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Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi – History, Facts, Rituals, Timings, Shivling Story & Travel Guide

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi Travel Guide

Eternal bliss and faith are found in the sacred sanctum of the Supreme Lord. One such holiest place is Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi which holds the importance equivalent to Shiva’s Kashi In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This divine place is a sacred place in Hindu mythology. To know more about this amazing divine Temple of Kashi Vishwanath, read this comprehensive travelogue by Travel Acharya.

Overview of Uttarkashi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in the holy town of Uttarkashi, or North Kashi, of Uttarakhand is the place owned by Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi is also called Saumya Kashi or Barahat, and its connectivity to Lord Shiva gives it the title “Shivnagari.”. Uttarkashi means Kashi in the North, whereas the actual meaning of Kashi means liberation from the circle of life and death. The temple is situated at an altitude of 1158 m above sea level on the Rishikesh-Gangotri route. It is located near the banks of the Bhagirathi, originating from the Gangotri Glacier. The temple lies between the Varuna and Assi river streams. The Vishwanath means the “Lord of the Worlds,” Shiva, Mahadev or Devon ke Dev (Lord of Lords), Lord Shiva. 

Introduction of Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

    The ancient temple was established by the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Parshuram, a disciple of Lord Shiva, who taught him to be a great warrior. Parshuram installed a 56 cm Shivling in this place, tilted towards the south. Maharani Khaneti, the Queen of Tehri (now Tehri district) and wife of Sudarshan Shah, later renovated the temple in 1857 A.D. 

Legend Behind Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

The history of Uttarkashi’s Vishwanath Temple is so unique that it will amaze you. The Shivling of Uttarkashi is self-manifested and established in Treta Yug by Sage Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, a disciple of Lord Shiva, and a true Brahman warrior.

  According to Hindu mythology, Lord Parshuram was born to Sage Jamadagni and Mata Renuka. They possessed a holy cow, Surabhi (daughter of Kamdhenu), who gave whatever they desired. Once the Kartavirya Sahasrarajrun, a Kshatriya King of the Haiyah dynasty, had an evil eye on the Surabhi and wanted to own it. While attempting to steal Surabhi’s cow, Sage Jamadagni confronted him.

However, Parshuram killed the king and his father. The Kartavirya’s sons seek revenge on their father’s demise with the associated Kshatriya kings. They killed Sage Jamadagni in the absence of Parshuram and destroyed ashrams. When Parshuram came to know about this incident, he was truly hurt, and he killed the king’s sons, destroying the Haiyah dynasty and the Kshatriya associates. But Parshuram’s anger was not calmed; he destroyed 21 Kshatriya clans and land. It is said that Parshuram performed rigorous penance in Uttarkashi and established the tilted Shivling. It is said Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple was the place where Parshuram’s anger was calmed. After this, he performed his ancestors’ Shraadh and the Ashwamedha and Vishwajit Yajna.

The other story revolves around this place: when the Kashi (presently Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh) is submerged in water, Lord Vishwanath shifts to the Uttarkashi.

Tilting of the Shivling 

A tale of Rishi Markandeya depicts the reason why the Shivling is tilted towards the south. According to the legend, Rishi Markandeya was born to Sage Mrikanda and wife Marudvati. They performed rigorous penance to get a boon of a child from Shiva. The Lord appeared and gave them the boon of a boy. Markandeya was born to the sage, but the condition was there that the son would live for only 12 years. Knowing the truth, Markandeya, at the age of 12, came to Uttarkashi Shivling and meditated on Lord Shiva’s name.

The Yamraj, Lord of Death, arrived to take his soul. Little Markandeya hugged the Shivling and recited the Mahamrityunjaya mantra. The Yamraj, in an attempt to take Markandeya with him, made the Shivling inclined towards the south. Lord Shiva appeared and blessed Markandeya with life and youthfulness. That is why the Shivling is called Dakshin Mukhi Shivling.

The legend behind Shakti Temple

The Shakti Temple is built opposite the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple where the giant trishul of 19.5 feet is stuck in the ground. It is believed that the trishul or trident is Goddess Durga. When she killed Mahishasur the Demon, Maa Durga took the form of Trident. The Trident is so strongly stuck to the ground that a heavy force cannot move it but the Trishul starts wobbling with a little finger if the devotee shows true belief and faith in Maa Durga. The existence of the Shakti Temple depicts that Shiva and Shakti(Goddess Parvati) are one. 

