The majestic Garhwal Himalayas, Guptkashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarakhand is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Often visited as part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, this temple holds immense mythological importance, especially for devotees traveling to Kedarnath. With its serene ambiance, spiritual legacy, and striking resemblance to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Guptkashi offers not just a divine experience but also a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of Hindu spirituality. Surrounded by scenic beauty, this temple is a must-visit for seekers of both peace and piety.
Temple About
Guptkashi Vishwanath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the quaint town of Guptkashi in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It holds immense mythological and religious significance and is often visited en route to Kedarnath.
Temple Description
The temple is built in classic North Indian Nagara style architecture and features intricate stone carvings. It resembles the structure of the Kedarnath temple. Within the premises, there are two main shrines — one for Vishwanath (Lord Shiva) and another for Ardhanarishvara, a composite form of Shiva and Parvati. A sacred pond called Manikarnika Kund within the temple premises has two streams, believed to be from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
The temple is built in classic North Indian Nagara style architecture and features intricate stone carvings. It resembles the structure of the Kedarnath temple. Within the premises, there are two main shrines — one for Vishwanath (Lord Shiva) and another for Ardhanarishvara, a composite form of Shiva and Parvati. A sacred pond called Manikarnika Kund within the temple premises has two streams, believed to be from the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.
Temple Speciality
Said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid (Gupt) from the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra warMythologically significant and spiritually as important as Kashi VishwanathHouses rare Ardhanarishvara idolPilgrims visit en route to Kedarnath Dham
Said to be the place where Lord Shiva hid (Gupt) from the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra warMythologically significant and spiritually as important as Kashi VishwanathHouses rare Ardhanarishvara idolPilgrims visit en route to Kedarnath Dham
Temple Address
Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand – 246439, India
Coordinates
30.5005° N, 79.0619° E
Temple Timings
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Special Aarti and Abhishek during Shivratri and Shravan month
Vishwanath Temple, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand – 246439, India
Coordinates
30.5005° N, 79.0619° E
Temple Timings
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Special Aarti and Abhishek during Shivratri and Shravan month
Temple Sevas
Daily poojas and aartis
Rudrabhishek and Shivling Abhishekam
Ardhanarishwara worship
Custom poojas on request
Daily poojas and aartis
Rudrabhishek and Shivling Abhishekam
Ardhanarishwara worship
Custom poojas on request
Traveling Facilities
Accessible via road from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Srinagar
Shared jeeps, taxis, and buses available
Trekking route continues toward Kedarnath
Accessible via road from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Srinagar
Shared jeeps, taxis, and buses available
Trekking route continues toward Kedarnath
Food Facilities
Local vegetarian dhabas and canteens
Simple North Indian meals, snacks, tea
Food is economical and freshly prepared
Local vegetarian dhabas and canteens
Simple North Indian meals, snacks, tea
Food is economical and freshly prepared
Stay Facilities
GMVN rest houses, private lodges, and guesthouses
Budget-friendly with basic amenities
Homestay options also available
GMVN rest houses, private lodges, and guesthouses
Budget-friendly with basic amenities
Homestay options also available
Nearest Railway Station
Rishikesh Railway Station – approx. 180 km
Rishikesh Railway Station – approx. 180 km
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) – approx. 200 km
Nearest Bus Station
Guptkashi Bus Stand – well connected to Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Rishikesh
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) – approx. 200 km
Nearest Bus Station
Guptkashi Bus Stand – well connected to Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Rishikesh
Bus Routes to Temple
Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi
Haridwar → Devprayag → Srinagar → Guptkashi
Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi
Haridwar → Devprayag → Srinagar → Guptkashi
Train Routes to Temple
Board train to Rishikesh from Delhi or Haridwar
Take bus or cab to Guptkashi from Rishikesh
Board train to Rishikesh from Delhi or Haridwar
Take bus or cab to Guptkashi from Rishikesh
Air Routes to Temple
Fly to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant)
Then travel by road (taxi or bus) to Guptkashi (approx. 7–8 hours)
Fly to Dehradun Airport (Jolly Grant)
Then travel by road (taxi or bus) to Guptkashi (approx. 7–8 hours)
Nearby Cities
Rudraprayag (48 km)
Srinagar Garhwal (80 km)
Rishikesh (180 km)
Haridwar (210 km)
Rudraprayag (48 km)
Srinagar Garhwal (80 km)
Rishikesh (180 km)
Haridwar (210 km)
Nearby Visiting Temples & Places
Kedarnath Temple (accessible via trek or helicopter)
Ardhanarishvara Shrine (within temple complex)
Triyuginarayan Temple – site of Shiva-Parvati marriage
Tungnath – world’s highest Shiva temple
Deoria Tal, Chopta, and Ukhimath
Kedarnath Temple (accessible via trek or helicopter)
Ardhanarishvara Shrine (within temple complex)
Triyuginarayan Temple – site of Shiva-Parvati marriage
Tungnath – world’s highest Shiva temple
Deoria Tal, Chopta, and Ukhimath
Preferable Visiting Season
May to June and September to November are ideal
Avoid Monsoon (July–August) due to landslides
Winter (December–February) not advisable due to snow
May to June and September to November are ideal
Avoid Monsoon (July–August) due to landslides
Winter (December–February) not advisable due to snow
Shopping – Famous For
Rudraksha malas, puja items, and souvenirs
Woolen clothes (shawls, sweaters, caps)
Local handicrafts and Himalayan herbs
Rudraksha malas, puja items, and souvenirs
Woolen clothes (shawls, sweaters, caps)
Local handicrafts and Himalayan herbs
Guptkashi Vishwanath Temple is more than just a stop on the Kedarnath route; it's a sacred destination in its own right, echoing tales of devotion, mythology, and divine presence. From spiritual rituals and ancient architecture to natural beauty and Himalayan charm, the temple offers a fulfilling journey for every pilgrim. Whether you seek blessings, serenity, or cultural richness, Guptkashi stands as a symbol of spiritual sanctity in the lap of nature, welcoming every soul with open arms.
