Gaurikund Temple

Overview

Gowrikund is a famous Himalayan temple that is situated at around 4000 Meters above ocean level where it is trusted that Gowri (Parvati) ruminated upon Shiva. Surya and Chandra are likewise accepted to have venerated Shiva here.This sanctum is situated on the course in the middle of Rishikesh and Kedarnath. The course in the middle of Kedarnath and Gowrikund is a pleasant one. Gowrikund has a few hot springs. Gowri is accepted to have cleaned up here in the wake of bringing forth Kartikeya. Legend has it that, at Triyuginarayan, south of where Shiva and Parvati were married. The flame encouraged amid their wedding is said to be smoldering at Agnikund. Additionally adjacent, is the temple to Mundkatta Ganesh - without a head. Shiva is accepted to have removed the leader of Parvati's child Ganesh and after that restored him to life here. Four hallowed places to Shiva in the Himalayas have been celebrated by the Tevaram songs of the Tamil Nayanmar holy people of the first century CE. They are Indraneela Parvatam, Gowrikund, Kedarnath and Mount Kailash. Albeit none of the Nayanmars has gone to this Gowrikund, Sambandar has sung about Gowrikundam from Kalahasti. Gowrikund or Anekatankaavadam is the first of the Tevara Stalams hailed by the Tamil psalms of the Nayanmars, situated outside of Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka i.e. In Vada Naadu (the northern grounds). Uttarakhand became the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000. Uttarakhand is a place with great diversity of the region where snow-clad mountains, green hills, fertile valleys, flowing rivers and thriving lakes add to the natural beauty.

About the Temple

Gaurikund Temple has the idol of Goddess Parvati where devotees offer prayers. Gaurikund Temple is considered to be one of the important tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, specially visited by those on their way to Kedarnath, and thus is an important contributor to Uttarakhand Tourism.

History and Mythology

Gauri Kund is connected with Shiva’s wife Parvati, also known as Gauri in various parts of India. In Hindu folklore, Gauri committed herself to penance involving many ascetic and yogic practices to win over Shiva’s affections. Local tradition claims that Gauri Kund is the spot where Gauri lived while carrying out these practices and it was here that Shiva proposed her for marriage and were finally married at Triyugi Narayan, which is not too far away. This place is also associated with the legend of how Ganesha acquired his elephant head. The lake is also famous as “Parvati Sarovar” as this was the place where goddess Parvati had acquired her son Ganesha. Goddess Parvati had formed an image of Ganesha from the soap lather on her body and breathed life into it. She placed Ganesha at the entrance of her home as her janitor to prevent anyone from entering while she was bathing. Now Lord Shiva happened to return at this point of time and was stopped by Ganesha. The offended Lord Shiva cut off the boy’s head. Parvati insisted that the boy be brought back to life and Shiva took the head of a wandering elephant and placed it on Ganesha’s body and and life was restored and Parvati had her son back.

Best Season to visit the temple in a year

March to November

Accessibility

Air

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest, and is located at the distance of about 239 km from Kedarnath and 20 km away from city center of Dehradun.

Rail

The Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest, and is located 220 km away from Gaurikund, whereas Kotdwara Railway Station is located about 246 km from Gaurikund are the nearest rail heads.

Road

Gaurikund is well connected by road with Haridwar, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kotdwara and many other important hill stations of Garhwal and Kumaon Hills.