Are you looking for a place that combines spirituality, adventure, and nature? If yes, then you should visit Gaurikund, a small village and pilgrimage site in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand.
Gaurikund is not only the base camp for the famous Kedarnath trek, but also a place of great religious and cultural significance. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Gaurikund, its history, legends, attractions, and how to reach it.
History and Legends of Gaurikund
Gaurikund derives its name from Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Gauri. According to Hindu mythology, Gauri performed penance at this place to win the heart of Lord Shiva, who was meditating in the nearby Kedarnath. After many years of austerity, Shiva finally agreed to marry her and they tied the knot at Triyuginarayan Temple, which is about 12 km from Gaurikund.
Another legend says that Gauri created a lake at this place by melting the ice with her body heat. She then took a bath in the lake to prepare herself for the marriage. The lake came to be known as Gaurikund and is considered sacred by the devotees. It is believed that taking a dip in the lake can wash away oneโs sins and ailments.
Gaurikund is also associated with the story of Lord Ganeshaโs beheading by Shiva. When Gauri created Ganesha from the dirt of her body and asked him to guard the entrance of her cave, Shiva did not recognize him and chopped off his head in anger. Later, when he realized his mistake, he replaced Ganeshaโs head with that of an elephant and revived him. The place where Ganeshaโs head fell is said to be Gaurikund.
Gaurikund has a temple dedicated to Gauri, where one can see her idol along with that of Shiva and Ganesha. The temple is built in a traditional style and has a dome-shaped roof.
The temple is open from 5 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. The temple also hosts an annual fair on the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, which falls in May or June.
How to Reach Gaurikund
Gaurikund is located at an altitude of 1982 meters above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is about 74 km from Rudraprayag and 212 km from Dehradun, the state capital.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 km from Gaurikund.
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 216 km from Gaurikund. One can take a taxi or a bus from Dehradun or Rishikesh to reach Gaurikund.
The road to Gaurikund is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys. However, one should be careful while driving as the road can be narrow and steep at some places. The road also gets crowded during the peak season of Kedarnath Yatra, which is from April to November. One should also check the weather forecast before planning their trip as the road can be closed due to landslides or snowfall.
The best time to visit Gaurikund is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and clear. The temperature ranges from 10ยฐC to 25ยฐC during these months. From July to August, it rains heavily and there is a risk of cloudbursts and floods. From December to March, it snows heavily and the temperature drops below zero.
Some safety tips or precautions for Travellers
If you are planning to visit Gaurikund or its nearby places, you should follow some safety tips or precautions to avoid any trouble. Here are some of them:
1. Carry enough warm clothes, woolen socks, gloves, caps, and jackets as it can get very cold at night.
2. Carry enough water, snacks, medicines, first-aid kit, torch, batteries, etc. as there may not be many shops or facilities available on the way.
3. Carry your identity proof, travel documents, cash, etc. in a waterproof bag or pouch as there may not be any ATM or internet service available.
4. Do not litter or pollute the environment as it can harm the wildlife and ecology of the place.
5. Do not venture out alone or after dark as there may be wild animals or anti-social elements around.
6. Do not take any shortcuts or unknown routes as they may lead you to dangerous or restricted areas.
7. Respect the local culture and customs as they are very sensitive and devout about their religion and traditions.
8. If you face any problem or emergency, you can contact the following numbers or helpline services:
Police: 100
Ambulance: 108
Disaster Management: 1070
Kedarnath Yatra Helpline: 01364-233727
Places to Visit Near Gaurikund
Gaurikund is not only a place of worship, but also a place of exploration and adventure. There are many places near Gaurikund that you can visit and enjoy. Here are some of them:
Kedarnath:
Kedarnath is one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage sites in India. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and one of the four Char Dhams of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level and about 16 km from Gaurikund.
The trek to Kedarnath is challenging but rewarding as it offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The trek starts from Gaurikund and passes through Rambara, Jungle Chatti, Bheembali, and Linchauli. The trek takes about 5 to 7 hours depending on your speed and stamina. You can also hire a pony, a palanquin, or a helicopter to reach Kedarnath.
The Kedarnath Temple is a magnificent structure that dates back to the 8th century AD. It has a conical-shaped roof and a stone-carved facade. The temple is open from April to November and closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. The temple also hosts an annual fair on the occasion of Shivaratri, which falls in February or March.
Triyuginarayan Temple:
Triyuginarayan Temple is another sacred and ancient temple near Gaurikund. It is located at an altitude of 1980 meters above sea level and about 12 km from Gaurikund. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.
The temple has a unique feature of a perpetual fire that burns in front of the main idol. It is said that the fire was lit by Lord Brahma himself during the wedding ceremony and has been burning ever since. The temple also has four sacred kunds or ponds, named after the four Vedas. The temple is open from 6 am to 6 pm and can be reached by road or by trekking.
Sonprayag:
Sonprayag is a small town and a confluence of two holy rivers, Mandakini and Basuki. It is located at an altitude of 1829 meters above sea level and about 5 km from Gaurikund. Sonprayag is considered auspicious by the pilgrims as it is said that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati met here for the first time. It is also said that taking a bath in the confluence can grant oneโs wishes and free one from the cycle of birth and death. Sonprayag has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, where one can offer prayers and seek blessings.
Guptkashi:
Guptkashi is a historical and religious town near Gaurikund. It is located at an altitude of 1319 meters above sea level and about 34 km from Gaurikund. Guptkashi means โhidden Kashiโ as it is believed that Lord Shiva hid here from the Pandavas who were searching for him after the Kurukshetra war.
Guptkashi has two famous temples, Vishwanath Temple and Ardhanarishwar Temple, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva in his different forms. The temples are built in a Nagara style and have intricate carvings and sculptures. The temples are open from 6 am to 8 pm and attract many devotees throughout the year.
Tungnath:
Tungnath is another popular pilgrimage site near Gaurikund. It is located at an altitude of 3680 meters above sea level and about 64 km from Gaurikund. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. It is said that the temple was built by the Pandavas to appease Lord Shiva after the Kurukshetra war.
The temple has a simple but elegant architecture and has a black stone idol of Lord Shiva inside. The temple is open from April to November and closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall. The trek to Tungnath starts from Chopta, which is about 29 km from Gaurikund. The trek is easy to moderate and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete.
Chopta:
Chopta is a small and picturesque hill station near Gaurikund. It is located at an altitude of 2680 meters above sea level and about 35 km from Gaurikund. Chopta is also known as the โMini Switzerland of Indiaโ as it has lush green meadows, dense forests, and snow-clad mountains. Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and trekkers.
It is also the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks, which are among the most scenic and adventurous treks in Uttarakhand. Chopta has a few hotels, campsites, and homestays where one can stay and enjoy the serene and tranquil environment.
Gaurikund is a place that offers a unique blend of spirituality, adventure, and nature. It is a place that can enrich your soul, challenge your body, and delight your senses. Whether you are a pilgrim, a trekker, or a tourist, you will find something to suit your taste and interest in Gaurikund.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tour package or service with us today and get ready to experience the magic of Gaurikund.
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