Gaurikund Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri. The temple is situated in the town of Gaurikund in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is considered an important pilgrimage site because it serves as the commencement point for the trek to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath, one of the Char Dhams and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.
Gaurikund is connected by road and can be reached by bus or taxi services from major destinations in Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh, and the nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From either of these points, one needs to travel by road to reach Gaurikund.
Gaurikund is named after Goddess Gauri, who performed penance involving many hardships to win over Lord Shiva’s affection. It is believed that Lord Shiva finally admitted His love for her at this spot, and they were married at Triyuginarayan, not far from here. This place is also associated with the legend of Lord Shiva's wife, Sati, who reincarnated as Parvati in her next birth.
The temple is open to pilgrims from April-May to October-November, with the rest of the year being inhospitable due to extreme weather conditions, especially heavy snowfall. The most auspicious time to visit is during the Char Dham Yatra season, which coincides with the latter part of the opening period.
Gaurikund has essential facilities for pilgrims and tourists, including accommodation options such as guesthouses and dharamshalas. There are small eateries and food stalls providing local meals. Basic medical facilities are available, and the town acts as the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath, offering amenities such as pony and palanquin services for the trek.
Besides the temple itself, tourists can explore the Gaurikund hot springs, which are said to have medicinal properties. Additionally, the trek route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and passes through lush landscapes and several other sacred sites.
Visitors should be aware of the high altitude and cold weather, so it's important to be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear. Physical fitness is required for the trek to Kedarnath, so plan accordingly. Also, respect local customs and traditions while visiting this religious site.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Gaurikund Temple. However, services like pony and palanquin for the trek to Kedarnath are chargeable.
A trip to Gaurikund can typically be done in a day or two. However, if you're planning to continue the trek to Kedarnath, you might need to allocate additional 3-5 days for a comfortable journey including the return trip.
Yes, the region experiences heavy monsoon rains from July to September, which can cause landslides and roadblocks. It's usually advised to avoid traveling during the monsoon season due to the potential risks.
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