Gaurikund
Author : Sourav Swaraj | Published On : 07 Dec 2023
Gaurikund is situated in the Garhwal sector of the Himalayas in the Indian state, of Uttarakhand. Gaurikund is 6502 feet high from the sea level. Gaurikund holds a significant place in Hinduism because it is the starting point of the sacred and most revered Kedarnath Yatra. Many Kedarnath tour package also includes a one or two-night stay in Gaurikund. Many people also love to visit Gaurikund due to its hot water springs.
Story Behind Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the place of Shiva’s consort. It is believed that Mata Gauri did ascetic and yogic practices and extreme penance to win Lord Shiva’s heart. This is the place where Mata Gauri stayed while carrying out these practices. After her extreme penance, Shiva admitted his love for her in the Gaurikund. After the proposal, they get married in the Triyuginarayan temple in the small village of Triyuginarayan.
Another story related to Gaurikund is connected to the son of Mata Gauri and Lord Shiva i.e. Ganesha. It is believed that when Mata Gauri was bathing in the Gaurikund. She made a boy with her soap sud and breathed life into him. After that, she placed him as the guard at the entrance and ordered him not to let anyone in. When Lord Shiva’s heart wanted to meet his consort he first ordered his sacred bull Nandi to get to Maa Parvati and tell her that Lord Shiva wanted to meet her. But at the entrance of Gaurikund, the Ganesha was standing. He stopped Nandi and told him that Maa Parvati didn't want to meet anyone right now you couldn't go inside. But Nandi got orders from his master. He again requested Ganesha to let him inside but Ganesha was standing firmly. Then the fight started between Nandi and Ganesha. The result of the fight was that Ganesha was still standing firmly. After the defeat of Nandi, Nandi went to Lord Shiva and told him all the stories. Lord Shiva gets angry and goes for Gaurikund. Lord Shiva told Ganesha to get out of his way, But Ganesha was stubborn. Ganesha told Lord Shiva that Mata Parvati ordered him to let no one inside. Lord Shiva gets even more angry and the fierce battle between Mata Parvati’s husband and Mata Parvati’s son starts. The result of the battle is that Ganesha lost his head. When Goddess Parvati got to know that Shiva had cut off the head of Ganesha she was inconsolable. Mata Parvati demanded his son back from Lord Shiva. Then Lord Shiva ordered his devotees to bring a head of an animal from the forest. The devotees got the head of an elephant for Ganesha. Lord Shiva installed the elephant’s head on Ganesha’s body. In this way, Ganesha got his persona.
Festivals celebrated in Gaurikund
Navratri: Navratri or Durga Puja is celebrated in the Gaurikund in a grandeur way. It is celebrated as the symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legends, Maa Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasur to protect the world. During the celebration stage is decorated, plays are performed, and many more.
Mahashivratri: The second important festival which is celebrated here is Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The festival is celebrated by chanting Shiva’s mantras and practicing yoga and meditation.
How can I reach Kedarnath from Gaurikund
Gaurikund is the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The trek to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund. Kedarnath temple is 16 km far from Gaurikund. The trek goes through the lush green forests and meadows. Pilgrims go on trekking with enchanting Lord Shiva’s mantra. The trek is moderately difficult hence trek to Kedarnath is a test of both spiritual and physical. You can also take the help of guides for your trekking. Guides are generally included in some of the Kedarnath yatra package. The Kedarnath yatra package cost is not so high but still, if you are concerned about money, believe me, the experience you will get after reaching the temple at that price is unbelievable. The surroundings, ambiance, and architecture, everything in the temple is awesome and will leave imprints on your heart till eternity.
How to reach Gaurikund
By Air: The nearest airport to Gaurikund is Jolly Grant Airport. Jolly Grant is 224 km from the Gaurikund and it is a domestic airport well connected to all the major states of India. The daily flights run for this airport. After reaching the Jolly Grant airport, You can take a bus or hire a cab to Gaurikund.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh Railway Station. The railway station is 202 km from Gaurikund and well connected to all the major states of India. After reaching Rishikesh railway station, You can take a bus or a cab to Gaurikund.
By road: Gaurikund is the last motorable point to Kedarnath. Vehicles can go to Gaurkund. You can take a bus from the ISBT Kashmiri gate to Rishikesh. After reaching Rishikesh you can take a bus or hire a cab to the Gaurikund.
