Gopinath Mandir is a Hindu temple situated in Gopeshwar village Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, India. This temple is located on the route between Kedarnath and Badrinath. The temple is 10 km away from Chamboli.

It is believed that the Trident, which is thrown by Lord Shiva got fixed in this place. It is made from 8 different metals, which is not weathered from many years. This is famour as a wonder. It is believed that even a violent force can not move the divine trident. But if Lord Shiva’s honest devotee touches the trident, it creates a tremor in the trident. The temple contains murtis of Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman, Brahma, Ma Kali, Ma Sarswati and Garuda. The murtis of Bhairava and Narayana can be found on the walls of Gopinath temple. Kalpa Vriksha present in temple premises is very old. Outer courtyard of Gopinath temple consists of a number of the Shivlings. Gopinath Temple is the only Lord Shiva temple, where milk and water are not offered to Shivling, instead only the bail patri is offered.

History

Gopinath temple was built between 9th and 11th century, by Katyuri dynasty. Inscriptions present on trident shows that, this divine trident has been there since 12th century. It is believed that the Gopinath Mandir has been there since 13th century, during the reign of Nepal king Anekmalla.

Architecture

Gopinath temple has magnificent dome and sanctum sanctorum, which is 30 Sq. ft and it is accessible by 24 doors. Main sanctum contains a Swayambhu Shivlang., which is known as Gopinath. Also, Nandi can be found in the sanctum. 5m high trident, which is from the 12th century, is there in the courtyard of the GopinathTtemple. Four short inscriptions are written in Devnagari. Partially damaged idols in the temple premises, shows the existence of several other temples. The main temple is constructed in Nagara style. Gopinath temple has close resemblance with Mrityunjaya temple, Jageshwar.

Legend

Legend says that the divine trident belonged to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva threw the trident to kill Lord Kamadev, who is known as tha ‘God of Love’. Then that trident got fixed in this place.

Another legend has it that, when Shiva burned the Kamdev into ashes, then Rati, the wife of Kamdeva, meditated at Gopeshwar. Lord Shiva pleased with her devotion and appeared at Gopeshwar. Shiva gave her the boon that her husband will reappear.

Another legend is that, when Shiva was annihilating the Kshatriyas, then Parshuram’s trident broken into 3 parts while making the Shiva calm. The part of trident found in Gopinath temple.

Best Time to Visit

The best season to visit Gopinath temple is Summer, as the weather is pleasing and clear during that time. It is difficult to pass the tough track till the temple in monsoon. In winter route becomes more misty. So visiting a temple in summer is easier as compared to other season.

How to Reach

Air

Jolly Grant Airport, which is 258 kms from Gopeshwar, is the nearest airport. It is connected to Delhi airport with frequent flights.

Train

Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, which is 220 km away from Gopinath temple. Rishikesh is connected to all major cities in India. You can travel by bus or taxi from Rishikesh till Gopeshwar.

Road

The Gopeshwar village is 10 km away from the Chamoli and 212 kms from Rishikesh. Buses are available from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar. You can hire a taxi to reach the Gopeshwar village.

Festivals

The Mahashivratri is the important festival celebrated in Gopinath temple. Many devotees visit the temple on Mahashivratri.