri
- Kandoliya Temple, Pauri
- Jwalpa Devi Temple, Pauri
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag
- Kartik Swami Temple, Rudraprayag
- Hariyali Devi Temple, Rudraprayag
- Kamleshwar Temple, Srinagar Garhwal
- Umra Narayan Temple, Rudraprayag
- Kalimath Temple, Rudraprayag
Chitai Golu Temple, Almora
Situated somewhere about 8 km from Almora, Chitai Golu is quite a popular temple in Uttarakhand among locals. Presided by the deity of Golu Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav, this Shiv temple in Uttarakhand can be easily recognised by the amount of copper bells hung in its premises.
Golu Ji is reckoned to be the God of Justice and it is a common belief that when someone worships him in one of his temples in Uttarakhand, Golu Devta provides justice and makes wishes of his devotees come true. The temple draws a crowd especially during the annual fair in April, where devotees offer bells for fulfilled prayers.
- Where: Almora, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 8 km from Almora
Devidhura Bagwal, Champawat
Devidhura is a beautiful town situated 45 km from Lohaghat. This small town is famed amongst locals for its Barahi Temples, where an annual fair takes place. The fair is called Bagwal and it has a specific ritual, which makes it a must-see event in Uttarakhand. During this fair, two groups of people indulge in stone pelting, singing and dancing is also a part of this ritual.
It is believed that no life has ever been lost during this stone pelting event. This vibrant festival, deeply rooted with this sacred Devi temple in Uttarakhand, attracts devotees here. Better road connectivity now enhances access to this famous temple in Uttarakhand, making the Bagwal fair during Raksha Bandhan a grand spectacle for spiritual tourists.
- Where: Champawat District, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 45 km from Lohaghat, 73 km from Almora
Jhoola Devi Temple, Ranikhet
Blessing Ranikhet and the area around it is Jhoola Devi Temple. The holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and has been named as Jhoola Devi because the presiding deity is seen seated on a cradle. According to locals, this Devi temple in Uttarakhand is 700 years old and the original deity was stolen in 1959.
Like Chitai Golu Temple, this temple is also recognized by the number of bells hanging in its premises. It is believed that Jhoola Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees and after the completion of the wishes, the devotees come here to offer the copper bell.
- Where: Chaubatia, Ranikhet, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 7 km from Ranikhet, 55 km from Almora
Purnagiri Temple, Champawat
Believed to be one of the 108 Siddha Peethas, Purnagiri Temple is another jewel on the crown of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by pristine nature’s beauty, this famous temple in Uttarakhand is one of the important pilgrimage destinations in the state.
During the Chaitra Navratri (March–April), this Devi temple in Uttarakhand sees a large swarm of devotees coming from all parts of the country. The highlight of the temple, apart from its immense peace and wish fulfilment, is the view of the distant Nepalese villages and the township of Tanakpur.
- Where: Champawat District, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 20 km from Tanakpur
Kainchi Dham Temple
Baba Neem Karoli is perhaps the most known figure in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The temple dedicated to him stands on the bank of River Shipra on Bhowali-Almora road and is known as Kainchi Dham. It is believed that Baba Neem Karoli visited this place in the year 1962, and ever since it has become a sanctified place.
After the establishment of the deity of Lord Hanuman on June 15, 1964, this famous temple in Uttarakhand has started to organize an annual fair. Therefore, each year on June 15, the followers and devotees of Neem Karoli Baba visit this shrine. To witness such immense faith is rare, and that is why visiting Kainchi Dham seems like a good idea. Its global appeal draws spiritual seekers and even celebrities from around the world like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Virat Kohli.
- Where: Bhowali-Almora Road, Nainital District, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 17 km from Nainital
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave, Pithoragarh
Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave is a unique Hindu shrine. Situated in the Pithoragarh district, this famous temple in Uttarakhand has been mentioned in the Hindu scripture, Skanda Purana. The shrine has been dubbed as the only place where 33 crore Hindu Gods and Goddesses are present together. It is also believed that a visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar is equal to the pilgrimage to Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand.
