9 amazing but Lesser-Known Temples in Uttarakhand

Lesser-Known Temples in Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand (The Land of Gods) has always been famous for its temples.

Time and again, it has been acknowledged as “Devbhumi”, meaning “Land of the Gods” due to its rich history and ancient lore.

Unaccountable temples and pilgrimage sites bless this Himalayan state, accompanied by equally astonishing stories and mythology.

For the spiritually inclined, Uttarakhand has always been a great attraction and many famous temples here are visited by many devotees from different parts of India and the world. 

The most famous temple in Uttarakhand as of now is the Kedarnath temple, which was visited by 7.35 lakh people in 2019 in the first 45 days. 

That number is likely to increase in the coming years.

For the peaceful souls that wish to escape the crowd, yet experience the divinity of a spiritual place, there are some lesser-known temples in Uttarakhand that you must visit in 2021.

ADBHUT temple

Adbhut temple is located in Haripur Kalan, Haridwar district, and is dedicated to Lord SHIVA. 

Situated at a distance of 8 km away from the much famous Har ki Pauri, the surroundings of the temple are very calm and peaceful, tucked away from the hordes of temples in Haridwar, which can be quite crowded and noisy. 

The eternal river, Ganga can be heard as you are admiring the marvel that is the Adbhut temple. The construction of this temple took 16 years, from 2000 to 2016. 

Looking at the architecture, the timeframe of the construction is justified. The temple is very beautiful because of its architecture and is rightfully named Adbhut.

The temple was founded by Swami Achyutanand Tirth Ji Maharaj in 2000. 

Opening Hours of Adbhut Mandir

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Reason to Visit: If you are in Haridwar and wish to experience nature, peace, and great architecture, all the same place.

Bansi Narayan Temple

Bansi Narayan Temple is located in the Chamoli District of Uttarakhand at an altitude of about 3600 meters. The temple is surrounded by the Himalayan range and dense oak and rhododendron forests enclose the area. 

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and can only be reached on foot. The trek to the temple is about 12 km and can be challenging if you haven’t prepared your body for a long trek.

Since the temple is located at a great elevation, there is no human settlement in the area and the temple’s doors open once a year, on the day of Rakhsha Bandhan. 

The temple has awe-inspiring history and the best time to visit this temple are the spring and summer season.  

Reason to Visit: An ancient architectural marvel, mesmerizing beauty surrounding the area, and a soul-fulfilling trek.

Bairaskund Temple

Bairaskund Temple is located in the Chamoli district, an ancient temple of Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord SHIVA.

It is understood that RAVANA prayed to lord SHIVA here in this temple standing on one foot. The daily pooja is conducted for 8 hours, from 4 a.m. to noon.

Shiva devotees come from different parts of India to visit this temple. 

During Maha Shivratri, a religious fair is organized at the temple, though the temple remains open throughout the year.

Reason to Visit: Rich history, a special attraction for true Shiva devotees.

Basukedar Temple

Basukedar Temple is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, in Basukedar village. 

The village of Basukedar is said to be the place where the Adiyogi stayed a night at this village on his way to Kedarnath.

This temple is also dedicated to Lord SHIVA and a perfect place for people that enjoy meditation and tranquility. 

Inside the temple, 25 smaller other temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

The temple is believed to be built by the PANDAVAS and is over 1000-years-old. 

Reason to Visit: To experience meditation where the first yogi himself meditated.

Vaitrani group of Temples

The Vaitrani Group of Temples is a group of temples that encircles a pond, located in Guptkashi, precisely 100 meters away from the Gopinath Temple. 

The unique thing about these temples is that they are not dedicated to any god and there are no shrines of gods/goddesses in the temple. 

This site is known to be the place where Shiva meditated, undergoing penance after Sati’s passing.

Reason to Visit: One of a kind place.

Umra Narayan Temple

Umra Narayan Temple is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand and it lies on the bank of the Alaknanda River. 

The temple is dedicated to Lord VISHNU and was built by Adi Shankaracharya when he was on his way to Badrinath Dham.

Visiting the temple on Ram Naumi is considered ideal.

Reason to Visit: Lord VISHNU’s beautiful idols.  

Someshwar Temple

Someshwar temple is a small temple located in the Almora District’s Someshwar village. The Someshwar village lies on the banks of, Kosi and Sai rivers. 

This temple is surrounded by a beautiful forest. Every year on the occasion of Shivratri, a big fair is organized where Shiva devotees gather to worship and take the lord’s blessings.

This temple was built during the reign of the Chand dynasty. 

Reason to Visit: Visiting the temple on Shivratri is an experience one must not miss.

Virbhadra Temple

Virbhadra Temple is located in Virbhadra, a small town in the Dehradun district, quite close to Rishikesh (6 km). It is believed that Lord Virbhadra was born here that’s how this temple got his name.

It is an ancient and mesmerizing temple dedicated to Lord SHIVA, who is worshipped in the form of Virbhadra. This temple is more than 1300 years old. Virbhadra, an angry form of Lord SHIVA is worshipped here.

Reason to Visit: Experience the divine aura of the temple. 

Mata Man Ichchha Devi Mandir

 Situated about 34 kilometers from Dehradun, en route Rishikesh, this site is a 500-year-old meditation site for ancient yogis. 

After once such yogi’s 40 day sadhana, Maa Bhagwati appeared at this site, and since then, a temple was established with the name of Mata Man Ichchaa Devi.

Located in the foothills of the Shivalik range, the temple is surrounded by Sal forest and centuries-old banyan trees surround the periphery of the temple.

If you are traveling to Uttarakhand and passing by Rishikesh, this temple is must visit.

Reason to Visit: Praying at this temple makes your wishes come true.

Know more about Mata Man Ichchha Devi Temple.