Surkanda Devi Temple Tehri Garhwal
CategoriesTemples By garhwalitraveller

Surkanda Devi Temple – A Spiritual Abode in the Himalayas

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, lies the revered Surkanda Devi Temple. This ancient temple, perched atop a hill at an altitude of 2,750 meters, holds immense significance for Hindus and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas.

Brief overview of Surkanda Devi Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Sati, Surkanda Devi Temple is one of the Shakti Piths, believed to be the place where various body parts of Sati fell after her self-immolation. The temple exudes a serene atmosphere, attracting pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty.

Significance in Hindu mythology

According to legend, Sati’s head fell at where the temple now stands, making it a revered pilgrimage site. Devotees believe that seeking blessings here brings peace, and prosperity, and fulfils desires.

Location and accessibility

The temple is located approximately 8 km from Dhanaulti on the Mussoorie-Chamba road. While a motorable road reaches Kadu Khal, the last 2.5 km to the temple involves a steep trek through dense forests. Alternatively, a rope way service recently started offers a convenient option to reach the temple.

History and Legends

Legends and stories associated with the deity:

Legends abound surrounding the temple’s significance. The most prominent one is the association with Sati’s head falling here. Additionally, some local stories might be available upon visiting the temple or talking to local guides.

Historical significance and patronage:

While specific historical records regarding the temple’s construction or patronage are limited, its significance can be traced back to the legend of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. It is believed that after Sati’s self-immolation, her head fell at the site where the temple now stands, making it a revered Shakti Peeth.

The temple’s elevation and scenic beauty have likely attracted devotees and patrons for centuries, fostering its spiritual significance. The annual Ganga Dussehra festival, celebrated between May and June, is a testament to the temple’s enduring appeal and continued patronage.

Significance of the temple’s location:

The temple’s location atop a hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, including Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chandrabadni, Pratapnagar, and Chakrata. This scenic beauty adds to the spiritual significance of the temple.

Religious Significance

Deity worshipped and significance:

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati, revered as a powerful manifestation of the divine feminine. Worshipping her is believed to bring blessings, fulfil desires, and grant peace.

Rituals and practices:

Specific details about rituals or practices at the temple are not available on the official Uttarakhand Tourism website. euttaranchal.com also doesn’t mention any specific rituals.

Festivals and celebrations:

The Ganga Dussehra festival, celebrated between May and June, attracts a large number of pilgrims to the temple.

Tourist Experience

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Surkanda Devi Temple is between March and June and September to November when the weather is pleasant. Winters can be harsh with snowfall, making the trek challenging.

How to reach the temple:

Travelers can reach Dhanaulti by road and then take a taxi or local transport to Kadu Khal. From there, a 2.5 km trek or the ropeway service leads to the temple.

Accommodations and facilities nearby:

Dhanaulti offers a variety of hotels and guesthouses for accommodation. Basic amenities like restrooms and refreshments might be available near the temple entrance.

Things to do in the area:

Surkanda Devi Temple offers a serene escape amidst nature. Tourists can enjoy the panoramic views, explore the surrounding forests, or visit nearby attractions like Dhanaulti and Mussoorie.

Uma Devi Temple Karnaprayag Chamoli
CategoriesTemples By garhwalitraveller

Uma Devi Temple Karnaprayag – A Beacon of Spirituality

Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, at the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers, lies the revered Uma Devi Temple in Karnaprayag. This ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Parvati, or Gauri, the daughter of the Himalayas, is a major draw for pilgrims and a cornerstone of Karnaprayag’s spiritual significance.  

A Self-Manifested Deity and Rich History

The temple enshrines a “Swayambhu” idol of Uma Devi, meaning self-manifested. Legends claim that a Dimri Brahmin discovered the idol in a dream and subsequently consecrated it at the confluence. The exact date of the temple’s origin remains shrouded in mystery, with some attributing its establishment to Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, while local lore suggests the idol predates even him.

Abode of Shakti and Second Most Revered Shrine (Source: eUttaranchal – Travel guide for Uma Devi Mandir)

Uma Devi Temple is hailed as the second most revered Hindu shrine in Karnaprayag. Many consider it a Shaktipeeth, a sacred site associated with the divine feminine energy. Devotees from all walks of life come to seek blessings from the goddess, believing her to be a powerful source of strength, prosperity, and spiritual awakening.

Unique Traditions and Festivals

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Uma Devi Temple is the unique tradition associated with the idol. Every six months, the idol is taken on a ceremonial procession to visit nearby villages, reflecting the belief that Uma Devi visits her “maayka” (maternal home). This custom adds a layer of cultural richness to the temple’s significance.

