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Pandukeshwar is a small but beautiful village located at an altitude of 1800 meters in Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the most popular destinations for pilgrims and tourists who are visiting the Chardham Yatra. This village is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River and is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient temples, and natural beauty. The main attraction of Pandukeshwar is the Pandukeshwar temple, which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Apart from the temple, there are several other places of attraction in the village, such as the Pandukeshwar Lake, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Himalayan National Park.
History of Pandukeshwar
The name of the village Pandukeshwar is derived from the Sanskrit word “Pandu”, which means “lord of the pandavas”. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, who were the five sons of the god King Pandu, used to live in this place. It is believed that the Pandavas had built a temple in this place to worship Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the same one that was built by the Pandavas during their exile from their kingdom. The Pandukeshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples in India and is believed to be around 2000 years old. The temple is visited by devotees from all over the world to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Pandukeshwar Route
The best way to reach Pandukeshwar is by road. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 250 km away from the village. Once you reach Dehradun, you can take a taxi or a bus to the village. The journey from Dehradun to Pandukeshwar takes about 8 hours. The other option is to take a train to Rishikesh, which is about 160 km away from the village. From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pandukeshwar. The journey from Rishikesh to Pandukeshwar takes about 5 hours.
Places to Visit in Pandukeshwar
The Pandukeshwar temple is the main attraction of the village and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. Apart from the temple, there are several other places to visit in Pandukeshwar. The Pandukeshwar Lake is a beautiful lake located in the village. It is a popular spot for tourists and pilgrims to take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the village and is home to several species of animals including leopards, tigers, and black bears. The Himalayan National Park is located close to Pandukeshwar and is a great spot for trekking and wildlife viewing. It is home to several endangered species of animals and plants.
Accommodation and Food in Pandukeshwar
Pandukeshwar has several hotels and guesthouses where tourists and pilgrims can stay. Most of these accommodations are reasonably priced and provide basic amenities. The village also has several restaurants and eateries where you can enjoy delicious local cuisine. The food in Pandukeshwar is mainly vegetarian and is prepared using local ingredients.
Conclusion
Pandukeshwar is a must-visit spot on the Chardham Yatra. It is an ancient village with plenty of historical and religious significance. The Pandukeshwar temple is the main attraction of the village and is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The village also has several other places of attraction such as the Pandukeshwar Lake, the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Himalayan National Park. Tourists and pilgrims can stay in one of the hotels or guesthouses in the village and enjoy delicious local cuisine.
