There are many temples in Uttarakhand that hold utmost significance for Hindus in the world. However, since all cannot be explained, we have touched upon some of the most famous temples in the state. First and foremost, we will see the Chota Char Dham temples in the state. These are:

• Gangotri
• Yamunotri
• Badrinath
• Kedarnath

These are the temples to which devotees undertake rigorous Yatras every year to offer their prayers.

Badrinath

Badrinath temple, dedicated to Lord Badrinarayan, a form of Lord Vishnu, is one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is also one of the Char Dham Temples (along with Dwaraka, Rameshwaram and Puri). This temple is so sacred that it is also considered as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu across India. Here the presiding deity is just a 1m tall statue made from black stone or Shaligram. It is believed that the temple has been there right from the Vedic Age. Mata Murti Ka Mela, Badri Kesar are the most important festivals here. Every year, the temple is shut down on Vijayadasami (October or November) due to harsh winter season and is re-opened after 6 months in April, on the day of Basant Panchami.

Kedarnath Temple

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It closes on Akshya Tritya Day during April and re-opens after 6 months during November, on the occasion of Kartik Purnima. It is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga shrines (shrines which are of utmost importance to Lord Shiva). There are statues of the five Pandava rulers, Lord Krishna, Nandi, Virabadra and Draupati inside the main hall of the temple. It is believed that Adi Sankara attained Samadhi here. The head priests of the temple are elected annually. As per practice followed for hundreds of years, mantras offered at the temple are in Kannada. Prayers are conducted by the assistants of the head priest. A stone form in a conical shape is worshipped as the main deity, Sadashiva, here.

Gangotri Temple

This temple is located at a place where the most sacred river of Ganges originated from. Here Goddess Ganga took the form of a river in order to solve the problems of King Bhagiratha and his predecessors, because the king underwent severe penance here to appease the Goddess for hundreds of years.

Yamunotri Temple

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna who sits beautifully here in a black marble structure. Trekking, horse rides or palanquins are the only way to get to this temple, as it is situated at a height of 3291m above sea level.

Chandi Devi Temple

This temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, is located at just about 4km from Haridwar. Located at a height of 2900 m above sea level, the Chandi Devi temple grants all wishes of devotees. The Goddess here is said to be very powerful. The great saint Adi Sankaracharya is believed to have constructed this temple around 8th century AD. It is one of the 3 Siddhpeeth temples along with Maya Devi and Manasa Devi temples.

Baleshwar Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiv, this temple is constructed in the Chamawat city in the state of Uttarakhand.  This temple must be visited for its excellent and intricate stone carvings. It is believed that this temple dates back to as early as 10th or 12th centuries AD. There are two other temples in this complex – Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga Temple.

Bhairavnath Temple

Also known as the Sangura Temple, this is located at about 15km from Satpuli in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that devotees who visit the temple and take eleven rounds around it are sure to be blessed abundantly by Mata Bhuvaneshwari who is the presiding deity here.

Manasa Devi Temple

Located on top of the Bilwa Hill, this temple is located in the Haridwar city of Uttarakhand. Devotees from all over the country come and visit this temple and offer coconut, marigold garlands, fruits and incense sticks.

Panch Kedar Temples

The following 5 temples are part of the Panch Kedar Yatra (trip covering famous Lord Shiva temples):

• Kedarnath
• Tungnath
• Rudranath
• Madhmaheshwar
• Kalpeshwar

Sapt Badri Temples

The following 7 temples are part of Sapt Badri temples (famous ones dedicated to Lord Vishnu) in the state:

• Badrinath
• Adi Badri
• Vridh Badri
• Dhyan Badri
• Ardh Badri
• Bhavishya Badri
• Yogdhyan Badri.

Panchshila Temples

Uttarakhand is also the state where the Panchshila or 5 hill temples are located in and around Badrinath. They are:

• Garuda Shila
• Narada Shila
• Varaha Shila
• Markandeya Shila
• Narasimha Shila

Apart from these temples, there are still other temples to be covered in this state. You have to visit the state to know the essence and culture of the temples in this place.