Uttarkashi
The holy town of Uttarkashi is set on the banks of river Bhagirathi at an altitude of 1158 metres, about 145 kms from Rishikesh on the main route to Gangotri. It is considered to have similar religious importance as Kashi. The famous Vishwanath temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva. In front of the temple is unique Mahadev-ka-Vishal Trishul or Shiva's Great Trident, made of eight major metals. It is believed Lord Shiva killed Vakasur with this trident. Other important temples are dedicated to Lord Parashuram, Lord Ekadash Rudra and Goddess Kali. It is an important stopover for pilgrims visiting Gangotri. Uttarkashi has also emerged as an important centre for adventure sports.
General Information
Altitude: 3165 meters
Temperature : Summer : Max. 20 deg.C. Min. 6 deg.C .
Winter Max: Sub-Zero Min. Snowbound
Clothing
May to July - Light woollen
Sept to Nov - Heavy woolens
Langauage - Hindi,English & Garhwali .
Best Season - May to June and September to October
Temples Of Uttarkashi
1. Vishwanath Temple
The Ancient Vishwanath Temple devoted to Lord Shiva is situated at the heart of the town approx. 300 meters away from the local bus stand at Uttarkashi.It is told that this temple was established by Parasuram and was renovated by Maharani Khaneti ,wife of Sudarshan Shah in 1857. The temple has a Shivling (60 cm. high and 90 Cm. Circumference).People from all over India also visit the Vishvanath temple during their visits to Uttarkashi ,Gangotri and Yamun
otri.
2. Shakti Temple
Right in front of the Vishwanath temple is Shakti temple.It has a big 'Trishul' of about 6 meters in height and a circumference of 90 cms. at bottom.Though there are different views about the make of this, the upper part of it seems to be made up of iron and the lower one is of copper.As per the epics this Shakti was thrown on the devils by the Goddess Durga(Shakti) , hence it gets its name. Since then this Shakti is erected over here.
