Dwarahat: Uttar Dwarka of Uttarakhand

Dwarahat is nestled within the Almora District of Uttarakhand, Dwarahat unveils a tapestry of ancient allure and historical significance, positioned approximately 15 miles (around 28.8 km) away from Ranikhet. This quaint town harbors a trio of predominant temple types – Kachari, Maniya, and Ratnadev.

Its prominence as a pilgrimage hub for devotees bound for Badrinath is undeniable. The cultural resonance of Dwarahat has earned it the moniker “Uttar Dwarka,” a homage to Lord Krishna’s celestial abode. Remarkably, the town boasts an archaeological treasure trove of 55 temples, artfully categorized into seven distinctive groups.

City of temples

Gujjar Dev Temple, Kachari Dewal Temple, Mandeve Temple, Ratan Dewal, Mrityunjay Mahadev Temple, Badrinath Temple, and Kedarnath Temple stand as the venerable creations of the Katyuri dynasty, emerging between the 10th and 12th centuries. It was during this era that Dwarahat held the prestigious mantle of being the capital of the illustrious Katyuri Dynasty.

The haunting remnants of the Gujjar Dev Temple, set against the backdrop of Dwarahat, are a poignant reminder of its significance.

Mahavatar Babaji Cave: 

The path to the hallowed Mahavatar Babaji Cave, perched upon Pandukholi Hill, has been lovingly restored and paved to facilitate pilgrims. This transformative trek, under an hour for the average walker, weaves through verdant landscapes, occasionally cradling monsoon streams that converge to grace the Gogash River with abundance, a spectacle artfully chronicled in the pages of “An Autobiography of a Yogi.”

Suggested Read – Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram Dwarahat: A Tranquil Among Nature

Significance of Dwarahat:

The spiritual sanctity of this hallowed ground is eloquently captured through the eloquent prose of Paramhansa Yogananda in his timeless tome, “An Autobiography of a Yogi.” One chapter in particular, aptly named “Materializing a Palace in the Himalayas,” delves into the ethereal essence that envelops Dwarahat.

Mahavatar Babaji Cave: 

A pilgrimage to Dwarahat would be incomplete without a sojourn to the Mahavatar Babaji Cave, nestled within the embrace of the Dunagiri Mountains. This sacred cavern holds profound resonance as the very site where Mahavatar Babaji, a venerated spiritual luminary, imparted the wisdom of Kriya Yoga to Lahiri Mahasaya in the year 1861. A potent aura of divine energy, emanating from Mahavatar Babaji, permeates this sanctum where the ancient science of Pranayama was bequeathed to the world through his devoted disciple.

Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram

Dwarahat also houses the Yogoda Satsang Sakha Ashram, ensconced amid the majestic embrace of Himalayan pine forests and towering peaks. This haven carries profound significance as the abode of Sri Daya Mata, the esteemed head of YSS, during the years spanning 1995 to 2010. For those seeking deeper insights, consider delving into the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Ashram Dwaraha.

A Glimpse into History:

Historical narratives intertwine seamlessly with the sacred ambience of Dwarahat. This hamlet, affectionately referred to as the “Village of Temples,” stands adorned with eight resplendent architectural marvels from the 10th to 12th centuries. These pyramid-shaped stone edifices, including the eminent Dunagiri and Nathana Devi Temples renowned as Shakti Temples, bear testimony to the sway of the Katyuri Kings during this period.