Guptkashi

Guptkashi is a small, beautiful town situated in Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, on the western banks of the river Mandakini in the Garhwal Himalayas region. It is situated en route to Kedarnath, at an altitude of 1319 meters above sea level.

Guptkashi has been declared a smart city by the Indian government; there is a surge of devotees to enjoy the beautiful glimpse of this small town.

The meaning of Guptkashi is “Hidden Benaras.” It is known for its breathtaking views of valleys and mountains, serene landscapes, and quiet escape into the scenic wonders of nature.

Guptkashi is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for followers of Hinduism in Uttarakhand. There are two sacred temples here: Vishwanatha Temple and Ardhanareshwara Temple. The Vishwanatha Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishwanatha, which means “Lord of the Universe.” This temple is similar to the Lord Vishwanatha temple in Kashi. The Ardhanareshwara Temple is dedicated to Mahadeva, worshiped as the half-man and half-woman form of Lord Shiva and Parvati Devi.

Sthala Purana of Guptkashi

After the end of the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas, on the advice of Lord Sri Krishna, wished to atone for the sins committed during the killing of their kith and kin. They went to Kashi and prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon their sins and receive his blessings. However, Lord Shiva was annoyed due to the unjust events that happened in Kurukshetra. Therefore, Lord Shiva went missing from Kashi, disguised himself as Nandi, and reached Uttarkashi. When the Pandavas arrived in Uttarkashi, Lord Shiva left for Guptkashi. The Pandavas found him in Guptkashi and followed him north towards Kedarnath.

Best Time to Visit Guptkashi

The ideal time to visit Guptkashi is during the summer months, from March to June. The weather is very pleasant during this time.

September to November is also a good time to visit if you want to enjoy the crisp weather. However, during this period, the way to Kedarnath and Badrinath is closed due to heavy snowfall. Trekking routes and helicopter rides are also closed.

Nearby Places to Visit

Kedarnath Temple: It is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, 45 km away from Guptakashi. It was built by Sri Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It stands at an elevation of 3584 meters above sea level.

Chopta: It is a beautiful village near Guptkashi, often called as the Switzerland to Uttarakhand. It is the base point for Tungnath temple, the world’s highest Shiva temple, located at the elevation of 3680 meters.

Ukhimath: It is known as the winter abode of Kedarnath. One can have an entire view of the Himalayas from here. It is situated at an altitude of 1300 meters.

Madhyamaheshwar Mandir: Lord Shiva’s stomach is worshiped here and is dedicated to Madmaheshawar.

Kalimath Temple: It is dedicated to Goddess Kali, situated near Chopta. At this location, Goddess Kali defeated demon Raktbeej and then went beneath the earth.

Triyuginarayan Temple: It is situated in the village of Triyuginarayan, within the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is the place where Lord Shiva married Parvati; the eternal flame burning outside is a witness to the marriage.

How to reach and visit Guptkashi

If you plan to visit the Guptkashi and other sacred places, consider taking Tirtha Yatra’s world-renowned Char Dham Yatra. All arrangements are well taken care of.

If you wish to travel on your own, here are a few options.

By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, taxis or cabs can be hired. Helicopter service is also available to Guptkashi.

By Railway: Rishikesh Railway Station and Haridwar Railway Station are the nearest railway stations. Taxis, buses, and cabs are available to Guptkashi from Haridwar and Rishikesh.

By Road: The national highway NH109 connects Guptkashi to major cities like Rishikesh, Srinagar, Delhi, etc. State road transport or private cabs are also available to Guptkashi.