Basukedar Temple is located in Basukedar village, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India. This temple is located approximately 180 kilometres from Rishikesh. This Temple is situated on the highway between Kedarnath and Badrinath, the divine abode of Uttarakhand. It is located on the way to Two Dham.

This Temple has special significance in Hinduism, particularly for Lord Shiva devotees. This Temple is a particularly prestigious Lord Shiva temple. The name of this temple is derived from Lord Shiva’s famous temples.

The Story Behind Basukedar Temple

According to legends, Lord Shiva spent a night’s rest (basa) here. Basu (Basa) was derived from Kedar (Shiva) meaning Basukedar from this Basa. On Mahashivratri, special worship of Lord Shiva is performed here, as well as Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek.

The Pandavas built the temple, which is thought to be over 1000 years old. When roads were not built in the area, the route leading to Basukedar Temple served as the original route to Kedarnath. Pilgrims might take this route and spend the night in Basukedar.

Basukedar Temple History

The Pandavas killed many of their relatives during the Mahabharata War. To be free of their sins, the Pandavas needed Lord Shiva’s blessing. As a result, the Pandavas set out in search of Lord Shiva, and this is where they saw Lord Shiva in his buffalo form. Lord Shiva was angry with the Pandavas, so he did not grant them darshan and instead went to Kedarnath.

The village of Basukedar is an ancient route to Kedarnath Temple. Pilgrims and devotees use this village as a stopping point on their way to Kedarnath Temple. Other legends claim that Lord Shiva stops here for the night on his way back to Kedarnath. As a result, this location is known as Basukedar.

Basukedar Temple Location/Architecture

Basukedar’s temple spreads spiritual energy as well as natural beauty. The Pandavas constructed the 1000-year-old Basukedar temple. As a result, the Basukedar temple is also known as the Pandava temple. For yoga practitioners, travellers, and spiritual seekers, the area surrounding this temple is a spiritual haven. The main Basukedar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there are about 25 other smaller temples dedicated to various deities.

Due to its distance from the main road and ideal location for those seeking tranquillity, meditation, a break from daily activities, and a little hiking, the temple is a great choice.

Facts about Temple

• The Basukedar temple is a well-known temple in Uttarakhand. It is situated in the village of Basukedar in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas.
• This is the location where the Pandavas first saw Lord Shiva in his buffalo form before he vanished to Kedarnath.
• This temple combines spirituality with scenic beauty. This temple, which dates back 1000 years, was built by Pandavas.
• Yoga practitioners, travellers, and spiritual seekers will find spiritual heaven in the area surrounding this temple.
• The main Basukedar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there are about 25 other smaller temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses.
• When the Pandavas went in search of Lord Shiva, they built this divine temple to atone for their sins as they killed many people during the war.
• The name Basukedar temple has significance. Basu means “to remain,” and Kedar means “Lord Shiva.”
• Thus, pilgrims who wish to trek to Kedarnath spend the night here. They seek Lord Shiva’s blessing in the Basukedar temple before beginning their trek to Kedarnath the following morning.

Best Time to Visit Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. The best time to visit this temple, however, is during the monsoon and summer seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere. July to September is a very refreshing and enjoyable time.

From April to June, a cool breeze and pleasant temperatures range from 20 to 36 degrees.

Famous Festivals In Temple

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

How to Reach Basukedar Temple

The best time to visit the Basukedar Temple is from April/May to June and September to October/November.

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to the Basukedar temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 192 kilometres away. Rishikesh is 20 kilometres away, and you can reach the Basukedar temple by taxi or government bus.

Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is 176 kilometres away from the Basukedar temple. The other two options are railway stations in Dehradun (215 km) and Haridwar (199 km).

Taxi/Bus Service: Because the temple is on the Char Dham Yatra Route, you can take shared taxis or state-run buses from Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. There are numerous buses and shared taxis to Rudraprayag, which is 40 kilometres from the Basukedar Temple.