Architecture, Features and Rituals of Kashi Vishwanath Temple

The temple of Kashi Vishwanath in Uttarkashi is a structure of ancient style with intricate details of artistry work. The temple was constructed in Katyuri style during the Parmar dynasty ruling the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand in the 8th century.

Features of the  Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi:

  • The self-manifested Shivling is inclined to the south called as Dakshin Mukhi Shivling, made of black stone, silver-metalled Vasuki and a Trident.
  • The Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple is said to be a replica of the Varanasi Kashi temple due to its connectivity to Lord Shiva. The Varanasi Kashi Temple is among the 12 auspicious Jyotirlingas.
  • The temple is constructed similarly to traditional Hindu temples made of stone carvings, a Shikhar or conical dome on the top, and a square sanctum.
  • The idols of Mata Parvati, and Ganesh along with Nandi (the Lord Shiva’s bull) outside the temple sanctum. Also, the images of Sakshi Gopal and Rishi Markandeya are worshipped. 
  • In front of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Uttarkashi), the Shakti Temple has a 19.5-foot-high Trishul or Trident, reflecting the existence of Durga energy (the form of Shakti).
  • This 1500-year-old Trident holds the Indo-Tibetan inscriptions and the history of the Naga dynasty.

Rituals at the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple

The Priests at Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple perform various rituals maintaining the sanctity and traditions. These rituals must be performed with correct knowledge and intentions. The temple priests need to be intensely spiritual and experts in this aspect. The rituals performed here are:

Rituals Timings
Opening of Temple 3.00 a.m. – 4.00 a.m
Mangal Aarti 4.00 a.m. – 6.00 a.m.
Bhog Aarti 11.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m.
Evening Aarti 6.30 p.m.- 8.00 p.m.
Shringar Aarti 9.00 p.m. – 10.00 p.m.
Shayan Aarti and closing of the temple 10.30 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.

 

Darshan Timings: 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Activities while worshipping: 

  • Rudrabhishek- The bathing of Shivling with milk, water, honey, kachi lassi, curd, etc.
  • Chanting Vedic shiv mantras or “Om Namah Shivay” for self-enlightenment and peace.
  • Participate in aarti performed by priests
  • Offer flowers, Chandan, rice, sugar, honey or other things which can be offered to Shivling
  • Lit diyas, incense sticks or dhoop batti for spiritual indulgence 
  • Meditate on the name of Shiva
  • The arti is also performed near the banks of Bhagirathi, where the Kashi Vishwanath Temple(Uttarkashi) is located. Daily, priests chant Vedic mantras, devotees take holy dips, offer flowers, and float divas in Bhagirathi.

Lucky Days and Times at Uttarkashi’s Vishwanath Temple

The days and times that belong to Lord Shiva are considered lucky as the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple is connected to Lord Shiva. You can visit these days to seek an abundance from Shiv Shankar. These lucky days are given below:

  • Monday(Somvar): According to Hindu beliefs, visiting on Mondays or Somvar is auspicious as Lord Shiva is also called Someshwar.
  • Pradosh Kaal: The time when the sunsets, observed on the 13th day of the lunar cycle or Trayodashi is Pradosh Kaal considered a highly sacred time for Shiv Pujan.
  • Masik Shivratri: This is the Chaturdashi Tithi, which is celebrated at the Krishna Paksha of the lunar cycle, which falls every month in the Hindu Calendar. 
  • Nishita Kaal: Nishita Kaal is observed at midnight on Masik Shivratri. During this time, it is auspicious to worship Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Krishna.
  • Mahashivratri: Mahashivratri is Lord Shiva’s most honoured occasion, celebrated in February or March. It is said that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati were married on this day. 
  • Kartik Month: According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Kartik belongs to Lord Shiva. Worshipping on the Mondays of this month will please Lord Shiva and fulfil your wishes.

