One of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand is Do Dham Yatra, which consists of visits to Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. In addition to pilgrimage sites, these temples are well known for their natural beauty, and you must be aware of it. But do you know there are hundreds of places enroute to do dham yatra, which you can also include in your itinerary? Here are some examples of some of the best places to visit while on the Do dham yatra.
Triyuginarayan temple:- Do you know that the mairrage spot of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati is in Uttarakhand, and that too is very close to the Kedarnath temple? Yes, you heard right. It is Triyuginarayan temple, where both the dieties got married. This temple yet exists and tells the story of first love marriage on this earth. It is also known as Akhand Dhuni Temple due to the perpetual file that is burning in its compound and said to be live since the marriage of Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It is one of the most loved pilgrimage sites in India and is located just a distance of 19 km from Sonprayag, which is the starting point of the Kedarnath yatra. It is also getting popularity as a wedding destination, and even celebrities now a days are taking huge interest in getting married at this place. If you are going on the Do Dham Yatra, then it should be there in your itinerary.
Dhari Devi Temple: One of the most beautiful and amazing temples on this route is a temple of Dhari Devi Temple, which is considered to be the protector god of Char Dham temples. It is believed that in this temple the upper body part of Maa Kali is worshipped while her lower body part is worshipped at Kalimath. It is a temple located in the center of the Alaknanda River and known to control the water level in the river and hence control the flood in the state. It is also said that the form of idol changes with time. During the day, you will get diety in the form of a small child; in the middle of the day, she will turn into a young lady; and in the evening, she will appear as an old lady. So if you are willing to witness this miraculous temple, then do include it in your do dham itinerary, and it is in between Rudraprayag and Srinagar in Uttarakhand.
Mana village:- Well known as the first village of India, Mana village is one of the most popular villages located at a distance of just 5 km from the Badrinath temple. It was an integral part of our silk route, and it is not the first village of India. Pilgrims love to visit here and admire the beauty of this scenic village. Enjoying tea and maggi in this village is like a trend now a days, so don't forget to have one.
Chopta Tungnath Trek: You must have heard about the chopta village, which is also known as the "mini switserland of India," and the Tungnath temple, which is known as the heaviest Shiva temple. The good news is that you can cover both spots while on Do dham yatra without any extra cost. There is a small trek from Chopta to Tungnath, which can be covered in 3 to 4 hours. In addition to being the heaviest shiva temple on this earth, Tungnath temple is also famous for being part of the Panch kedar temples, and the foreleg of Nandi Devi is being worshipped here in the form of shivlinga. Just 1 km ahead of Tungnath temple is Chandrashila Peak, or "Moon Peak," which is known as the place where Lord Rama meditated to get rid of their sin of killing a Brahman. Chandrashila is also known for the beautiful view of a snowcapped mountain and deep valley.
Bhairo Nath Temple: Last but not least, Bhairo Nath Temple is the most important temple in this circuit. As per the holy scriptures, it is said that if you don't visit this temple, your yatra to Kedarnath and Badrinath temple will remain incomplete. It is located just at a distance of 500 meters from the Kedarnath temple. Bharionath is considered to be the first form of Lord Shiva. In addition to pilgrimage importance, this place is also known for the remarkable beauty and birds-eye view of Kedarnath Valley it provides. It is the best place to have a photosession with Kedar Valley in the background. So this must be on your itinerary.