A Spiritual Haven on the Char Dham Yatra

Located on the route to the holy shrine of Badrinath, the Uma Devi Temple holds a special place for pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage to four revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. A visit to this temple allows them to seek blessings and experience the serene beauty of the Himalayas and the confluence of the rivers.  

In Conclusion

The Uma Devi Temple in Karnaprayag is more than just a place of worship; it’s a testament to faith, tradition, and the enduring power of spirituality. Its captivating location, rich history, and unique customs make it a must-visit for anyone seeking a profound spiritual experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.

CategoriesTemples By garhwalitraveller

Kasar Devi Temple Almora

Kasar Devi temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Devi located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. This holy temple is located at an altitude of 2116 meters above sea level. This temple was constructed in the 2nd century on a hill rock from where the whole Almora city is visible. The temple is 5 km downhill from Tarai Nagri and is surrounded by lofty pine and decor trees. The views from the temple are so pleasing and you feel calm and relaxed when you visit this temple. If you are planning to visit Almora then you must visit Kasar Devi Temple also. The surroundings of the temple are so calm and you will feel relaxed there. The temple campus is a perfect location for meditation. The temple is not so big but, the trust and importance of Hinduism are great.

Kasar Devi Temple Almora Photo

Image Source – eUttaranchal

The temple offers a pleasing view of the Almora city and Hawabagh valley. You can see the majestic panoramic 360-degree view of the great Himalayan range from Kasar Devi temple. In 1980s Swami Vivekananda came here and meditated in this temple. Every year from November to December the temple hosts a annual fair called Kasar Devi Mela or Kartik Poornima.

Location of Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi temple is located in Almora district of Uttarakhand(5Km downhill from Tarai Nagri Village)

Kasar Devi Temple is famous for?

Kasar Devi Temple is famous for the following activities – Devi Temple

Places to see in Almora

1 – Nanda Devi Temple

2 – Simtola

3 – Kalimat Almora

4 – Chitai Golu Devta Temple

5 – Jageshwar

6 – Kasar Devi Temple

7 – Bright End Corner Almora

8 – Martola

9 – Deer Park Almora

10 – Govind Ballabh Pant Public Museum

11 – Katarmal Sun Temple

12 – Lukhudiyar Rock Painting

There are plenty of other things to do in Almora like – cycling, adventure activities, village walking bird watching etc. So if you are planning to visit Almora and looking for a travel guide Almora contact us, we have local tour guides from Almora who are familiar with all the destinations and about Almora properly no one knows about. Email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us directly at 9997199841 with your requirements and tour plan, like date, number of peoples etc.

Hariyali Devi Temple
CategoriesTemples By garhwalitraveller

Hariyali Devi Temple Jasoli Village Rudraprayag

Hariyali Devi Temple is an ancient temple located in Jasoli Village which lies in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the 58 Siddhi Peeths of India. The temple is located in the Jasoli village which is at a distance of approx 25 Km from Nagrasu. It is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters from sea level. The route to this temple starts from the Nagrasu village of Rudraprayag which is approximately 25 Km from Nagrasu and the alternate route to reach Hariyali Devi Temple is from Gholtir village which is a nearby village of Nagrasu. You can choose any route to reach Hariyali Devi temple.

Hariyali Devi Temple contains an idol of the goddess devi on a lion’s back, along with idols of Kshatrapal and Heet Devi. It is believed that when Mahamaya was conceived as the 7th child of Devaki, Kansa threw her fiercely to the ground and her body was shattered into many parts, scattered across the world. The hand of Mahamaya is said to have fallen at Hariyali Kantha.

Hariyali Kantha is a mountain peak that is approximately 3 Km away from the Jasoli village, where the original temple of Hariyali Devi is located. Every year, a 2 days holy Yatra is organized during the Diwali festival.

See the beautiful aerial views of Jasoli Village and Hariyali Devi Temple

Hariyali Devi Temple(Jasoli Village) Rudraprayag

Mythology of Hariyali Devi

According to Hindu Mythology, when Mahamaya was born the 7th child of Devaki Mata and Vasudeva, Kansa tried to Kill Mahamaya by slamming her to the ground. As soon as Kansa threw Mahamaya devi on the ground, the pieces of her body were scattered all over the earth. It is believed that Mahamaya Devi’s hand fell in a village which is Jasoli village in the Dandakhal area of Rudraprayag district, hence this place is considered to be one of the 58 Siddhapeeths of India. Later Hariyali Devi temple was constructed in this village, the main temple is at the top of the hill.