Important Holidays Celebrated at Uttarkashi’s Kashi Vishwanath temple

  • Holi: In this temple, the Holi is played with Bhasm(Ashes) and the loud Jaikaras of Har Har Mahadev purify the environment and soul. The people also put colours on each other and gave offerings to the Temple priest.
  • Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a festival marking the end of winter and welcoming the warm seasons. It marks the transitional shift of the Sun from the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (Dhanu Rashi) to Scorpio (Makar Rashi). On this day, the sun is worshipped, kites are flown, and offerings are given in the Vishwanath Temple.
  • Mahashivratri: The festival is celebrated either in February or March worldwide. The temple is decorated and thousands of devotees come to worship the sacred Shivling here. This Hindu festival holds deep importance in mythology as Lord Shiva and Parvati were married.
  • Parshuram Jayanti: The birthday of Sage Parshuram who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu with a Parshu (axe). The festival is celebrated by the temple through pooja honouring Sage Parshuram who established the Uttarkashi Vishwanath temple.
  • Akshaya Tritiya: The Akshaya Tritiya falls in the month of Vaishakh, mainly in April. It means nothing decreases whether it is luck, success or prosperity. This auspicious time is linked to Lord Krishna when Sudama, a poor friend of Krishna met him and Krishna gave Akshaya Patra to Pandavas so there was no scarcity of food during their exile. Also, it is said that Ganga came down to earth.
  • Magh Mela: It is a sacred pilgrimage fest once a year when Hindus worship take holy dips and perform rituals near the religious banks of the river. In the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple, the festival is celebrated with great joy, and devotees take holy dips in Bhagirathi.
  • Shravan: Shravan month in the Hindu Calendar is a time for sacred growth and seeking abundance from Lord Shiva. People worship and do fasts on Monday of this month for blessings and to fulfil their wishes.
  • Navratri: The nine divine nights of the nine different incarnations taken by Goddess Durga are called Navratri. When Navratri begins, the Shakti Temple is flooded with people worshipping Goddess Durga.
  • Diwali: The festival of lights is enthusiastically celebrated in the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is decorated with lights, flowers, and diyas. Devotees come here to seek blessings and offer sweets to Lord Shiva.

How to Reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi?

How to reach Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi?

By Road:

  • Direct buses are available from Delhi (Kashmere Gate) to Uttarkashi which you can easily check from UTC Online, RedBus.com and MakeMyTrip.
  • If direct buses are unavailable from Delhi to Uttarkashi, begin your journey from Rishikesh or Dehradun.
  • Many local buses are available for Uttarkashi. You can hire a car or taxi to Uttarkashi directly.

By Airways:

From major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc., you can take a flight to Jauligrant or Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Take a cab or taxi from the airport to Uttarkashi.

  However, there are two more regional airports such as Maa Ganga Airport and Bharkot Airport. Unlike Jolly Grant Airport, these airports are limited and not frequently available. They are not fully functional and well-connected by roads but they may develop their services in the coming future.

By Train

The nearest railhead to Uttarkashi is Rishikesh Railway Station in Adarsh Nagar. Being a motorable road, you can take a taxi to Uttarkashi.

Destination (to Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple) Distance Travel Time
Delhi 404 km via NH34 & NH334 More than 8 hours
Dehradun 157 km via NH507 & NH134 5-6 hours 
Rishikesh 166 km via NH34 More than 4 hours
Haridwar 189 km via NH34 4-5 hours
Tehri 117 km via NH34 3 hours approx

 

Best Time to Visit the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple

  • Summer(March to June): The weather in Uttarkashi is beyond 30℃ which is hot and warm. The season is convenient for visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple, celebrating festivals like Magh Mela, Holi, Mahashivratri, Parshuram Jayanti, etc. and outdoor activities.
  • Monsoon(July to September): The Uttarkashi experience variants of rain pours in this season. At this time, the auspicious Shravan month is celebrated and Lord Shiva is worshipped. To seek God’s blessing you can visit the temple but you need to be cautious while driving.
  • Autumn(October to November): The season of autumn experiences temperatures between 17℃ to 26℃. This is when you can comfortably visit the Uttarkashi when the rain clouds drift away. Also, this time is full of festivities and ceremonies you can enjoy.
  • Winter(December to February): The temperature is below 10℃ to 0℃, quite cold with shrilling winds blowing across the hills. The fog accompanies this time making the visibility very low for the drivers. However, the temple is accessible in winter but it is less recommended to visit during this season if you cannot drive in fog and bear cold weather. 
  • Spring: During Makar Sankranti, and mid-February and March, you can visit the temple when the weather is cooler. People celebrate Basant Panchami by offering his favourite things to Shivling.

