Visit to Gopinath temple in Uttarakhnad

Photo copyright: Satyabrata Maiti Gopinath temple is believed to be erected sometime between 9^th and 11^th century by affluent Katyuri Kings. After Pancha Keder shrines, this is the most revered Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. Architecture of the temple is same as Kedernath and Tunganath, having a large central dome of sanctum sanctorum. “Shyambhu Shivaling” known as Gopinath is placed inside the sanctum which has 24 doors. The famous Shiva “Trishul”, 5 m long  is  kept in temple’s courtyard. There is belief that true devotees can move the “trichul” by their slightest touch which is otherwise remain unmoved even by the greatest physical force.

Gopinath temple becomes the winter shrine of Rudranath ji for six months. According to mythological belief,  the “trishul” in the temple courtyard belongs to Lord Shiva who used this “thrishul” to kill Kamadeva (god of love) when he  was disturbing Lord Shiva’s meditation. Another belief is that when Lord Shiva turned Kamdeva in to ashes, Rati, the wife of Kamadeva did penance in  Gopeswar.   Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva assured her that her husband, Kamadeva would be back in life.   The remains of broken idols found around the temple testify the existence of several more temples in ancient times.

There are three routes that leads to Rudranath temple:

1. Joshimath- Helang- Urgam-Palla- Kimanna-Kelgount- Dumak- Rudranath
2. Gopeshar-Saggar- Chakrakonda- pong Bugyal- Mouli Kharak- Liti Bugyal- Panar Bugyal- Pitru Dhar- Rudranath (Shortest route, about 25 km)
3. Chopta- Mandal- Anusuya- Hansa Bugyal- Naola Pass- Panar Bugyal- Rudranath.

Since, we had been in Joshimath and also in Chopta, we decided to explore Rudranath Trekking via  Gopeswar route for two reasons: i) it is the shortest trekking route  and ii) to visit Gopinath temple for the blessings of Lord Shiva so as to get strength in completing toughest   Rudranath trekking which is toughest of all Kedars.

We finally fixed our itinerary with the help of  e-Uttarnachal  as follows:

29-May-2022 (Sunday): Ahmedabad – Dehradun airport; night stay at Rishikesh

30- May-2022 (Monday): Reaching  Saggar village for night stay via Gopeshwar

31- May-2022 (Tuesday): Trekking to Rudranath and night stay  at Mouli Khark

01-Jun-2022 (Wednesday): Reaching  Rudranath and  night stay there

02-Jun-2022 (Thursday): Trekking  back to Saggar with night stay at Pong Bugyal

03-Jun-2022 (Friday):  Trekking  back to Saggar followed by  Rishikesh (by car)  and night stay

04-Jun-2022 (Saturday): Rishikesh –  Dehradun –  Ahmedabad airport and back to Anand

On 30-May-2022

We left Rishikesh by car at 6:00 am. We paid our respect and took permission of the Dhari Mata for visiting Uttraknad. There is belief that without Dhari Mata permission one cannot visit Uttarakhand.   Gopeshwar is located between Kedarnat-Badrinath route, about 10 km from Chamoli town.  It is about 220 km away from Rishikesh.  We reached Gopeshwar by 2:30 pm and easily located the temple and spent about an hour in the temple before leaving to Saggar village for night stay.  We left the temple with a feeling of Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya (तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय)

Acknowledgement:

1. My Co-trekker, for her cooperation and understanding .
2. Mr. Sandeep Bisht,  e-Uttranchal for the support in planning and arranging  the trip.
3. Mr. Pradeep, Driver for his support during the trip.
4. On line resources were used for the write up.

Author:Satyabrata Maiti