Guptkashi is a quaint town in India’s Uttarakhand state, sitting pretty among the Garhwal Himalayan Range. The city has historical temples, along with monuments depicting its economic heritage, making it rich culturally and naturally. Guided by the crystal clear rivers Ganga and Mandakini, it is located at an elevation of 1319 meters. Apart from the many old temples waiting to be explored, Guptkashi promises stunning views and unforgettable landscapes.
Vishwanath Temple
Located in Guptakashi is the temple of Vishwanath, where Lord Shiva is worshipped. Like many temples built in the name of Lord Shiva, Vishwanath temple too is constructed on the lines of Kashi Vishwanath temple. Like several other places of worship, devotees are to be filled with miracles.
Ardhnareshwar Temple
If you are at the Vishwanath Temple, then it will only take a few minutes of travel to reach Ardhnareshwar Temple, which is very prominent in Guptkashi. Unlike many other shrines, this one contains Lord Shiva in a transcendental form. This is split in his masculine and feminine forms in one single idol. This is a complete spiritual neutrality, and, it is a phenomenon that attracts many visitors seeking spirituality.
Manikarnika Kund
The pond is Manikarnika Kund a geo-protected water body placed within the temple’s premises. This sacred pond is where two streams, serving the functions of Ganges and Yamuna, meet. The pond has this soothing and relaxing ambiance and it is an exceptional place to meditate and pray.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Around 42 kilometers from Guptkashi lies the Triyuginarayan temple. This temple complex is famous for being the place where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. The tale of those who have visited the temple is that the fire that burns eternally in front of the temple bore witness to this heavenly fusion. The splendid surroundings of the temple make it an attraction of its own.
Deoria Tal Lake
Mastura, a village famous for hosting the breathtaking Deoria Tal Lake, is ideal for family picnics along with photography, hiking, or bird watching. The village sits on the head of a lake which is encircled by clear crystal waters and mighty mountains and it rests at a distance of 3 kilometers.
Gaurikund
Approximately 34 km from Guptkashi is Gaurikund which acts as the base for the trek to Kedarnath. It is famously believed that Goddess Parvati sat here and meditated to impress Lord Shiva. The region has an array of natural hot springs which have drawn many pilgrims and tourists.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath is located about 15 km from Guptkashi. It serves as the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. During winters, when snow blocks the temples, Ukhimath becomes the place where these deities are worshipped and idolized. This town also gives a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding it.
Kalimath
Kalimath, which is located 20 km from Guptkashi, is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths located in India. The temple built in the name of Goddess Kali lies almost adjacent to the calm waters of the River Saraswati, making it a perfect location for the worshippers of the goddess.
Narayan Koti Temple
This temple is visitable to the residents of the Lakshmi Narayana, and the Mahabharata’s Pandava family. It is a great site for history enthusiasts and deeply spiritual individuals.
Chaukhamba View Point
Nature lovers will marvel at the breathtaking sight of the Chaukhamba massif with the Mandakini Valley from the Chaukhamba viewpoint. Photographers will enjoy this site, particularly during the sunrise and sunset hours when the mountain tops glow with golden color.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The ideal times would be April to June as those months have the most favorable climate. July to September has high threats of heavy rains and earthquakes so that time should be avoided.
Guptkashi is accessible by all important cities by road, such as Rishikesh and Haridwar. The closest train station is Rishikesh which is 178km away. The nearest airport to Guptkashi is Dehradun Jolly Grant Airport which is 205km away. From any of these places, Guptkashi can be reached by the available buses and taxis.
Yes, Guptkashi does have some amenities like lodges, guesthouses, and hotels that reasonably cater to guests with different financial capabilities. It is best to make arrangements before coming during the time of pilgrimage because these periods can be inconvenient.
There is no requirement for a guide, but it could enhance your experience because a guide should have background information about the place’s culture and history. This is especially beneficial for rural treks where safety can be an issue for those who are traveling alone.
Many custom festivals of Guptkashi are celebrated with utmost glory and unbounded excitement. Mahashivaratri is one of the most celebrated and important festivals of the region. It is a significant day when a lot of Christian admirers are present to celebrate the birth of Lord Siva.
