The Narsingh Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Joshimath in the Chamoli district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, who is believed to incarnate as the man-lion avatar Narasimha to protect his devotees. According to legend, the Narsingh Temple was built by the sage Jaimini, who is said to have attained enlightenment at this location. The Badrinath temple is shut down during the winter season when the idol is moved to and worshiped at the Narsingh Temple.
The temple features an idol of Lord Narsingh in the form of half-human and half-lion, it’s made of shaligram, a special stone found in riverbeds and is 25 cm in height. The idol sits on a lotus and on the left side is an idol of Goddess Chandika. On the right side, there are idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman and Garuda. Additionally, the temple houses other idols of Lord Kuber and Uddhav.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist destination in Joshimath. It is also one of the 108 Divya Desams, or holy shrines, of Vishnu.The temple is one of the most important temples in Joshimath and is an important place of worship for Hindus.
The temple is said to have been established by the Hindu sage Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. It is a popular destination for pilgrims, who come to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Joshimath.
The Narsingh Temple is open to visitors throughout the year and can be reached by road from major cities in Uttarakhand such as Dehradun and Haridwar. The best time to visit the temple is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant.
How to Reach Narsingh Temple
Here are different ways to reach the temple –
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun which is well connected to major cities, you can take a bus or taxi from there to reach Joshimath where the temple is located. The distance between Narsingh Temple from dheradun airport is 272 kms
- By Train: Rishikesh railway station is the closest one to Narsingh Temple, it’s well connected to many major cities, after reaching there hire a taxi or bus to reach Joshimath and the temple can be reached on foot from the bus stop.
- By Road: you can hire a bus or car from nearby places like Dehradun, Delhi, etc, or take a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi to Joshimath.
Important Details about Narsingh Temple”
-Operating hours: The temple is open from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm
-Duration of visit : The visit will take about 30 minutes
-Admission fee: There is no entry fee for visiting the temple
Best time to visit Narsingh Temple
The best time to visit the Narsingh Temple in Uttarakhand depends on your personal preferences. Here are a few things to consider:
- Summer Season (April to June): During this time, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy the greenery in and around the temple. The temperature is around 20-30 degree celsius. This is also the best time to trek in the region, if you want to.
- Monsoon Season (July to September): The temple area receives heavy rainfall during this time, which may make it difficult to travel and see the temple. The chances of landslides are also higher during this time, so it is better to avoid visiting the temple during this season.
- Winter Season (October to March): During this time, the weather can be chilly, and the temple can be covered in snow. This is also the time when the temple is open for worship and you can see the idol of Lord Kedarnath. If you can tolerate the cold weather and snow, it can be a good time to visit the temple.
It’s worth noting that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and it’s always best to check the forecast and be prepared for any eventualities. Also, always check the availability of the accommodation and the permits required to visit the places as some places might be closed during certain time of the year.
Stay near Narsingh Temple
There are several accommodation options available near the Narsingh Temple in Uttarakhand, India, depending on your budget and preferences.
- Guesthouses: The nearest guesthouse is located in Joshimath which is at a distance of 4km from temple, you can book rooms in advance and have the comfort of staying close to the temple.
- Ashrams : There are several ashrams nearby the temple which provide accommodation and food at reasonable rates, some ashrams also provide yoga, meditation and other spiritual activities.
- Hotels: There are several budget-friendly and luxury hotels in Joshimath and nearby towns which offer good facilities, you can check online and book in advance.
- Homestays: You can also consider staying with local families in homestays, they offer a unique experience of staying in a local home and having a personal interaction with the host families.
It’s always best to check the reviews, facilities and prices before making a booking, also confirm the availability of the accommodation options as it can get fully booked during peak seasons.
Other Attractions to Visit near Narsingh Temple
- Rudraprayag: A small town located in the same district and you can visit the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers.
- Vasudeva Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located in the nearby town of Guptkashi.
- Auli Ropeway : A scenic ropeway experience to get a panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks in Auli.
- Niti Valley: A beautiful valley located in the upper reaches of the Niti village, which offers a great trekking experience.
- Kalpavriksha: A temple devoted to Lord Vishnu located in the nearby village of Kalimath.
- Bhavishya Kedar: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at an altitude of 3,800 m above sea level in the nearby village of Bhavishya Kedar.
- Thaing Village: A small village located near the temple, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
- Auli Chair Lift: A chairlift service to get to the top of Auli hill station which offer a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Please note, these places could be closed or not accessible all year round and also dependent on weather conditions, so it’s always best to check the availability of these places and make the necessary arrangements in advance.
Food in Narsingh Temple
The food options available at the Narsingh Temple in Uttarakhand, India, will depend on the season and the facilities available. During the peak season, when the temple is open, there are vendors and small eateries that serve a variety of local dishes like,
- Aloo Paratha: A popular dish made from wheat flour and stuffed with a mixture of mashed potatoes.
- Pahadi dal : A lentil curry prepared with tomato, ginger, and garlic.
- Momos: A popular dumpling dish filled with vegetables or meat.
- Biryani: A dish made with basmati rice, vegetables, and spices.
- Pahadi Chai : A special tea made with milk, water and special tea leaves which is grown in the mountains.
These are just a few examples, you can find a variety of food options in nearby towns and villages like Joshimath, Guptkashi and the food may vary from places to places, also vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Some Ashrams and guesthouses also provide meals, so you can check with the caretaker about the food options available.
