Uttarkashi is one of
the prominent cities of Uttaranchal. This is situated at a height of
1158 meters. In ancient times, Barahat was the popular name of this
place. Uttarkashi is a link between Gangotri and Yamunotri and that
makes this place far more significant. Here Ganga flows towards
north (uttar), hence the name. Apart from being a famous pilgrimage,
this city is gaining a new identity, as a center of education,
culture, and tourism.
There is elaborate description of Uttarkashi in Kedarkhand. It
depicts Uttarkashi as the only pilgrimage where Lord Shiva stays
wholeheartedly. And if anyone thinks Uttarkashi is different from
Kashi, he will be punished in hell.Like Varanasi, there is a
Manikarnika Ghat in Uttarkashi as well. Bathing in Manikarnika Ghat
and offering food and water to departed relatives will keep their
souls satisfied for thousand years. It is said that if someone dies
within a particular range in Uttarkashi, he will be a liberated
soul. Lord Shiva?s glittering linga will keep this place beautiful
forever.
There are many kunds (spring of water) in Uttarkashi. Famous ones
are Brahmkund, Rudrakund, Vishnukund, Suryakund and there is no
dearth of ghats, but the important ones are Kedarghat,
Trirotkacharya, and Manikarnika Ghat.
At a distance of 1.4 km from Uttarkashi is Laksheshwar Mandir. This
place has been referred as Lakshagriha in Kedarkhand.In the later
period, a beautiful Lakshagriha was there. It is the same house in
which the Kauravas made the Pandavas stay. Even today one can see
burning Lakha there. Goddess Shakti is present in that house.
The courtyard of Laksheshwar, bricks scattered over 15 acre of land,
remind one of Mahabharata and the glorious past of
Pandavas.Uttarkashi is also a place of strategic importance as it is
close to China border.
Uttarkashi is located in the northern part of Uttaranchal.
Uttarkashi was originally a part of Tehri Garhwal. But soon after
independence, when Tehri Garhwal Kingdom merged with India, it was
made a district of the Garhwal division
The major locations of the district are Dunda, Puroia, Rajgarhi and
Bhatwari. Major tourist attractions are Chaurangi Khal, Bhairon
Ghati and Gangotri. Yamuna, Rupin and Bhagirathi Rivers flows
through the district. |

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