It is one of those spiritual destinations in the state that demands adventure instincts as it is a limestone cave which is 160 m long and 90 ft deep. An interesting place to be, this cave opens a lot of untold chapters of Hindu mythology and thus a must-visit place.
- Where: Bhubaneshwar Village, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 14 km from Gangolihat, 116 km from Almora
Jageshwar Dham Temples, Almora
One of the finest examples of architecture in Uttarakhand, Jageshwar Dham is a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are 124 big and small Shiva temples in Uttarakhand with a gorgeous backdrop of rolling green mountains and a gurgling Jata Ganga stream.
As per Archaeological Survey of India, this famous Shiva temple in Uttarakhand dates back to the post-Gupta and pre-medieval era and is said to be 2,500 years old. Stone lingams, stone sculptures, and carvings on altars are the highlight of the temple. The temple’s location is ideal for meditation as well.
- Where: Jageshwar, Almora District, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 37 km from Almora
Binsar Mahadev Temple, Ranikhet
Amidst the thick deodar is situated the holy temple of Binsar Mahadev. Along with its divinity and spiritual ambiance, this Mahadev temple in Uttarakhand is famed for its impeccable nature’s beauty. Binsar Mahadev is said to have been built in the 9th/10th century and thus has been an important religious place in Uttarakhand since ages. With idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri, and Maheshmardini, this famous Shiva temple in Uttarakhand is known for its architectural finesse.
The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in ‘Nagarilipi’ that dates back to the 9th century. The shrine is believed to be built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu, and it is also known as Bindeshwar temple. Overlooking a small stream and surrounded by forests of deodar, pine, and oak, this temple makes quite a place to visit in the state.
- Where: Binsar, Ranikhet, Kumaon Region
- Distance: 17 km from Ranikhet
Chandrabadni Temple, Tehri
Perched on Chandrakoot Mountain, Chandrabadni Devi temple in Uttarakhand is said to be the place where the torso of Sati fell along with her weapons. Chandrakoot Mountain is situated on the border of Devprayag and Pratapnagar Tehsil, and from the top of it, beautiful views of the Surkanda, Kedarnath, and Badrinath peaks can be witnessed.
The shrine is very small and contains a Shri-yantra which is carved out on a flat stone. The ritual here is to tie a cloth canopy to the ceiling over Shri-yantra once a year, and the priest doing so has to be blindfolded. In the month of April, each year a fair is organized in the temple, and thus it is an ideal time to be here.
- Where: Tehri Garhwal
- Distance: 33 km from Devprayag, 45 km from Srinagar
Kandoliya Temple, Pauri
Showering blessings on Pauri from atop the hill, Kandoliya Temple is one of the important pilgrimage destinations in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The temple is a 2 km walk from the main town of Pauri and is visited by locals regularly.
A stunning view of Himalayan peaks and the Gagwarsyun Valley, dense oaks, swaying pines and deodars, orchards of rhododendrons, shrubs, and a variety of flowers are what one can look forward to during their visit to this Kandoliya Temple.
- Where: Pauri, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 2 km from Pauri
Jwalpa Devi Temple, Pauri
Situated on the left bank of Navalika River in Pauri, Jwalpa Devi is a highly revered Devi temple in Uttarakhand. According to a legend, the demon king Pulom’s daughter, Sachi, wanted to marry the king of heaven, Indra. She then prayed to Jwalpa Devi, who appeared to her in the form of ‘Deptiman Jwaleshwari’ and made her wish come true. Even today, hundreds of people throng to this temple, as it is believed that all wishes are granted by the Goddess. Its vibrant Navratri celebrations and fair on Basant Panchami draw many people.
- Where: Pauri, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 34 km from the main town of Pauri
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Rudraprayag
Around a 3 km trek from Rudraprayag takes you to Koteshwar Mahadev Temple. It is a cave temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was hiding himself from the Pandavas (as the Pandavas were seeking repentance from Lord Shiva after killing Kauravas) and was heading towards Kedarnath, he chose to stay and meditate for some time in Koteshwar.
