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Uttaranchal Kuteti Devi Temple
Kuteti Devi temple in which Kuteti Devi is the principal deity is situated in a hill called Hari Parwat, about 2 kms from Uttarkashi. There is an approach to this temple from Dehradun after covering a distance of 192 kms. This temple is situated on the banks of the river Bhagirathi and this temple for Kuteti Devi was built by the son in law and daughter of Maharaja Kota, after Kuteti Devi appeared in their dream in response to their prayers, when she indicated about three stones of divine nature. The couple thereupon constructed this temple, which act they were wishing to do for quite some time.
Kuteti Devi being a form of Goddess Durga, Kota Maharaja’s daughter and son in law chose this place for building the temple because of the blessings and providence that Devi granted to their father when he was in distress of having lost his money. Kuteti Devi is considered the main deity of the village Kot Gram Khai in Uttarkashi.
History
The Maharaja of Kota which is in Rajasthan State lost his bag of money while he was going on a pilgrimage around this area ultimately to reach Gangotri. He suddenly became penniless because of this, could not do anything without money and returned to Uttarkashi where he offered prayers for relief at the Vishwanath ji Temple at Uttarkashi. He promised the deity that he would give his only daughter in marriage to a suitable boy belonging to that place, should he be relieved of his distress and difficulty. At this point of time, the temple priest informed him that the money bag has been found inside the temple and Kota Maharajah had all his money back. Maharaja will all happiness and a sense of gratitude to Lord Vishwanath ji then requested the temple priest to find a suitable match for his daughter. The temple priest found one accordingly and the Rajkumari was married to that chosen bridegroom. The Rajkumari lived in Uttarkashi after marriage, but with a feeling that she was taken away from her family deity Kuteti Devi, who was her favourite deity and who she worshiped every day. Because of this, the husband and wife prayed together, Goddess Kuteti Devi from Uttarkashi itself, when during one of the nights, Devi appeared in their dreams and informed them that she would be arriving to their place in the form of a stone lying in their fields. The Rajkumari and her husband thereupon went to the fields and discovered 3 stones with heavenly aroma. They chose the exact place where they found these stones to construct the temple for Kuteti Devi Temple, which is today illustriously standing on the banks of river Bhagirathi.
The temple located on the bank of the river, quite away from Uttarkashi town, remains in the very old site, but renovated today, the priests who are descendants of that old priest who found the match for Kota Maharajah’s daughter are managing the temple activities.
How To Reach
By Air
Uttarkashi is situated 160 km from Jolly Grant Airport, which is the nearest and there are daily flights to this airport from Delhi. There are motorable roads connecting this airport and Uttarkashi town and plenty of taxis available for transport.
By Rail
Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest rail point for Uttar Kashi, from where one can travel about 143km by road which is well maintained.
By Road
Uttar Kashi is in NH58 with excellent bus transport, including luxury types of buses, available for travel from major destinations of Uttrakhand State, which include Rishikesh, Tehri, Dehradun, Barkot etc.
Other Shrines At Uttarkashi
- The Vishwanath Mandir, which is located at Vishwanath Chowk at the centre of town,
- Prachin Annapurna Mata Mandir is centuries old and the principal deity is Goddess Parvati
- Prachin Bhairon Mandir the principal deity of which is Bhairon ji who always stays with Lord Shiva to guard
- Prachin Parasuram Mandir has its principal deity as Parasuram who was a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Shakti Temple located right opposite the Vishwanath temple, in the same complex, the deity holding a huge Trishul.
Other Attractions In Uttarkashi
Apart from places of religious worship, Uttarkashi has also a number of tourist attractions, some of them being
- Bhairon Chowk a place considered one of the oldest locations in Uttarkashi
- Gangotri town in Uttarkashi district which is a Hindu pilgrimage spot.
- Govind National Park which sanctuary was established in 1955.
- Himalayan Museum located within the NIM Campus is the Himalaya Museum.
- Maneri-Bhali project, supplying 93 MW of power to Uttarakhand.
- Nachiketa Tal, a location roughly about 600 sqmetres in area, with a Nag Devta temple in it complex.
- Ujali the Ujali colony, located at the outskirts of Uttarkashi, housing over 500 sadhus.
There are Ghats that the Pilgrims flock to have a ritual bath at Uttarkashi which include Dasashvamedh, Asi, Panchganga, Barnasangam, and Manikarnika.
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