Uttarakhand is famous for its art, culture, nature, and sacred places. The cultural diversity of the city abounds with many holy places that have historic stories and great significant beliefs among the Indians. The Land of God has an exceptionally rich heritage of historic temples, ancient Churches, Monasteries, Gurudwaras, and Dargahs. From the foothills of the Himalayas to the banks of Bhimtal we hit on many pilgrimage sites and varied venerated deities with great historic significance. People of all religions and creeds swarm to these popular places for peace, bliss, and harmony from all corners of the world.
Timeless Temples:
Uttarakhand – Devbhoomi, an abode for the sacred rivers and temples of Hindus. Every town in Uttarakhand is sanctified by the godly love and belief of devotees all over the year. All shrines in the city are evidence of historic events explained in Hindu scriptures for the new era. The prominent Chardham yatra, the origin of sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna, and the holy sacrifices of saints make Uttarakhand a part of our national heritage. The Hindu shrines are merged according to their origin and place namely Chota Chardham, Panch Kedar, Panch Prayag, Shakthi Peeth, and Siddha Peetha.
Apart from Shiva and Vishnu mandirs, the city is also famous for Katarmal Sun Temple also known as one of the most beautiful shrines of the sun god after Konark Temple. Most of the Historic temples in Uttarakhand are under the Archeological Survey of India.
Classic Churches:
Churches in Uttarakhand depict the old-world charm of the British era and the Gothic arts in their buildings. Christianity flourished in the colonial culture of the ancient Indians and has been followed by many to date. The cities with Churches light up in winter to celebrate Christmas eve and new year. New tidings of the year bring joy and happiness among the natives and tourists of the city.
Some of the alluring and serene churches in the city to plan a Sunday mass on your vacay:
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St John’s Church, Nainital.
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Abbott Mount Church, Lohaghat.
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Kellogg Memorial Church, Mussoorie.
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Morrison Memorial, Dehradun.
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St Mary’s Church, Lansdowne.
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St Joseph Church, Kotdwara
Magnificent Monasteries:
The Indian Monasteries reflect Tibetan traditions in their preaching and scriptures as the origin of Buddhists and monks in India was from their ancestors. The architecture, landscapes, and serene atmosphere of these monasteries attract the disciples and other tourists for blessing rituals, and meditation sessions.
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Mind rolling, Dehradun.
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Sakya Centre Buddhist, Dehradun.
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Ngor Monastery, Dehradun.
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Palden feeling Gomang, Nainital.
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Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, Nainital.
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St Francis Monastery, Mussoorie.
Mind rolling Monastery in Dehradun is one of the largest Buddhist viharas in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Grandiose Gurudwaras:
Uttarakhand has many renowned Sikh shrines dedicated to the Sikh gurus for their work and worship. The pilgrims flock to these Gurudwaras during the Hem Kund Yatra that starts on 25 May and end on 10 Oct. Hem Kund Sahib and Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib in Sitarganji are the most revered Gurudwaras in Uttarakhand. Nanakmatta is a small town named after the historic site, Gurdwara Nanak Mata Sahib. The Sikh community of Uttarakhand has many ancient Gurudwaras, revered by all religious creeds.
Some among them are:
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Baoti Sahib, Nanakmatta.
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Gurudhwara Nanaksara, Dehradun.
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Reetha Meetha Sahib, Champawat district.
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Gurudwara shri Nanakana sahib, Kashipuri.
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Gurudwara Nanakar, Dehradun.
Mesmerizing Mosque:
The only Mosque in Uttarakhand with a history of more than 1200 years. A small town developed around the shrine is now referred to by name of the Mosque. The Piran Kaliyar Sharif Mosque in Haridwar is the dargah of Allaudin Ali Ahmed Sabir Kalyari. The Dargah is built in the 13 century by Ibrahim Lodhi, a ruler of Delhi. Ibrahim Lodhi is a Sufi saint of the Christi Order, a disciple who followed the preaching and spiritual prayers of Sabir.
