Planning to embark on a pilgrimage to Kedarnath and simultaneously wondering what else to visit? Guptkashi is the perfect fit for your quest. In the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, en route to Kedarnath Dham, Guptkashi is a prominent spiritual stopover on the Mandakini River valley. If you are planning the trip in the early summer months, then you will be thrilled to witness the Magnolia flowers in full bloom, locally known as Champak. The entire valley is embedded by the crisp fragrance of the flowers. Guptkashi is no less than a heaven on earth, back dropped by snow-covered mountains and endless nature’s bounty. Apart from nature’s wonders, Guptkashi is also popular for the location of several temples with significant history. The Vishwanath Temple possesses the most spiritual importance in Guptkashi.
Guptkashi refers to ‘Hidden Kashi’ and according to legends, the Pandavas after the battle of Mahabharata came searching for Lord Shiva to repent their killing of their cousins, Kauravas. Lord Shiva is believed to have hidden himself here to evade the Pandavas, hence the name ‘Guptkashi’. Along with the Vishwanath Temple, Manikarnika Kund (the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna) and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Another mythological legend states that Lord Shiva proposed to Goddess Parvati for a nuptial bond in Guptkashi and eventually tied the knot in a hamlet Triyuginarayan, located near the Sangam of Son Ganga and River Mandakini.
Guptkashi is well connected by NH 107 and the nearest railhead and airport are Rishikesh and Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, respectively. The annual temperature in Guptkashi ranges between 0°C - 30°C. The place undergoes moderate rainfall in July and September, chilly winters from December to February and hot summers from April to June. The most appropriate time to plan for Guptkashi is during the onset of winters and summers, that is October to November and February end to March to enjoy the tour in pleasant weather.
Top Attractions of Guptkashi
1. Vishwanath Temple - This temple in Guptkashi is of equivalent significance to the Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The sacred shrine is the abode of Lord Shiva, known as the Supreme God of the Universe.
2. Ardhnareshwar temple - Another significant temple of Guptkashi, the temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva in his half-male and half-female avatar. It is located in the left direction of the Vishwanath temple.
3. Triyuginarayan Temple - The temple is built in reverence to Lord Vishnu and the structure resembles the architecture of Badrinath Shrine.
4. Manikarnika Kund - The kund is in the complex of Vishwanath temple and you will find a Shiva Linga bathing continuously from cow’s head and Ganesha's head (two water sources).
Other attractions include
• Gaurikund
• Uktimath
• Chopta
• Kedarnath
• Ghangaria
• Deoria Taal
Guptkashi is an esteemed trekking as well as a pilgrimage destination and welcomes a lot of tourists every year. Considering the significance of tourism, there is an array of Hotels in Guptkashi of various ranges, right from economy to luxury. Therefore, you need not bother about the accommodation options as you will find them in plenty with tidiness, hygiene and commendable service being their topmost priority.
