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Guptakashi Rudraprayag

Guptakashi is one of the highest seats of devotion for Hindus in India and the world. The importance of Guptakashi as one of India’s top pilgrimage destinations is further enhanced by the presence of a large number of small temples around the region. The main temple in Guptakashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famously known all over the world as the Vishwanath Temple.

Location

Guptakashi is located among the Himalayan range in the Kedar sector at an elevation of approximately 1,319 meters. The fairly large-sized hamlet is nestled in the Garhwali Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is believed to be one of nature’s most blessed places. It is famous for numerous ancient temples and shrines where there is a constant flow of pilgrims and devotees, seeking the blessings of the resident Lord.

The Vishwanath temple in Guptakashi dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most famous temple in Uttarkashi along with temple devoted to Ardhnarishwara, the half man, half woman form of Lord Shiva. The place has been known as Guptakashi even during the time of Mahabharata according to historians.

History

There are many legends associated with Guptakashi but one that’s popular with the locals is the story that traces back to the time of Mahabharata. As the Pandavas began to lose their dear ones, they took to a pilgrimage to meet Lord Shiva but he was far away in Kailas. On realizing this, the Pandavas left Kashi for Himalayas using the Hardwar route.

On their way, they saw the Lord but he escaped from their sight. Dharamaraj of the Pandavas knew that the Lord was not giving them his darshan because they have sinned. He announced that their sins will only atoned only when they seek out the Lord and take his blessings. Dharamaraj named the place where Lord Shiva was hiding as Guptakashi and announced that the future generations will regard and revere the place as a holy shrine. The Lord was later recognized in the form of Nandi by the Pandavas.

About the Temple

The main temple at Guptakashi is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Vishwanath or Ruler of the Universe. The temple is built in stone and has a high structure over the main sanctum. The sloping roof is in sync with the historic architectural style of the region. The entrance of the temple has two guards cast in stone and an image of Shiva in the Bhairava form. There are many lotuses cast on the exterior walls.

A smaller temple built in memory of Ardhnarishwara is situated to the left of the main shrine. At the entrance of this temple is a statue of Nandi made in metal and facing the Lord and offering respects.

Guptakashi is also famous for an unusually large number of Lingams, a typical symbol of Shiva, spread across the region. The deity of the Lord is shifted to a smaller temple in Ukhimath located nearby during the chilling winter when the original place becomes largely inaccessible. The priests too stay here to ensure that the religious rituals continue uninterrupted round the year.

Other Places of Attraction in Guptakashi

Other key places of attraction in Guptakashi include the Manikarnik Kund, where the streams of rivers Ganga and Yamuna congregates. A stupa constructed very close to the winter destination of the Lord at Nala also attracts large number of people round the year. The Triyuginarayan Temple devoted to Lord Shiva is another important religious place near the town. Devotees visit here to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Guptakashi is during the months from October to February. Although winters can be extremely cold, the place remains extremely pleasant. Summers are moderately hot but over the past few years it rains very heavily in this region.

How to Reach

By Road

Guptakashi is just 45 km from Rudraprayag and around 80 km from Srinagar. There are state transport, private buses and cars available to take you to Guptakashi from these places.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station located approximately 186 km from the main place of Guptakashi. Haridwar railway station is 206 km away.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest domestic airport from Guptakashi. It is in Dehradun and about 198 km from the town.

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