Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Vishwanath Temple is located in Guptkashi, Uttarakhand. There are three sacred Kashi dedicated to Lord Shiva - one in Varanasi, and the other two are Uttarkashi and Guptkashi. It is believed that this is the same place where Goddess Parvati proposed marriage to Lord Shiva. Located en route to the Kedarnath Temple, a large number of pilgrims seek Lord Shiva's blessings here before continuing their journey. The Panchumuki Doli of Baba Kedarnath also takes an overnight halt here before proceeding to the Kedarnath Temple. Apart from this, the temple is also known for the Manikarnika Kund, which is filled with water streams of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers.

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi

Vishwanath Temple is a revered shrine of Lord Shiva located in Guptkashi, Rudraprayag district. Situated on the Kedarnath road, the temple is around 434 km from Delhi and is well-connected by a motorable road. Bus and taxi services are available easily from Haridwar and Rishikesh. Built in the traditional Garhwali architecture, the Vishwanath temple resembles the Kedarnath Temple. Although the temple is not very large, the serenity it offers is remarkable.
 

As soon as you step into the shrine, you may feel the presence of divine power that gives a sense of poise. Pilgrims can find the image of Bhairava (a fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva) on the top of the door. During their visit, many devotees also perform a special puja conducted by the temple priest. It is a tradition here that after the completion of the Puja, devotees place Dakshina secretly inside a coconut as an offering.

Significance of Vishwanath Temple

According to legend, Goddess Parvati proposed marriage to Lord Shiva at this site. After accepting her marriage proposal, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati completed their wedding ceremonies at the Triyuginarayan Temple. Because of this, the temple is now a popular destination wedding and most of the couples are getting married here.
 

Within the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, known as the Ardhnarishwar Temple.
 

Besides this, the site is also associated with the Pandavas. It is believed that, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas are searching for Lord Shiva to atone for their sins. However, Lord Shiva was unhappy with them and did not want to meet them. He took the form of a bull and hid near Guptkashi. After a long search, the Pandavas finally found Lord Shiva, who later appeared in the form of the Panch Kedar.

Manikarnika Kund in Vishwanath Temple

As soon as you enter the temple, you will see a sacred pond in the centre of the temple called "Manikarnika Kund". The kund is filled with water flowing from two streams, called Gaumukh and Hathni Mukh. Gaumukh is believed to be the source of the Ganga, while Hatni Mukh represent the stream of the Yamuna. It is fascinating that these stream flows here even though the Ganga and Yamuna originate and flow in different directions. Interestingly, the Kund, where the water of these streams collects, never overflows, nor does it ever dry up. There is no visible outlet through which the water flows out from this kund. Devotees often bathe in this sacred kund, believing that it brings good health and purification.

Halt of Kedarnath Doli

Every year, when the Panchmukhi Doli of Baba Kedarnath leaves its winter seat in Ukhimath, it halts at several places before reaching Kedarnath. One of the important halting points is the Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi. During this time, the temple is adorned with flowers and garlands, and a large number of devotees gather here to welcome Baba Kedarnath.

Ardhnareshwar Temple

Ardhnareshwar is a combined form of Lord Shiva and his consort, Goddess Parvati. The deity is depicted as half male and half female, symbolising the feminine and masculine energies in the universe. After seeking the blessing of Lord Shiva, devotees usually offer prayers at this temple, as it is located adjacent to the main shrine.

Accommodation near Vishwanath Temple

Accommodation options are available near the temple and can be booked either online or offline. The available options mostly include hotels and homestays. However, the temple also provides a dharamshala where visitors can book their overnight stay.

Food Guide

Pilgrims visiting the site can savour basic regional dishes. However, some restaurants also serve a variety of popular dishes.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Check the weather conditions before visiting the shrine.
• If possible, avoid visiting during the monsoon season.
• A few days before the opening of Kedarnath Temple, the temple usually receives a large crowd, as it serves as the overnight halt site of the Panchmukhi Baba Kedarnath Doli.
• During the Char Dham Yatra, the temple receives a large number of devotees.
• If wishing to stay overnight, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance.
• The weather remains cool even during summer, so it is advisable to carry necessary woollens.
• Photography and videography inside the sanctum are prohibited.
• If planning to bathe in the kund, bring a pair of clothes and a towel.
• Prasad shops are available outside the temple.
• Limited parking space is available outside the temple.
• Buses and taxis usually depart early in the morning; it is advisable to visit the site much before the given time.
• Changing rooms are available within the temple premises.
• Dharamshala is also available within the premises.

Major Nearby Attractions

Visitors can also explore other places near the Vishwanath Temple, such as: -

• Ardhnareshwar Temple
• Manikarnika Kund
• Ukhimath
• Kalimath
• Triyuginarayan Mandir