Another legend attached to this Mahadev temple in Uttarakhand is that Lord Shiva hid himself here from the Bhasmasur Demon. It is said Lord Shiva meditated here and found favour by Lord Vishnu, who in turn killed Bhasmasur in his Mohini Avatar. This temple thus is an important religious destination for Hindus, and being close to the river Alaknanda, it makes a great place for explorers as well.
- Where: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 3 km from Rudraprayag
Kartik Swami Temple, Rudraprayag
Standing on the edge of the cliff, Kartik Swami Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son and is famed as the highest temple in Uttarakhand dedicated to Kartikeya. The temple is at an elevation of 3,050 m above sea level and is famed for the breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains. On a clear sky day, from here one can see mountain peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, Sumeru, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, and Nanda Devi.
There is a naturally carved idol of Lord Kartik on a marble-type rock. To reach this Shiva temple in Uttarakhand, one has to trek 2 km from Kanak Chauri Village via a dense forest. It is a less frequented temple, but visiting it is one of its kind of experience.
- Where: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 2 km from Kanak Chauri
Hariyali Devi Temple, Rudraprayag
Hariyali Devi is a Siddha Peetha temple, situated at an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, when Kansa threw Mahamaya violently on the ground, several body parts of her were scattered all over the earth. It is believed that a hand fell at Hariyali Devi, Jasholi. The temple houses a bejewelled idol of Hariyali Devi riding on a lion’s back. The temple also has idols of Kshatrapal and Heet Devi. During Janmashtami and Deepawali, this famous temple in Uttarakhand is visited by devotees.
- Where: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 37 km from Rudraprayag
Kamleshwar Temple, Srinagar Garhwal
Kamleshwar is one of the most prominent Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. The legend has it that Lord Rama had worshipped Lord Shiva here with a thousand lotus flowers. It is said that when Rama realized that he was one flower leaf short, he compensated this by offering one of his eyes. That is the reason why he is also known as ‘Kamal Nayan’ (lotus eyed). Every year on the occasion of ‘Vaikuntha Chaturdashi’, women come here to worship this Mahadev temple in Uttarakhand and worship is done for an entire night with lighted lamps.
- Where: Srinagar, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 106 km from Rishikesh
Umra Narayan Temple, Rudraprayag
Lord Umra Narayan temple is reckoned to be the holy abode of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that this famous temple in Uttarakhand was built by Adi Shankaracharya when he was on his way to Badri Dham. Lord Umra is said to be the clan deity of Gairola Clan of Gram Sann. After every harvest, the first groups of crops are offered to the Goddess who is believed to endow blessings and prosperity.
- Where: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 6 km from Rudraprayag
Kalimath Temple, Rudraprayag
Amongst the 108 Shakti Peethas in India, Kalimath is one of the most famous temples in Uttarakhand. The Devi temple in Uttarakhand is situated close to Guptkashi and Ukhimath. Kalimath is the only place where the goddess Kali is worshipped along with her sisters Laxmi and Saraswati. One thing that makes this temple stand apart from the other popular temples in Uttarakhand is that there is no idol; instead, the Sri Yantra is the object of devotion. The legend has it that after killing demon Raktbeej, Goddess Kali went underneath the earth from this point.
- Where: Rudraprayag, Garhwal Region
- Distance: 20 km from Ukhimath
Visit the sacred land of Uttarakhand, where divinity and spirituality envelop everything. Every temple from this list offers a profound connection to faith and nature. We assure you that a tour of any of these highly revered temples in Uttarakhand can help you attain the mental peace and healing that you have been longing to get all this while.
We would also like to help you get ready for a religious tour to Uttarakhand. Give us a call at +91-9212777224/25 or simply drop in an email to us at [email protected] for our Uttarakhand holiday packages.
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About the author
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.
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