Hariyali Devi Temple Overview

Religion –Hinduism

Location – Jasoli Village, Dandakhal, Rudraprayag

Dedicated to – Devi Mahamaya

District – Rudraprayag

State – Uttarakhand

Country – India

Best time to visit Hariyali Devi – During Diwali is the best time to visit Hariyali Devi temple and join the sacred Yatra to Hariyali Kantha

How to reach Hariyali Devi Temple

By Air – The nearest Airport to Hariyali Devi is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun from Dehradun you can take a helicopter to Gauchar and then the rest of the journey can be completed only via road route.

By Train – The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, but within a few years the Nearest railway station will be at Nagrasu After the completion of the Rishikesh – Karnaprayag railway line project, But for the time being, you can reach only up to Rishikesh railway station and rest of the journey can be completed only via road network.

By Road – Hariyali Devi temple is well-connected with the National Highway 7 and other state highways of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. You can take shared cabs from Rudraprayag to Jasoli, Hariyali Devi.

karna temple
Categorieslocal-destinations Temples By garhwalitraveller

Karna Temple Karanprayag – Uttarakhand

Karanprayag is famous for the ancient and historic place of Mahabharats, the karm Bhoomi of Karna. Karna temple is located on the holy junction of river alaknanda and Pinder. The temple is situated in the Karanprayag city of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is just 100 meters from the State Bank of India, Karanprayag branch (location – Krishna Palace). Karna temple is one of the best places to visit in Karanprayag.

Karna Temple in Karanprayag

The holy shrine is dedicated to a mythical character of Mahabharata, which was Karna. He is widely regarded as the most righteous and charitable of the Pandavas siblings. In order to please the Sun god, Karna meditated here at this holy place, from that time the place was named Karanprayag. Karanprayag is one of the five revered river confluences(Panch Prayag) in Uttarakhand. In Karnaprayag there is the confluence of River Alaknanda and Pinder, which is known as Karnaprayag Sangam. Where you can consider visiting.

Mytholody Behind Karna Temple

According to some popular beliefs, it is at this place Karna meditated to please the Sun God (father of Karna) and was granted the impregnable armour by the deity himself. Another legend saids that Karanprayag is the place where lord Krishna buried Karna after his tragic death in Mahabharats. When Arjuna fatally wounded Karna. Lord Krishna realized that the noble Karna is not dead as he was being protected by the Dharma Devi due to the innumerable charitable deeds he performed all in his life.

It was almost impossible to defeat and kill Karna when the goddess was protecting himself. Lord Krishna disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked Karna his good merits. The wounded Karna on his deathbed obliged and gave all his merits to the poor Brahmin. With no good merits with him any more, the goddess of righteousness just disappeared.

Lord Krishna nodded Arjuna to take the kill shot and before Karna eyes were closed forever. The Lord rewarded Karna with the view of his Vishwaroopam. In his dying breath, Karna asked Lord Krishna to bury him at a virgin land, which he obliged and cremated Karna at the holy land of Karanprayag.

CategoriesTemples By garhwalitraveller

Adi Badri Temple Chamoli

Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Adi Badri Temple is an ancient complex of 16 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Adi Badri village of Uttarakhand, India. The temples are believed to have been built in the 7th century AD and are considered one of the oldest Vishnu temples in India. Adi Badri is part of the famous Panch Badri of Uttarakhand. I personally visited this temple 2 times if you are looking for a travel guide to Adibadri temple then you can contact us, we are very familiar with this location and there is also an ancient fort of Garhwal kings nearby known as Chandpur Garhi. Chandpur Garhi was the ancient capital of the Garhwal kings.

History and Significance of Adi Badri Temple

Adi Badri Temple has a rich history and is believed to have been established during the reign of the Gupta dynasty. The temple complex was built on the banks of the Saraswati River, which has since changed its course. The complex was discovered in the early 19th century by British archaeologist Sir William Sleeman.

The temples are built in the North Indian style of architecture, with intricate carvings and sculptures of Lord Vishnu, his avatars, and other Hindu deities. The temple complex is said to be a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and holds immense religious and spiritual significance for the Hindus.

Adi Badri Temple Complete Travel Guide

This is a group of 16 temples en route to Ranikhet and close to the confluence of Karnaprayag. It’s about 19 km from Karnaprayag. The main temple is dedicated to Narayanan and has a raised platform in a pyramidal form. It is believed that these temples dating to the Gupta Age were sanctioned by Adi Shankaracharya. Approachable from Karnaprayag by a motorable road on the way to Ranikhet, are the remains of 16 small temples. Seven among them are ancient ones, belonging to the late Gupta period.

