Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar is a major and important stop before the Badrinath Temple. Dedicated to King Pandu (father of the Pandavas), Pandukeshwar is located just 22 km away from the revered Badrinath Dham. Known as the winter seat of Badri Vishal, Pandukeshwar is now being promoted as part of the Winter Char Dham Yatra. During winters, the symbolic idols of Lord Badri Vishal are kept at the Yog Dhyan Badri Temple in Pandukeshwar, where pilgrims can visit to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Abode of Badrinath Dham

Pandukeshwar is a small village situated on the banks of the Alakananda River. It is located 264 km away from Rishikesh and is well-connected by road. The village is home to several temples, including Yog Dhyan Badri, which is part of the Panch Badri circuit. When the portal of the Badrinath shrine closes for the winter, the idol of Lord Badri is brought to its winter abode. However, the symbolic idol of Lord Badri was kept at Narsingh Badri Temple in Joshimath, while idols of Lord Udhava and Kuber were kept at Pandukeshwar.
 

Besides the Yogdhyan Badri, Pandukeshwar is also known for the Kuber Temple, Maa Nanda Devi Temple, and Lord Vasudev Temple. Pilgrims visiting the shrine generally stop here to seek the blessing of these deities.

Winter Char Dham Yatra

Like the other Char Dham shrines, the Badrinath Temple also remains closed for devotees during the winter months. Once the temple's portal is closed, the idol is brought to its winter seat at Pandukeshwar. Similarly, the idols of other Cham Dham temples are also brought to their respective winter seats.
 

Ukhimath's Omkareshwar Temple serves as the winter seat for Kedarnath, Mukhba Temple for Gangotri, and Kharsali's Shani Dev Temple for Yamunotri Dham. These winter seats allow pilgrims to continue their spiritual journey and seek the blessings of the deities even during the winter season.

History of Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar is located in Uttarakhand's Chamoli District and is steeped in rich mythology. As per the legend, it is the same place where the Pandavas renounced their kingdom and handed it over to King Parikshit. Before moving to the Swargarohini, they performed a penance here for some time. It is believed that their father, King Pandu, performed penance at this very place during his last days. Hence, the village is named after him. During their exile, the Pandavas performed the last rites of their father and also built the Lord Vasudev Temple, which houses the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, and Madri.

Accommodation

Being a key stop before Badrinath Temple and now developing as a Winter Char Dham Yatra destination, Pandukueshwar offers a variety of accommodation options. If you are looking for hotels in Pandukeshwar, here are some recommended choices: -

• Hotel Rameshwaram Inn
• Shri Darshanam Lodge
• Jai Bajrangi Guest House
• Prabhakar Tourist House
• Hari Krishna Guest House
• The Mountaineer House
• Hotel Raghuveer
• Hotel The Aman Palace
• The Royal Fateh Inn
• Pandukeshwar Tourist Rest House
• Hotel Vasudeva Inn
• Hotel Maheshwari

Food Guide

In Pandukeshwar, visitors will find various restaurants and dhabas, providing a variety of items, mainly Garhwali, Chinese, and North Indian cuisines.

Important Tips for Visitors

• UTC and other private buses depart early in the morning, so it is recommended to arrive well in advance.
• If arriving from another city, either by train or air, it is recommended to stay overnight in Rishikesh and continue the journey the next day.
• Direct buses and shared taxis generally leave before 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM, respectively.
• If you miss the direct bus or shared taxi, you can travel to its nearest stops, such as Karnprayag or Joshimath, and continue your journey the next day.
• It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during peak season.
• Carry woollen clothes, as the region becomes extremely cold in winter.
• Winter Char Dham Yatra registration is not required.

Major Nearby Attractions

Pandukeshwar is surrounded by several places, but only a few can be explored during the Winter Char Dham Yatra.

• Kuber Temple
• Shri Yogdhyan Badri Temple.
• Govindghat.
• Hemkund Sahib (closed during winter)
• Valley of Flowers. (closed during winter)
• Hanuman Chatti (closed during winter)
• Badrinath Dham (closed during winter)
• Vasudhara Falls (closed during winter)
• Mana Village (closed during winter)