Accommodations 

Accommodations  Features  Price
Hotel KNB Heritage Best customer service, all amenities and comfortable stay  Rs. 1200
Baba Kali Kamli Ashram and Dharamshala  AC/ Non-AC rooms, service options, meals served, yoga and meditation centre On request 
Hotel Ganga Sagar Beautiful ambience, all facilities available, 24-hour service Rs. 2400
Hill Dew Homestay Clean stay, lounge available, garden, fitness centre Rs. 1500
Hotel Gomukh Room options, Airport taxi available, beautiful scenic views Rs. 2100
Ganga Lakshaya Dham Recently renovated with terrace and garden, all facilities available, holy river views near Gangotri road Rs. 3800
GMVN Uttarkashi All sorts of simple to super deluxe room options available, facilities available on the  type of accommodation chosen, 24-hour open desk Rs. 500 onwards

 

Nearby Places to Visit

The holy town of Uttarkashi is home to many religious sites, temples and ashrams. Explore the nearby place from Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi:

  • Kuteti Devi Temple (3.4 km): A Temple of Goddess Durga built by Maharaja of Tehri.
  • Tapovan Kuti (1 km): A tranquil ashram of Swami Tapovan Maharaj.
  • Nachiketa Tal (400 m): A serene lake, according to mythology this beautiful lake was created by Sage Uddalak and named after his son, Nachiketa.
  • Gangotri National Park (72.1 km): The Gangotri National Park is near the boundaries of Gangotri Glacier protected by the forest department.
  • Dodital (20.4 km): Dodital is a freshwater lake from where the Assi River rises to meet the Bhagirathi River.
  • Dayara Bugyal (98 km): The trek of Dayara Bugyal is an easy scenic trail where you can see picturesque views.
  • Sangam Chatti (14.5 km):  A small village near Assi Ganga is the base camp for the Dodital trek.
  • Maneri Dam (14.3 km): The Maneri Dam is built across the Bhagirathi River which is a solid gravitational dam.
  • Barsu Village (41.2 km): The Barsu is a small village that is rich in culture and heritage.
  • Gartang Gali (91.3 km): A 130 m beautiful wooden staircase, built by Peshwari Pathans 150 years ago.
  • Harsi Village (77 km): A small hamlet and an army area is a tourist spot.
  • Gaumukh Glacier (99 km): The Gaumukh Glacier is a cow-shaped glacial lake from where the Ganga originates.

Watch this Video to Know more about Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi

Thoughts on the Importance of Visiting Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple

By the end of the travelogue, the Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple’s religious belief and the importance of this holy land of Lord Shiva make it a desirable destination to visit. The pure and spiritual environment of the temple gives eternal joy to the soul and rinses off all negative vibes that have polluted our minds. 

  Your reliable Travel Acharya advises that you must visit Uttarkashi Vishwanath Temple once in your lifetime to seek the virtues of Lord Shiva and explore this tranquil beauty of the sacred Shivling.

FAQs

  • What is the history of Kashi Vishwanath Temple(Uttarkashi)?

The temple was built by Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and then renovated by Queen Khaneti (Sudarshan Shah’s wife) in 1857.

  • Is it similar to the Kashi In Varanasi Uttar Pradesh?

No, this temple is in Uttarkashi of Uttarakhand and is also called North Kashi. Both are dedicated to Lord Shiva but hold distinct facts. 

  • What are the timings of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to visit?

The timings to visit the temple is 6.00 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

  • What is the perfect time to visit the temple?

The best time to visit Uttarkashi’s Vishwanath temple is March to June and October to November.

  • Is photography allowed in the temple?

No Photography is allowed in the temple sanctum. But you can take photos around the temple premises.

  • What are the main events celebrated in Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi?

Magh Mela, Mahashivratri and Makhana Utsav are celebrated enthusiastically.

  • What are some important things you must do before visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi?

Maintain temple decorum, the dress code must be decent, respect the locals and respect the cultural beliefs.

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