Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi is a Shiva temple. This is a place where Parshuram did strict penance to overcome his anger after killing 21 unworthy rulers.
There is a place to sit and meditate. You can go into meditative states here effortlessly.
How to get there:
The temple is located at the middle of Uttarkashi.
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ePpToJwv9UCvZcNX8
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttarkashi
Nestled in the deep folds of the mighty Himalayas, Uttarkashi is a small but very picturesque town. From time immemorial, this beautiful area has been the meditation ground and place of deep spiritual communion for sages and spiritual seekers. Barahaat is the name by which, Uttarkashi was referred to in days gone by. It lies in the holy area between Varuna and Assi rivers With the confluence of Varuna with Bhagirathi marking its limit on one end and that of Assi with Bhagirathi on the other. The land between the confluence of Varuna and Assi with Ganga is known as Varanasi. There are only two places on earth where this geographical phenomenon takes place – one is Kashi, also known as Varanasi (Banaras) and the other is Uttarkashi.
This perhaps, explains why it is referred to as Saumya Kashi or Holy Varanasi in ancient scriptures. The town of Uttarkashi extends over an area of 5 kosha, between these two rivulets, along the banks of Bhagirathi (Ganga). Uttarkashi even finds mention in the “Kedarkhanda” one of the most extensive of all puranas -Skandpurana:
This Uttarkashi is one which gives salvation to living beings. Blessed are those who are fortunate to live here during the dark age of Kaliyug, which refers to the present age, in this the same place where all Gods reside in their absolute form. Skandapurana
According to Kedarkhand 95/60, 61, Uttarkashi was called Varnavat Gram during the time of Mahabharata. It has been referred as the place at the base of the Varunavat Mountain which was the pilgrim center for Chandramauli Lord Shiva. To this day, there is a special pilgrimage on the 13 day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu Month of Chaitra. Where devotees and pilgrims perform a 5 koshi circumambulation of the Varunavat Mountain, to honour and worship 33 crore (330 million) divine beings that reside on this holy mountain.
Lakshsheshwar, a place in uttarkashi is related to the story of the house of laquer built by the kauravas to murder the pandas. The tunnel which was built to save the Pandas from the lakshagraha (a hose built by kauravas to burn the pandvas alive) is said to have its exit in Uttarkashi which is now known as lakasheshwar.
This is the place where Parshuram, the son of Renuka and Sage Jamdagni, after killing 21 unworthy rulers, performed strict penance to gain control over his anger and become saumya or mellow. This is also the reason why Uttarkashi is also called Saumya Kashi.
During the 1″ Century BCE, this town was also the capital of the Naga Kings who ruled here till the end of the 5 Centruy AD. The family tree of the Naga Kings is etched upon the Shakti Stambh or The Shakti Pillar that stand in front of the Vishwanath Temple in the middle of the town. During the 6″ and the 7 Century AD, Uttarkashi was the Capital of the famous Central Himalayan Kingdom of Brahmpur, which finds mention in the travelogues of the famous Chinese Traveller Huen-Tsang. After the establishing of the Gardesh, it became the market for 12 pattis (a patti can be interpreted as a strip of land or a farm), hence, it was also called barahaat (bara=12, haat=market).
On 24″ of February 1960, Uttarkashi became a district and the town of Uttarkashi became the district headquarter for the newly formed district. It is the gateway to the four Dhams – Gangotri, Yamnotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The traditional pilgrim route that was followed for centuries, started from Uttarkashi. The town is completely surrounded by Balkhilya, Indrakeel (also called Hari Parvat), Varunavat, Mahedra Parvat known as Mahidanda locally and Airavat mountains. The town is situated at the base of Varunavat Parvat (mountain). The fabled meeting place of celestial beings – Chamau Ki Chauri, is situated in the Barahat area of the town.Even today the local deities gather here, in their palanquins, on auspicious occasions and perform their dance that enraptures the audience. This was also the traditional trading post for Tibetan merchants who came across the high mountain passes(nelong, Jadhung & gartang gali) to exchange precious gems and other goods for salt. Some interesting spots to visit along the Gangotri Highway are –
•Bhaskar Prayag or Bhatwari •Raithal which has ruins of a Surya Temple dating back to the 8″ and 9′ century
•Gangnani, the place where Sage Prashar performed his rigorous penance, which is famous for its hot water springs
•Sukhi – the place where Sukhdev Muni performed his penance •Hariprayag now known as Harsil
•Kalpkedar area of Dharali • Mukhba or Mukhimath – the winter home for Maa Ganga • Nelong, Jadhung & Gartang gali
•Lanka where the Shivlinga fell out of Ravana’s hand • Bhairon Ghati – with its Bhairav Temple and Scared Fire of Bhairav Dhsona
•Dodital (origin of ashi river & birth place of lord Ganesha) • Nachiketa Tal • Renukashram at Garbarsal • Kachru devta at Devidhar • Shiva Cave at Brahmkhal