The Legend of Adi Badri Temple

According to legend, the Adi Badri Temple complex was established by Adi Shankaracharya, a great philosopher, and theologian of the 8th century AD. He is said to have discovered the 16 idols of Lord Vishnu that were worshipped by the locals and built a temple around them. The idols are believed to be the original ones, and the temple complex was later renovated and expanded by the kings of the Chand dynasty.

The Architecture of Adi Badri Temple

The temple complex is spread over a vast area and comprises 16 temples, each dedicated to a different avatar of Lord Vishnu. The main temple, known as the Narayan temple, is the largest and most impressive of them all. The temple is built on a raised platform and has a mandapa (hall) and a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha).

The mandapa is supported by beautifully carved pillars, and the walls are adorned with sculptures of Hindu deities. The sanctum sanctorum houses a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in a reclining posture, known as Sheshshayi Vishnu.

Visiting Adi Badri Temple

Adi Badri Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Indian architecture, history, and spirituality. The temple complex is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is no entry fee. The best time to visit the temple is during the months of March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the region is at its natural best.

There are several budget-friendly hotels and lodges available near the temple complex for those who wish to stay overnight. Some of the popular options include Hotel Royal Palace and Hotel Yashoda River Resort.

History of Adi Badri

Adi Badri is the remains of 16 small temples. Seven among them are ancient ones, belonging to the late Gupta period. Adi Badri is on its way to Ranikhet from Karnaprayag by a motorable road. It is said that Adi Guru Shankaracharya built these temples. The main temple belongs to Lord Vishnu and it is distinguished by a raised platform in the pyramidal form where the idol is enshrined. Sculpted out of black stone, the idol of Lord Vishnu is a meter high.

Adi Badri is located 3 kilometers (1.9 mi) from Chandpur Fort or Garhi located on the hilltop, which was built by the Gorkha kings to fight the British. Adi Badri is an hour’s drive from Karnaprayag and closes to Chulakot on the way to Ranikhet. On shifting of Badrinath (also known as Raj Badri) to Bhavishya Badri, Adi Badri will be called the Yog Badri.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adi Badri

Where is Adi Badri Temple?

Adi Badri temple is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in the Garhwal region.

What is the Adi Badri temple?

Adi Badri temple is a complex of 16 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the Adi Badri village in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temples were built in the 7th century AD and are believed to be one of the oldest Vishnu temples in India.

What is the significance of Adi Badri temple?

Adi Badri temple is considered a significant pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The temples are believed to be a part of the famous Char Dham Yatra and are said to have immense religious and spiritual significance.

What is the best time to visit Adi Badri temple?

The best time to visit Adi Badri temple is between the months of March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the region is at its natural best.

How to reach Adi Badri temple?

Adi Badri temple is located about 17 km from the town of Karnaprayag and can be easily reached by road. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is about 189 km from the temple.

Is there any accommodation available near Adi Badri temple?

Yes, there are several budget-friendly hotels and lodges available near Adi Badri temple. Some of the popular options include Hotel Royal Palace and Hotel Yashoda River Resort.

Are there any festivals celebrated at Adi Badri temple?

Yes, the temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Janmashtami, Holi, and Diwali. These festivals attract many devotees from all over the country.

Is there any entry fee for visiting Adi Badri temple?

No, there is no entry fee for visiting Adi Badri temple. However, there may be some nominal charges for parking and other facilities.

CategoriesTemples Top-Destinations Treks By garhwalitraveller

Activities to do in Kartik Swami – Travel Guide

Activities to do in Kartik Swami

As you all know that Kartikswami is famous for the Lord Kartikey temple but there is a lot more to do when you visit there. The following activities you can enjoy while traveling to Kartikswami.

Trekking: Kartikswami is 3 Km far away from the road. We can reach easily thereby trekking the route in about an hour. There are reddish forests of Buransh all over the route, which makes the journey more beautiful. There are many scenes in between the trek to view the other far villages and the Himalayan Range.

trekking in kartikswami


Camping: In Kartikswami there are many places for camping, you can enjoy camping with your family and friends. So come here once and spend some quality time in the lap of nature. The views of Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth and Dronagiri Parvat(Peak) can be seen from Kartikswami.

camping in kartikswami


Bird Watching: Kartikswami is a paradise for birdwatchers. As there are more than 150 plus bird species found here which includes Golden eagle, Steppe eagle, Black eagle, Bearded Vulture, Himalayan Snowcock and the Himalayan Monal is also seen here. There are many more species of birds found here.

Village Tourism: For village tourism, Kanakchauri is the base starting point of the Kartikswami trek you can also enjoy there.


Travel Tips Kartik Swami

  • The best time to visit or travel to Kartikswami is from the month of October to June. At that time the weather becomes awesome and you can enjoy the 360-degree view of snow-covered Himalayan Ranges during the months of October and November.

