Uttarkashi with a population of 329,686 (according to 2011 census) is located 1158 meters of altitude.Uttarkashi is a beautiful holy place in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, located on the banks of river Bhagirathi. It is the administrative headquarter of the Utarkashi district. Uttarkashi name is made up of two words Uttar and Kashi; Uttar means north and Kashi is a holy place for hindus; the name ‘Uttarkashi’ reveals the location of the town and it’s similarity with Kashi; Uttarkashi is located on the north of the Kashi hence such name that means ‘north of Kashi’. Both Varanasi(Kashi) and Uttarakashi are situated on the banks of the Ganga (Bhagirathi). Uttarkashi lies between rivers varuna (Syalam Gad) and Asi (Kaligad). Varanasi also lies between Varuna and Asi rivers. Uttarkashi and Varanashi both have holy Ghat by the same name, known as manikarnika Ghat. The main temples of both the places are dedicated to lord Vishwanath that is Lord Shiva. The Vishwanath Temple is the main and popular temple of Uttarkashi.
Uttarkashi is connected with Himachal on the north, Tibet on the North east, Chamoli on the east, Rudraprayag on the south east, Dehradun on the east and Tehri on south. Uttarkashi district is bordered by the range of snow clad peaks of the Himalayan range on the northern side.
According to a legend, Uttarkashi is the same place where the great sage Jada Bharatha repented. The destination also finds mention in the Kedar Khand of the Hindu religious text Skanda Purana.
The Manikarnika Temple is a favourite destination for devotees during the month of 'Shravan' (monsoon) who flock there from all parts of the country to seek blessings of the presiding deity.
Uttarkashi Town has 32 temples at present. Every year on the occasion of ''Magh Mela'' (January 14), people from far and near visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local deities.
History of UttarKashi:-
The holy town of Uttarkashi is located on the banks of the Ganga River and is at a distance of 145 km from Rishikesh. This place is located in proximity to the popular religious destinations, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This region is primarily inhabited by the Uttara Kurus, Khasas, Kiratas, Kunindas, Tanganas, and Pratanganas tribes.
Uttarkashi District is from the time of Mahabharata and finds its mention in Upayana Parva a chapter of Mahabharata. It is believed that a sage named Jada Bharat did penances here. Uttarkashi earlier known as Bharahat, Bharahat name came from Trishul which represented Bharah Shakti or 12 powers.
History also states that Uttrakashi was a part of Garhwal which was under Gharwal dynasty carrying the sirname Pal which was replaced to Shah by Bahlul Lodi (Sultan of Delhi) somewhere around 15th century. Later around 1803 Nepali Gorkhas entered Garhwal and It was in April 1815 when Gorkhas were drived out by Britishers and they divided the Garhwal into two parts known as Eastern Garhwal and western Garhwal.It was after Independence only, In 1960 when Uttarkashi was made an independent district.
Vishwanath Temple:-
The place is well known for Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.This famous temple is just 300 m away from the local bus stand of Uttarkashi. The temple houses Shiva's Great Trident which is made of eight metals. This temple was renovated by Maharani Khaneti, wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857. The temple has a Shivling (60 cm. high and 90 Cm. Circumference). People from all over India
do also visit the Vishvanath temple during their visits to Uttarkashi ,Gangotri and Yamunotri. People come from far away places to see the holy trident as it is said that with this trident Vakasur was killed by Lord Shiva.
Shakti Temple:-
Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big 'Trishul' of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there are different views about the making
of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.
Other Temples in Uttarkashi:-
Hanuman Temple, Sakhsi Gopal Temple, Markandey Rishi Temple, Dundiraj temple, Ganesh temple, Gopeshwar Mahadev temple, Gopal temple, Koteshwar Mahadev temple, Ma Kali temple, Sitaram Temple, Kedareshwar Mahadev temple, Jaipur Temple, Ganga Temple, Varneshwar Mahadev Temple, Gyanwapishwar Mahadev temple, Kali Mandir, Kaleshwar Mahadev ,Gangoti temple, Pundeer Nag Temple, Kandar Devta, Bhairav temple, Annapurna temple, Dattatreya temple, Parasuram temple, Ma Mahishasur Mardini temple, Onkareshwar temple, Durga Devi Temple, Lakheshwar temple.
Site Seeing places:-
Dayara Bugyal:-
Bugyal or a "high altitude meadow" at an altitude of 3048 metres affords awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas. There is also a small lake here. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari,
28 kms from Uttarkashi on Gangotri road. Vehicles can go up to Barsu village, from where one has to trek for 8 kms.
Dodi Tal:-
The beautiful lake in the lap of high mountains, surrounded by tall majestic oak, deodar and rhododendron trees is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. The lake full of rare fishes like the
Himalayan Golden Trouts, locally called as "Dodis" is an angler's delight. The trek for Dodi Tal starts from Kalyani, which is connected by road.
