Gopinath Temple
On hearing the name of Gopinath temple, we come to mind Shri Krishna form, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, but it is not so. The Gopinath temple located in Gopeshwar is related to Shiva. This temple is said to be as ancient as the Kedarnath temple. On the other hand, if we talk about architectural art, then there is a dome shape on its top. The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is 30 square feet and is entered through 24 gates.
The grandeur of the Gopinath temple situated in the heart of Gopeshwar city is made on sight. When the doors of the fourth Kedar Rudranath present in the Panchkedars are closed, the movable Vigraha Doli of Lord Rudranath, the fourth Kedar, is brought to the Gopinath temple when the doors of the Rudranath temple are closed. In this temple, along with Lord Gopinath, Baba Rudranath is also worshiped in winter.
During the Chardham Yatra, the most sacred of Hindus in Uttarakhand, during the journey of the traveler to Badrinath, they also visit the Gopinath temple located in Gopeshwar. This temple is open throughout the year, due to which there is always a gathering of devotees in this temple. So what are the history and mythological importance associated with this temple, let us know.
History of Gopinath Temple
Gopinath Temple is located in the form of an ancient Hindu temple in the city of Gopeshwar, located in the Chamoli region of Uttarakhand. This temple was built between the ninth and eleventh centuries by the Katyuri rulers. The history of the Katyuri rulers and the history of Nepalese rulers are also told from the inscriptions present in this temple.
The inscription of King Anek Mal of Nepal who ruled here in the thirteenth century is also present in the temple. Or from the existing inscriptions, the script of 3 out of 4 inscriptions written in Devanagari is yet to be read.
Also read - Panch Kedar, 5 major shrines of Shiva
Also read - Panch Kedar, 5 major shrines of Shiva
The broken sculptures present in the courtyard of this temple indicate the existence of other smaller temples established here. This temple has been built in Nagara style. At the same time, the art of temple construction is known as the Himadri style.
The temple of Maa Durga Shri Ganesh and Shri Hanuman Ji and a mythological trident made of Ashta metal is also situated around this temple. It is said about this trident that it never gets rusted.
The mythology related to the Gopinath temple
The religious and mythological story about the Gopinath temple located in Gopeshwar is very old. It is said that this temple was the austerity of Lord Shiva, at this place Lord Shiva did penance for many years.
According to the legend, after leaving the body of Goddess Sati and the killing of a demon named Tadkasur, the place is also related to the place. When Goddess Sati left her body, Lord Shiva sat in meditation at this place. On the other hand, due to the terror of Tarakasura, Indra fled heaven or the throne and Tarakasura waged a war on the three worlds.
Also Read - Syahi Devi Temple, Almora
Also Read - Syahi Devi Temple, Almora
According to the legend, Tadkasur had a boon that only Shivaputra could kill him. This is the reason that the gods asked Brahma to remedy this, Brahmadev sent Kamadeva to disturb Shiva's penance. When Shiva's penance was disturbed due to Kamadeva's arrows, he became very angry and consumed Kamadeva with his trident.
It is said about the Trishul carved in the ground located in the Gopinath temple that it is the same Trishul that was thrown by Lord Shiva at Kamadeva. Whatever is the belief about this trident that it starts vibrating when touched.
Folk tales related to the Gopinath temple of Uttarakhand
According to another legend, this region was ruled by King Sagar. At present, a village named Sagar situated near Gopeshwar is named after the same king Sagar. According to the local people, once a strange incident happened, the milk of cows started falling at this place, so the king sent the soldiers to find out the reason. When the king saw that the milk coming out of the cow's breast was going to the Shivling himself, he was surprised, and sooner he built a temple at this holy place.
Local Beliefs related to the Gopinath temple
The importance of the Gopinath temple is such that hundreds of devotees come here every day to have darshan of Lord Shiva. The idols of Parashuram and Bhairavji are also present in this temple. At some distance from this temple, there is a kund called Vaitarni.
It is said that bathing in its water gets rid of all sins. If meditating on the trident present in the courtyard of the temple and touching it with the index finger, there starts to vibrate in the back. This temple is also important because at this place the main part of Lord Kedarnath i.e. Rudranath Ji Utsavmurti sits in winter. Devotees keep gathering here after bringing the idol of Lord Rudranath to this temple.
How to reach Gopinath Temple
Gopinath Temple is located in the town of Gopeshwar in the Chamoli district. Which falls on the main route of Badrinath Yatra. Gopeshwar is situated at a distance of just 10 km from Chamoli. It is 220 km from Rishikesh.
On the other hand, if we talk about the nearest airport, then Jolly Grant Dehradun is the nearest airport. At the same time, Rishikesh can be reached only by rail. After which even the distance has to be covered by four wheelers only.
Also Read: - Hemkund Sahib Yatra
Also Read: - Hemkund Sahib Yatra
This Whole article is originally written by Deepak Bisht on wegarhwali.com. With his permission, It is translated into English. if you find some errors. Please correct us. :)