Top 5 Spiritual Destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is nestled in the northern ranges of India right in the foot of the majestic Himalayas. These spots of Uttarakhand spiritual tourism draw maximum number of peace lovers, spiritual seekers and religious enthusiast. This land is also known as the abode of Hindu Gods and Goddesses because of the famous spiritual destinations that are scattered in it.

It’s interesting to note the wealth of mythology and spiritual symbolism that flows around two of India’s holiest rives; Ganga and Yamuna in Uttarakhand. Though there are many holy places in Uttarakhand here are the top 5 spiritual destinations that you shouldn’t miss visiting.

Hemkund Saheb in Joshimath

Joshimath is one of the most enchanting places in the spiritual state of Uttarakhand. Hemkund is at a high destination of 4329 meters above the sea level and it religiously significant for both Hindus and Sikhs. Legend has it that Guru Govind Sahib mediated by the Hemkund lake and attained spiritual liberation. Hindu mythological stories also abound in Joshimath and there is a century old Lakshman temple built at this point. Many devotees and pilgrims to have said that a visit to the Hemkund Sahib nestled in the middle of ice clad peaks and the pristine Hemkund Lake is a source of great spiritual serenity.

Har Ki Pauri

Hinduism shows its serene presence in every lane of Harki Pauri in spiritual tourism. Most spiritual seekers and religious enthusiast have named Harki Pauri as one of their top choices for a spiritual journey. Many ancient sages have made Himalaya their home in their quest for the divine. Each temple in Harki Pauri Uttarakhand has its own religious story and rich lineage which is the stuff of legends. The setting of Harki Pauri is very beautiful as it is surrounded by splendid sceneries and majestic mountains.

The best time to visit Harki Pauri is Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh. When thousands of devotees and saffron clad sanyasis light millions of lamps and set them afloat in River Ganga; the whole river lights up with an eerie divine power that is sure to make you bow your head in devotion.

Nanda Devi

Nanda Devi is one of the most religious places in the whole of Uttarakhand because Nanda Devi is known as the Isht Devi (principle Diety) of Uttarakhand. After the famous Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand the Nanda Devi Yatra is second most popular and spiritually significant journeys in Uttarakhand. According to legends Gaura (name of Nanda Devi) married a famous sage and returned to her maternal home in the mountains during the Krishna Paksha of 2nd week in August. This is when Nanda Devi fair is organized in Uttarakhand.

The Nanda Devi fair sees maximum cultural participation by women of Uttarakhand. Folk songs, sacred chants, delicious Prasad and ash and saffron smeared bodies make the Nanda Devi fair one of the beautiful occasions in Uttarakhand.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh has been a spiritual magnet for domestic and international tourists since the Beatles kicked up a storm there in the late 60’s. the Yoga capital of the world as it is better known as attracts thousands of tourists every month. The northern area off the main town of Hrishikeshis a major hotspot for spirituality that is augmented by the exquisite natural beauty of the place. In the evenings a strong breeze blows all across the town sending at the temple bells ringing and providing appropriate background music to the chants uttered by Sadhus. Interestingly Rishikesh is also a very good place to go if you want to play musical instruments like Sitar, Veena etc or want to do a course on crystal healing and humming.

Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakhshman Jhula and the famous Swarg Ashram are some of the principal tourist attractions visited by pilgrims to Uttarakhand.

Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is a town in the Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand and is one of the hubs of Uttarakhand spiritual tourism. This place is revered as one of the Panch Prayag or the five confluences of rivers. The holy alakananda and mandakini rivers also meet there. There are numerous temples Lord Shiva, devotees of Lord Shiva flock to the town of Rudraprayag to see the famous Rudranath temple, Koteshwar temple, Chamunda Devi Temple, Tungeshwar Mahadev Ji, Kartik Swami, Basukedartemples there. Rudraprayag is highly sought after as a Uttarakhand spiritual tourism destination by several thousand domestic as well as international tourists.