Travel Tips: These 10 ancient Shiva temples are located in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, have a relation with mythological times

The holy month of the Hindu month of Sawan continues in which everyone worships Shiva and tries to please him. These days you will see a lot of crowds in Shiva temples. When it comes to Shiv Mandir, how can one forget the land of gods, Uttarakhand? Although Uttarakhand is said to be the abode of many gods and goddesses, Kedarnath, the main abode of Shiva, is also here. But it is not that this is the only temple of Shiva in Uttarakhand, there are many such temples of Shiva here that are also related to mythological times. Today in this episode we are going to tell you about the famous Shiva temples located in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand where you can go on a religious journey.

Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is situated on the holy banks of the Gomti River. Baijnath temple comes under the Garud tehsil of the Bageshwar district. This temple is situated on the banks of river Gomti, two kilometers from Garuda. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Uttarakhand. Baijnath Dham is such a Shiva Dham, where Shiva and Parvati sit together. It is said that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati took place here. Baijnath temple finds mention in many folk tales of Uttarakhand. There is a belief about this Shiva temple that the wishes sought from Lord Baijnath are fulfilled here. It is said that this temple was built in 1204 AD. The architecture of the temple and the carvings on the walls are very attractive. You will also see inscriptions inside the temple.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple
Koteshwar Temple is a famous Hindu temple, which is 3 km from Rudraprayag city. There is an ancient temple located at a distance. Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple was built in the 14th century, after which the temple was rebuilt in the 16th and 17th centuries. Most of the devotees who go on the journey of Chardham move forward only after seeing this temple, this temple is present in the form of a cave situated on the banks of the Alaknanda river. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva, while going to Kedarnath, had meditated in this cave and this idol is naturally formed. The naturally made idols and Shivling present inside the cave have been established here since ancient times.

Kedarnath
The Kedarnath temple, situated amidst the snowy hills of the Himalayas, is counted among the most famous temples of Lord Shiva, where devotees come not only from the country but from all over the world. This temple is also included in the 12 Jyotirlingas of Bholenath. Apart from this, this grand temple of Lord Shiva is also counted in the famous Char Dham Yatra of India. This temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of the state. Let us inform you that the doors of the temple are closed during winter, but between April and November, one can visit Baba Kedarnath.

Binsar Mahadev Temple
Binsar Mahadev Temple is a popular Hindu temple. This temple is situated at a distance of about 20 km from Ranikhet. There is a grand temple of Binsar Mahadev at a height of about five and a half thousand feet on the picturesque banks of the Kunj river. Built at an altitude of 2480 meters above sea level or surface, this temple is surrounded by lush green deodar forests. Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, this temple was built in the 10th century. Enshrined with idols of Hindu deities such as Maheshmardini, Har Gauri, and Ganesha, the architecture of this temple is splendid. Binsar Mahadev Temple is the center of immense reverence for the people of the region. This is considered the holy place of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. Naturally, this place is also very beautiful. Every year thousands of devotees come to visit the temple.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a famous religious center situated at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers of Rishikesh. Being situated on top of a hill at an altitude of 1330 meters above sea level, this shrine offers a wonderful view of Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot, and Manikoot hills. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is also known as Neelkanth. It is believed that his throat turned blue due to drinking the Kalakoot poison that came out during the churning of the ocean. It is also believed that this mythological event took place at this place. That's why this temple is called Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.

Rudranath Temple
Among the ancient temples of Lord Shiva located in Uttarakhand, you can visit the Rudranath temple located in the Chamoli district of Garhwal. This temple is a natural rock-cut temple included in Panch Kedar. This temple is situated at an altitude of about 2220 meters above sea level. The face of Bholenath is worshiped here, and the whole body is worshiped in the Pashupatinath temple in Nepal. Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks work to make this temple special. To reach here you have to come to Gopeshwar first. Apart from this, the spiritual atmosphere here is mesmerizing.

Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located in the Gadwal Himalayas under the Rudraprayag district. This is an ancient temple that is one of the Kedar temples of Panch. According to mythological evidence, this temple was built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva, as Lord Shiva was deeply hurt by the massacre of Mahabharata. This temple is situated at a distance of 6 km from Chopta. You can come here for spiritual and religious experience. The architecture of the temple impresses the devotees as well as the tourists visiting here.

Budha Kedar Temple
It is located at a distance of 60 km by road from New Tehri. The Bal Ganga and Dharma Ganga rivers meet at this place. According to a legend, Duryodhana did penance at this place. The Pandavas set out to search for Lord Shiva after the Battle of Kurukshetra, and on the way, they met the sage Balakhilya at Mount Bhrigu. Balakhilya Rishi guided the Pandavas and told them that an old man was meditating near the Sangam when the Pandavas reached that place, the old man suddenly disappeared behind the Shiva Linga. Budha Kedar Temple is built over this Shivling. This linga is said to be the largest linga in northern India and still bears the handprints of the Pandavas.

Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Located above the highest point of Mukteshwar in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. This temple is also known as "Mukteshwar Dham or Mukteshwar". The entrance to the temple can be reached through stone steps and this temple is situated in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 2315 meters above sea level. The name Mukteshwar comes from the 350-year-old name of Shiva known as Mukteshwar Dham, which is the topmost, highest place in the city. There is a rock called "Chauli Ki Jali" near the temple. As deified in the Puranas, it is one of the eighteen main temples of Lord Shiva. Here there is a temple of Lord Shiva on top of a hill, which is situated at an altitude of 2315 meters.

Baleshwar Temple
You can also visit Baleshwar Temple located in Champawat. This is an ancient temple, which is counted among the famous Shiva temples of the state. The architecture and carvings of the temple are evidence of its antiquity. There are also two other temples in the temple complex, one of Ratneshwar and the other of Champavati Durga. Many Shivlings are present here. This temple is the main center of the faith of Hindu devotees, hence there is a huge gathering of devotees here. The architecture of the temple also attracts a lot of tourists. According to the inscription found here, the temple was built in 1272 by the Chand dynasty. The architecture of the temple well reflects the efficiency of the artisan who built it.