Harsil:-
The enchanting spot on the way to Gangotri is noted for its natural beauty and delicious apples.Sat Tal: Sat Tal or 'seven lakes', a group of lakes amidst scenic surroundings is located just above
Dharali, 2 kms beyond Harsil.e approximately 150 varieties of birds in the park. Cuckoos, minivets, parakeets can be easily spotted. The animals consist mainly of Himalayan wildlife.
Gangnani:-
The place is notable for its thermal springs and the views of Himalayas it offers. It lies on route to Gangnani. It is an ideal place to meditate because of the quietness that prevails here. The spring here
called Rishikund offers a refreshing bath to the pilgrims going to Gangotri. Closeby is a temple dedicated to sage Parasara, father of Veda Vyas.
Maneri:-
Thirteen kilometres from Uttarkashi is this beautiful place called Maneri. The place has lately emerged as a tourist attraction because of a dam being built here on Bhagirathi river. The water from here is fed through a 8 km long tunnel to turbines at Uttarkashi. A lake is formed because of the dam at Maneri which has added to the beauty of the place.
Nachiketa Tal:-
The beautiful lake can be reached via Chaurangi-Khal (29 kms) from where one has to trek for 3 kms
A small temple is located on the banks of the lake.
Har Ki Doon:-
A famous trekking destination, Har Ki Doon is located at an altitude of 3506 metres. The place is known for its popular treks, it offers its trekkers a reasonable trek among dense forests and a mountainous landscape.
Dayara Bugyal:-
The word Bugyal according to a local language means high altitude meadow. On route to Gangotri, a road branches off near Bhatwari, which will take you to Dayara Bugyal. The distance from Uttarkashi to Dayara Bugyal is 32 kms. You can go by a vehicle till village Barsu, from there a three km trek will take you to Dayara . Once there you will be simply enchanted by the beauty of this large meadow. A small lake, beautiful views of Himalayas, all these make the place memorable. A 30 km trek through dense forest from here will take you to Dodi tal.
Climate in Uttarkashi:-
The climate in Uttarkashi is pleasant during most of the year, moderate in summers with a temperature variation of 15°C (min) to 30°C (max), Cold in winters with a temperature variation between 24°C (max) to 0°C (min). Monsoon is blessed with heavy rains here.
Uttarkashi offers each and every thing associated with nature like mountains, dense forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, Himalayas, green meadows etc. With all these nature’s vistas a tourist gets easily captivated and falls in love with the green earth. Only a poetic heart can best understand the beauteousness of Uttarkashi district. The place holds something for everyone it is a writer’s inspiration, a nature lover’s home, a stress buster for city dwellers, a trekker’s paradise and a pilgrim’s destination.
Route:-
Air :-Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 162 km.
Rail : Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, 145 km.
Road : Uttarkashi is well connected by motor able road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns of the state and region.
According to a legend, Uttarkashi is the same place where the great sage Jada Bharatha repented. The destination also finds mention in the Kedar Khand of the Hindu religious text Skanda Purana.
The Manikarnika Temple is a favourite destination for devotees during the month of 'Shravan' (monsoon) who flock there from all parts of the country to seek blessings of the presiding deity.
Uttarkashi Town has 32 temples at present. Every year on the occasion of ''Magh Mela'' (January 14), people from far and near visit Uttarkashi to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi along with the idol of their local deities.
History of UttarKashi:-
The holy town of Uttarkashi is located on the banks of the Ganga River and is at a distance of 145 km from Rishikesh. This place is located in proximity to the popular religious destinations, Gangotri and Yamunotri. This region is primarily inhabited by the Uttara Kurus, Khasas, Kiratas, Kunindas, Tanganas, and Pratanganas tribes.
Uttarkashi District is from the time of Mahabharata and finds its mention in Upayana Parva a chapter of Mahabharata. It is believed that a sage named Jada Bharat did penances here. Uttarkashi earlier known as Bharahat, Bharahat name came from Trishul which represented Bharah Shakti or 12 powers.History also states that Uttrakashi was a part of Garhwal which was under Gharwal dynasty carrying the sirname Pal which was replaced to Shah by Bahlul Lodi (Sultan of Delhi) somewhere around 15th century. Later around 1803 Nepali Gorkhas entered Garhwal and It was in April 1815 when Gorkhas were drived out by Britishers and they divided the Garhwal into two parts known as Eastern Garhwal and western Garhwal.It was after Independence only, In 1960 when Uttarkashi was made an independent district.
