Ranikhet, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand, India, is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage. The town is dotted with several ancient temples that are worth visiting to experience the spiritual essence of the region.
One of the must-visit temples in Ranikhet is the Jhula Devi Temple. Another significant temple in Ranikhet is the Mankameshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Additionally, the Ram Mandir in Ranikhet is another significant temple that attracts devotees from near and far.
Visiting these nearby temples in Ranikhet not only offers a chance to explore the religious and cultural aspect of the region but also provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty and tranquility that surrounds them. So, make sure to include them in your itinerary when planning a trip to this beautiful hill station.
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Jhula Devi Temple
The Jhula Devi temple is ancient from the 8th century, situated 7 km from Ranikhet near Chaubatia.
Imagine entering a temple filled with thousands of bells only to discover it is completely silent. Each bell is assigned a name and has a corresponding backstory. The temple is aesthetically pleasing, easily accessible, and well-maintained.
The temple is named after the jhula (swing) on which the goddess deity rests. People respect the goddess by tying small bells and making wishes. The temple is adorned with numerous bells, creating a wonderful atmosphere that can only be fully experienced in person. The Army mostly maintains the temple, a small but significant place of worship.
Haidakhan Babaji Temple
The temple in Ranikhet is located along a scenic route surrounded by Pine and deodar trees. The area is peaceful and serene, with few people around. The view of the Himalayas from the temple is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view of the entire stretch. The temple itself is a peaceful and tranquil place with a positive energy. It is highly recommended to visit this temple when in Ranikhet.
The place described is popular among both locals and tourists. While it is not overcrowded, there is a continuous flow of locals visiting it. People come to this place for reverence and to enjoy the natural surroundings. The location is easily accessible as it is situated in the city. The temple does not have a significant religious history but is dedicated to the person who established it. The temple complex offers a wide open space with a breathtaking Himalayas view. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Mankameshwar Temple
Mankameshwar Temple is famous in Ranikhet that was constructed by the Kumaon Regiment. The temple is situated in front of the Gurudwara and Shawl Factory. Visitors can find idols of Radha-Krishna, Ma Kalika, and Lord Shiva inside the temple. The temple was quiet and calm during our visit, providing a peaceful atmosphere. The entire temple complex was well taken care of and maintained.
Shiva Temple
The Shiva Temple, also known as Pancheshwar Mahadev Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated in the Main Ranikhet area, just 100 meters from Gandhi Chowk. It is one of the famous temples in Ranikhet.
The temple is believed to be 300 years old and features a silver lining on Lord Shiva’s linga. The architecture of the temple is similar to other ancient temples in Uttarakhand. Additionally, a temple within the Shiva temple is dedicated to Lord Ram’s family and mother Durga. A Dharamsala has also been constructed to accommodate pilgrims visiting the Shiv Mandir. The Dharamsala provides all necessary facilities for travellers.
All the festivals at the Shiva temple are celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially the special pooja on the festivals of Shivratri, Durga Puja, and Navaratri.
Swargashram Binsar Mahadev Mandir
The Binsar Mahadev Temple in Ranikhet is an ancient temple near Soni Binser Ranikhet. It is situated 18 km away from the main Ranikhet City. The temple premises are well-maintained and spacious, offering visitors a neat and clean environment. The temple’s surroundings are also picturesque, with abundant deodar and pine trees. Visiting the temple early in the morning is recommended to experience its beauty fully.
The temple also has a small Ashram where people can stay after obtaining permission from the temple authority. Vegetarian meals are served here for the guests at a cost. There is no cell phone network in this area. The temple is situated at a height of 6,200 feet in the mountains, but no climbing is required as vehicles can reach the temple’s doorstep. There is also a large parking area for cars.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
The Temple of Chitai Almora is a famous temple dedicated to Golu Devta, also known as Goljyu Devta, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Gaur Bhairav. While there are several temples of Golu Devta in Almora, the Chitai Golu Devta Temple is considered the most sacred. It is said that this temple can fulfil any wish as long as the worshipper asks for it with a clear conscience. The temple is located 9 kilometres away from Almora.
Jageshwar Dham Temple
Jageshwar is well-known for its temple complex, which comprises 124 stone temples of various sizes. These temples date back to the 9th to 13th century AD, attracting culture enthusiasts and historians interested in exploring the ancient shrines and learning about the dynasties that built them.
Katarmal Sun Temple
The Katarmal Sun temple complex is situated at an altitude of 2110 meters, offering a picturesque location. It was constructed in the 9th century AD by a Katyuri king named Katarmalla.
Mahavatar Babaji Cave
Located beyond the hamlet of Kukuchina, Dwarahaat, Mahavatar Babaji’s cave holds great spiritual importance. It is the birthplace of Kriya Yoga and the site where ‘Lahiri Mahashaya’ received direct teachings of Kriya Yoga from Maha-Avtar Baba Ji.