  • There are no many places to stay, you can stay in the Ashrams of the Kartikswami and the second option for stay is Kanakchauri Village where Mayadeep Holiday Home and 2 more residences. You can also stay in the nearest towns like Karanprayag where Krishna Palace and many more hotels are there.

  • If possible don’t miss the beautiful sunset from Kartikswami. It feels so good and peaceful.

Where to Stay in Kartik Swami

Kanakchauri is the only village near Kartikswami after the Ashrams where you can stay. Mayadeep Holiday Home is the newly build eco-lodge in Kanakchauri which is built from the bamboos. It provides Bamboo huts with all the needed facilities for the tourists who stay here. From here you can enjoy the view of Garhwal Village life and Culture.

If you stay in the Aashram which is managed by the priests of Kartikswami, you have to carry the basic food items like flour, tea, rice, and some other you want to carry along with you. You can also stay in the nearest town which is Karanprayag and then Gauchar but Karanprayag is less far from here so we recommend staying in Karanprayag.

CategoriesTop-Destinations Temples Treks By garhwalitraveller

Kartik Swami Temple Travel Guide

Kartik Swami Temple History

The old legends said that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartik one of them will get married first whoever comes first after taking the whole round of the earth(Universe). Lord Kartik Started his journey but Ganesh showed his intelligence and they rounded off around his mother Parvati and Father Shiva by saying that father and mother are the whole universes and I have completed the round.

Shiva was impressed by the intelligence of his son Ganesh and gave the privilege to be worshipped first. After completing the whole round of the Universe when Lord Kartik returns they get angry, lord Shiva tells all the story and says that talk to your mother because she has given advice to Ganesh that father and mother are the Universe for all.

Parvati gave him the knowledge before and not to you. After that Lord Kartik gave the flesh(skin) to the mother Parvati and bones to his father Shiva. In the Kartik Swami temple, bones of Lord Kartikeya(Kartik) are shown in an idol. So this was the complete story of Kartik Swami. Let’s know more about the holy Kartikswami temple.

About Lord Kartikey

Kartik Swami, is also known as the lord of War and Victory. They are also known as Morgan(Murugan) Swami(In Tamil Nadu) and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, they are known as Subramanya and Kartikeya in the Bengal region.

Lord Kartik is also known as Lord Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, Subramanya, Kartikeyan, Karthik, Kartik in various regions of India and in the world. Kartikeya is particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India and also in other countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bangkok. Malaysia as Morgan God.

Kartik Swami Temple in Rudraprayag

The Kartik Swami Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, at 3050 meters from sea level, and is located on a marble-type rock that is naturally built. From the temple, you can see a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Range(Himalayas). This place offers both views of snow peaks and the lower Himalayas.

Kartik Swami Temple Location and How to Reach

Kartikswami temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, who was Lord Kartik. Kartik Swami is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. The trek to Kartikswami starts from Kanakchauri Village and offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas(snow peaks and lower Himalayas).

Start your journey from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, then to Kartikswami.

Read the complete guide on how to reach Kartik Swami Temple.

Places to See in Kartik Swami

There are not many more places to see in Kartik Swami, but there is 1 tourist spot in Kartik Swami where travelers and visitors can spend their time and enjoy there. Here you will find the list of places of all Kartik Swami sightseeing options which you must visit. Explore the hidden Gems of Kartik Swami through this well-researched list, and learn about the most happening places, there are many picnic places and Ashrams where you can enjoy your time.

Kanakchauri

Kanakchauri is a small village located on the Karanprayag – Pokhari road, which is approximately 41.8 Km away. The distance will be covered approximately within 1 hour and 30 to 35 minutes. Kanakchauri is the starting point for the trek to Kartik Swami Temple. If you are planning to visit Kartik Swami then there are some best hotels in Kanakchauri where you can stay at budget prices.

Kartik Swami Overview

  • Best time to visit Kartik Swami – January, February, March, April, May June, October, November and December
  • Journey Starts from – Kanakchauri Village
  • Trek Distance – 3 Km
  • Trek Grade –  Easy for Pahadi and Medium for Others
  • Trek Duration – Same day
  • Altitude Range – 3050 meters
  • Location – Rudraprayag(Garhwal)
  • Recommended Stay – 1 day at least
  • Railway Station Nearest – Rishikesh(175Km)
  • Nearest Airport – Gauchar(40 Km), Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun(222 Km)
  • Famous for – Kartikswami Temple, Trekking, Nature Beauty, Bird Watching, Sunset, Sunrise, Himalayan Views.