Vishwanath Temple:-
The place is well known for Vishwanath temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.This famous temple is just 300 m away from the local bus stand of Uttarkashi. The temple houses Shiva's Great Trident which is made of eight metals. This temple was renovated by Maharani Khaneti, wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857. The temple has a Shivling (60 cm. high and 90 Cm. Circumference). People from all over India
Shakti Temple:-
Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple. It has a big 'Trishul' of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom. Though there are different views about the making
of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper. As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti), hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.
Other Temples in Uttarkashi:-
Hanuman Temple, Sakhsi Gopal Temple, Markandey Rishi Temple, Dundiraj temple, Ganesh temple, Gopeshwar Mahadev temple, Gopal temple, Koteshwar Mahadev temple, Ma Kali temple, Sitaram Temple, Kedareshwar Mahadev temple, Jaipur Temple, Ganga Temple, Varneshwar Mahadev Temple, Gyanwapishwar Mahadev temple, Kali Mandir, Kaleshwar Mahadev ,Gangoti temple, Pundeer Nag Temple, Kandar Devta, Bhairav temple, Annapurna temple, Dattatreya temple, Parasuram temple, Ma Mahishasur Mardini temple, Onkareshwar temple, Durga Devi Temple, Lakheshwar temple.
Site Seeing places:-
Dayara Bugyal:-
Bugyal or a "high altitude meadow" at an altitude of 3048 metres affords awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas. There is also a small lake here. The road to Dayara Bugyal branches off near Bhatwari,
28 kms from Uttarkashi on Gangotri road. Vehicles can go up to Barsu village, from where one has to trek for 8 kms.
Dodi Tal:-
The beautiful lake in the lap of high mountains, surrounded by tall majestic oak, deodar and rhododendron trees is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. The lake full of rare fishes like the
Himalayan Golden Trouts, locally called as "Dodis" is an angler's delight. The trek for Dodi Tal starts from Kalyani, which is connected by road.
Harsil:-The enchanting spot on the way to Gangotri is noted for its natural beauty and delicious apples.Sat Tal: Sat Tal or 'seven lakes', a group of lakes amidst scenic surroundings is located just above
Dharali, 2 kms beyond Harsil.e approximately 150 varieties of birds in the park. Cuckoos, minivets, parakeets can be easily spotted. The animals consist mainly of Himalayan wildlife.
Gangnani:-The place is notable for its thermal springs and the views of Himalayas it offers. It lies on route to Gangnani. It is an ideal place to meditate because of the quietness that prevails here. The spring here
called Rishikund offers a refreshing bath to the pilgrims going to Gangotri. Closeby is a temple dedicated to sage Parasara, father of Veda Vyas.
Thirteen kilometres from Uttarkashi is this beautiful place called Maneri. The place has lately emerged as a tourist attraction because of a dam being built here on Bhagirathi river. The water from here is fed through a 8 km long tunnel to turbines at Uttarkashi. A lake is formed because of the dam at Maneri which has added to the beauty of the place.
Nachiketa Tal:-
The beautiful lake can be reached via Chaurangi-Khal (29 kms) from where one has to trek for 3 kms
A small temple is located on the banks of the lake.
Har Ki Doon:-
A famous trekking destination, Har Ki Doon is located at an altitude of 3506 metres. The place is known for its popular treks, it offers its trekkers a reasonable trek among dense forests and a mountainous landscape.
Dayara Bugyal:-
The word Bugyal according to a local language means high altitude meadow. On route to Gangotri, a road branches off near Bhatwari, which will take you to Dayara Bugyal. The distance from Uttarkashi to Dayara Bugyal is 32 kms. You can go by a vehicle till village Barsu, from there a three km trek will take you to Dayara . Once there you will be simply enchanted by the beauty of this large meadow. A small lake, beautiful views of Himalayas, all these make the place memorable. A 30 km trek through dense forest from here will take you to Dodi tal.
Climate in Uttarkashi:-
The climate in Uttarkashi is pleasant during most of the year, moderate in summers with a temperature variation of 15°C (min) to 30°C (max), Cold in winters with a temperature variation between 24°C (max) to 0°C (min). Monsoon is blessed with heavy rains here.
Uttarkashi offers each and every thing associated with nature like mountains, dense forests, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, Himalayas, green meadows etc. With all these nature’s vistas a tourist gets easily captivated and falls in love with the green earth. Only a poetic heart can best understand the beauteousness of Uttarkashi district. The place holds something for everyone it is a writer’s inspiration, a nature lover’s home, a stress buster for city dwellers, a trekker’s paradise and a pilgrim’s destination.
Route:-
Air :-Nearest airport is Jollygrant, 162 km.
Rail : Nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, 145 km.
Road : Uttarkashi is well connected by motor able road to Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major towns of the state and region.
Nice blog well written about the temples and places to visit along with Tal's in the Uttrakashi.
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