Religious/ Spiritual

Ram Rai, the 7th Sikh Guru, established the famous Ram Rai Gurudwara in the early 17th century in Dehradun. Ram Rai Gurudwara is one of the oldest Gurudwaras in this hill station that has gained the accolades as a popular pilgrimage centre. Built with the patronage of the then ruler of Dehradun, Ram Rai Gurudwara boasts of a legend behind the construction of it. It says that Guru Ram Rai was thrown away from his native place, settled down at the valley and constructed this shrine

A crown in the secular fabric of the Indian society, the Sai Darbar temple in Dehradun presents the secular feeling in its zenith. A unique shrine, which accepts all people irrespective of their caste and creed, this pretty abode of almighty can be described as the celebration of humanity. Sai Darbar Temple is a famous pilgrimage centre in the hill resort.

Built with glittering marble stones, this marvelous shrine presents an eye-catching spectacle to the visitor. Placed in a hilly terrain, the Sai Darbar Temple gives a tranquil and serene ambiance to the devotees and poses an ideal setting for the aficionado to carry out spiritual needs.

The holy abode of Lord Shiva, The Tapkeshwar is a famous cave temple in Dehradun. Placed in the banks of a rivulet, this temple turned out to be one among the busiest pilgrim centers in the hilly resort.

The river pierce in to the cave and the water droplets dribble from the rocks on the Shiv Linga presents an imposing spectacle, which gives an ethereal feeling. The Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun gains its name 'Tapakeswar' from this natural dribbling of river water over the deity from the ceilings of the cavern. Cool sulphur springs around the temple with therapeutic value make it a superb dipping spot for pilgrims.

Baleshwar, situated at Champawat is the most artistic temple of the district. There are evidences that the early kings of the Chand dynasty built the group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga. The temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a 'mandap'. The intricate carving still visible on the ceilings of these temples is an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence.

A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. It is believed that when approached, Gwal Devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric prince of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had him thrown into a river, locked up in an iron cage.

To the east of Champawat, the temple dedicated to Kranteshwar Mahadev is situated on the top of a lofty hill. It is also called Kurmapad and Kandev.

2 km from Champawat and 9-km from Lohaghat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 meters. Mayawati shot into prominence after Advait Ashram was established here. The ashram attracts spiritualists from India and abroad. Amid and old tea Estate, is the Advait Ashram of Mayawati. During his third visit to Almora in 1898, Swami Vivekanand decided to shift the publication office of 'Prabuddh Bharat' from Madras to Mayawati, from where it is published since then.

It is another excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.

40 kms from Lohaghat at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu, Pancheshwar forms the borders with Nepal and is famous for the temple of Chaumu, its fair and a dip at the confluence is considered to be very sacred. The Jaat (jamaan) of Chaumu comes down from villages Sail, 5 km. above the temple. Chaumu is worshiped as a protector of animals. Bells and milk are offered in the temple of Pancheshwar. Chaumu Jaat of Pancheshwar has its unique way of cultural expression. The temple at Pancheshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva.

This important Sikh pilgrim centre is 72 kms from Champawat. It is said that Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs came here and had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara here stands at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri. There are trees of Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, which according to legends have become sweet due to the miraculous touch of the Guru. Adjoining the gurudwara is the temple of Dhernath. A fair is held here on 'Baisakh Poornima'.