Pandukeshwar Temple

Uttarakhand, sometimes referred to as “Devbhoomi”, is the center of several sacred and religious sites. Uttarakhand has attracted people of all ages and religions since ancient times. There are many beautiful and temples in Uttarakhand that have had a significant historical impact. Pandukeshwar is one of the most sacred place one must visit while visiting the highly popular Badrinath Temple. When visiting Badrinath, many travelers pause to pay respects at the two temples that are located here.

History And Myths About Pandhukeshwar

It is well known that Pandukeshwar is the subject of numerous stories, each of which magnifies the significance of the other. One of the most well-known tales is that King Pandu, the father of the Pandavas, undertook a serious penance here in order to atone for the sin of killing sages. This narrative is based on a passage from the Mahabharata. According to myth, this powerful king used to reside in Pandukeshwar with his wives Madri and Kunti after abdicating to his older brother Dhritarashtra. According to legend, King went hunting one day and accidentally killed a sage who was making a love in the form of deer.

When the sage was about to pass away, he cursed him, telling him that he would die if he ever tried to fall in love again.

King Pandu travelled to Yogdhyan Badri to undertake a deep meditation in attempt to atone for this wrongdoing. While there, he also installed a bronze statue of Lord Vishnu, and in the interim, Kunti gave birth to the Pandavas through Yogdhyan Madri. As time went on, King Pandu became attracted to Madri while she was bathing in the Alaknanda River, and the sage’s curse caused him to pass away.

When the Pandavas were twelve years into their exile, they travelled to Pandukeshwar to conduct his father’s funeral ritual.

About Pandhukeshwar

In Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district lies a tiny village known for its religious significance called Pandukeshwar. It’s located close to the glacial source of the powerful Alakananda-Ganga River in a valley in the Central Himalayas.It is one of the most holiest temple in Uttarakhand.

Pandu (father of Pandavas) from the Mahabharata is claimed to have been born there. It is one of the most sacred place in Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand. It can be found on the route to Badrinath and is located at a height of 6300 feet. Pandukeshwar lies between the sacred Badrinath and Joshimath village. In this location, Lord Shiva is said to have been worshipped by King Pandu, the powerful Pandavas father. Pandukeshwar is a home of two well-known temples, Yogadhyan Badri Temple & Lord Vasudev Temple.

Yogadhyan Badri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that King Pandu installed the symbol of Lord Vishnu’s bronze at this place. There are five “Sapta Badri” temples, and this one is the fifth.

Lord Vasudev Temple was build by Pandavas during their stay in Pandukeshwar. Lord Vishnu, Madri, and Goddess Laxmi are honoured in this temple.

Why Pandhukeshwar is Famous ?

Pandhukeshwar is famous for:

The two famous temples: Yogadhyan Badri Temple & Lord Vasudev Temple
Ancient History and Myths about the place.
Majestic sculptures and monuments.
Mesmerizing views and nature.
Festivals and Culture.
Religious beliefs and practices.

Best Time to Visit Pandukeshwar

Pandukeshwar is situated in a magnificent area. You can visit this temple all year round because the area’s climate is so serene and lovely, but the best time to visit this place is during the months of April to June or September to November. When you travel during these months, the weather is quite agreeable and good, with a cool, soft breeze accompanying you. Sometimes the weather is unpredictable here so do carry your pocket raincoats as it may sprinkle anytime and few woolen cloths as temperature falls during the night because of high elevation.

Places to Stay Around Pandukeshwar

Near this temple, there are numerous holidayhome, resorts, hotels and homestays where you may stay, unwind, and learn about spirituality. One can prefer hotels according to their needs and budget. In the area, some of the top and most cheap hotels you can go for:

Hotel Alaknanda Sadan
Yatra Homestay
Hotel Nature Nest Inn
Hotel Vasudeva Inn
Ved Villa Homestay

How to Reach Pandukeshwar

There are several methods to visit to Pandukeshwar, including via airways, railways and roadways.

By Road: The location is easily accessible from other important locations in the state, making this the most practical method of travel. To go to the destination, a person may also hire a taxi or cab. Additionally, this location offers automobile rental services.

By Railways: The closest railroad station, nearly 270 kilometers from Pandukeshwar is in Rishikesh, from there you have to go by local busses or you can book a personal taxi or cab.

By Airways: The closest airport to Pandukeshwar, which is around 288 kilometers distant, is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, from there you can either take a public bus or arrange for a private taxi or cab.

Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Some of the important travel tips you must keep in mind while travelling to Pandukeshwar:

Check the weather forecast before travelling.
Carry water bottles and adequate liuids.
Carry first aid kit and sanitizers.
Carry moisturizers and prescribed medicines.
Trekking equipment incase you want to explore mountains.
Carry some cash rather than card as in mountains & villages Atm or online transactions may not work.

Entry Type

To enter the temple, no special pass or paperwork is required. It is free for all devotees to visit that location with the aid of local guides. You only need to have your ID or Adhaar card on hand in case something happens.