Must Visit Temples in Uttarakhand- Nestled in the majestic lap of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand is not just a travel destination — it’s a spiritual journey through time. Known as Devbhoomi (The Land of Gods), this northern Indian state is home to some of the most sacred and mythologically significant temples in the country.
From the eternal flame of Triyuginarayan Mandir, where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati, to the snow-clad peaks guarding Kedarnath, every temple here carries a divine story whispered through the mountains. Pilgrims and travellers from across the world visit Uttarakhand not only to seek blessings but also to experience the serenity and energy that surround these ancient shrines.
In this article, we’ll explore the most mythological temples of Uttarakhand that you must visit at least once in your lifetime — places where myths breathe, faith deepens, and nature itself feels sacred.
Mythological Temples of Uttarakhand
1st in the list of Must visit temples of Uttarakhand is-
Triyuginarayan Temple: Shiv Parvati Wedding Place
Located in the peaceful village of Triyuginarayan in Rudraprayag district, this sacred temple is believed to be the exact site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married. The divine ceremony was conducted by Lord Vishnu, and the sacred fire lit during that wedding — known as the Akhand Dhuni — is said to still burn inside the temple even today.
The name Triyuginarayan means “the lord worshipped through three ages,” symbolizing its existence across Satya, Treta, and Dwapar Yugas. The temple’s architecture resembles that of the Kedarnath Temple, built in classic North Indian stone style, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and pine forests.
For spiritual travellers, this shrine is more than a destination — it’s a living legend. Many couples visit this divine spot to tie their own wedding knot before the eternal flame, believing it blesses them with lifelong unity and love.
📍 Location: 12 km from Sonprayag, near Kedarnath
🕗 Best Time to Visit: April to November
✨ Highlight: Eternal flame from Shiva–Parvati’s celestial wedding
Kedarnath Temple: The Sacred Jyotirlinga
High in the snow-clad Garhwal Himalayas, at an altitude of about 3,583 meters, stands the majestic Kedarnath Temple — one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and a cornerstone of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple is not just a place of worship but a symbol of resilience, faith, and divine grace.
According to mythology, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva for the bloodshed. Shiva, disguised as a bull, tried to avoid them and dived into the ground at Kedarnath, leaving his hump visible above the surface — which became the temple’s sanctum. The remaining parts of his body are believed to have appeared in other sacred sites known as the Panch Kedar temples.
Built from massive stone slabs over a thousand years ago, Kedarnath Temple stands strong even against the harshest Himalayan weather. The 2013 floods that devastated much of the region miraculously left the shrine almost untouched — deepening its image as a miracle of divine protection.
For travellers, reaching Kedarnath is a spiritual and physical adventure — a 16 km trek from Gaurikund, surrounded by cascading waterfalls, lush meadows, and snow peaks. Whether you seek blessings, peace, or breathtaking beauty, Kedarnath offers an experience that touches the soul, making it must visit temples in Uttarakhand.
📍 Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
🥾 Trek Distance: 16 km from Gaurikund
✨ Highlight: One of the twelve Jyotirlingas and part of Char Dham Yatra
Tunganath Temple: Highest Lord Shiva Temple in the World
Perched at a breathtaking altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five Panch Kedar shrines of Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Chandrashila mountain range, this sacred temple offers not just divine serenity but also one of the most scenic treks in India.
According to legend, when Lord Shiva disappeared after the Kurukshetra war, his arms appeared at Tungnath — while other body parts manifested at Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. Built over a thousand years ago, the temple’s architecture is simple yet striking, made from black stone and adorned with ancient carvings of deities.
The short 3.5 km trek from Chopta to Tungnath is considered one of the most beautiful Himalayan trails, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. As you ascend, you’re greeted by meadows filled with wildflowers, whispering pines, and panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
For travellers, Tungnath offers a rare blend of spiritual peace and natural adventure — a place where every step feels like meditation and every view like a blessing.
📍 Location: Near Chopta, Rudraprayag district
🥾 Trek Distance: 3.5 km from Chopta
✨ Highlight: Highest Shiva temple in the world, part of Panch Kedar
Dhari Devi Temple: The Guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand
On the banks of the Alaknanda River, near Srinagar in Pauri Garhwal, stands the revered Dhari Devi Temple — home to the guardian goddess of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Kali in her fierce manifestation, this temple is believed to protect the entire region from natural calamities and misfortunes.
According to local legend, the idol of Dhari Devi changes its form — appearing as a young girl in the morning, a woman in the afternoon, and an elderly lady by evening. This unique transformation is considered a divine mystery and draws countless devotees every year.
The temple’s history is deeply intertwined with local faith and folklore. It is said that removing or disturbing the idol from its original place brings bad luck — a belief reinforced by the 2013 Kedarnath floods, which occurred shortly after the idol was relocated temporarily for a dam project. The event strengthened the locals’ belief that Dhari Devi truly watches over the Himalayas.
For travellers, the temple offers a serene yet powerful spiritual experience. Standing on a small island-like rock surrounded by flowing river waters, the sight of the goddess against the backdrop of green hills and rushing streams feels both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
📍 Location: Near Srinagar, Pauri Garhwal
🕗 Best Time to Visit: October to June
✨ Highlight: Believed to be the protector goddess of Uttarakhand
Badrinath: Lord Vishnu
Nestled between the snow-covered peaks of Nar and Narayan mountains in Chamoli district, the Badrinath Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in India. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is part of both the Char Dham Yatra and the Chhota Char Dham circuit of Uttarakhand, making it a cornerstone of Hindu faith.
According to mythology, Lord Vishnu performed deep penance here, meditating amid the icy Himalayas. To protect him from the harsh climate, Goddess Lakshmi is said to have transformed into a Badri tree (wild berry tree), providing him shade — hence the name Badrinath.
The present temple is believed to have been established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century and later renovated by Garhwal kings. Its vibrant architecture, with a colorful façade and golden spire, stands out beautifully against the stark white Himalayas and the turquoise waters of the Alaknanda River flowing beside it.
Thousands of devotees and travellers visit every year to witness the Badrivishal idol, carved from black stone and seated in a meditative pose. The atmosphere here is filled with devotion, serenity, and the divine energy that defines Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
📍 Location: Chamoli district, Uttarakhand
🕗 Best Time to Visit: May to November
✨ Highlight: One of the Char Dham and Chhota Char Dham shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Conclusion: Mythological Temples of Uttarakhand
From the eternal flame of Triyuginarayan Mandir, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati united in divine marriage, to the snow-kissed sanctum of Kedarnath, and the serene presence of Badrinath Temple, every shrine in Uttarakhand tells a story that transcends time. These are not just monuments of stone — they are living legends carved into the heart of the Himalayas.
Exploring the mythological temples of Uttarakhand you must visit once in a lifetime is more than a pilgrimage; it’s a journey of the soul. Each temple carries its own myth, energy, and divine rhythm — whether it’s the mystical Dhari Devi, the majestic Tungnath, or the sacred abode of Vishnu in Badrinath. Together, they form a sacred circuit that connects faith, nature, and history in a way few places on Earth can.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Himalayas, let Uttarakhand be your spiritual guide. Here, every mountain whispers ancient hymns, every river flows with devotion, and every temple reminds you that the divine is never far — it lives within the mountains, and within you.