The renowned Gopinath mandir is situated in Gopeshwar in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and known for its antique architectural style formation. Gopinath temple is the most famed Lord Shiva temple in Uttarakhand after Panch Kedar temples i.e. Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar and Madhyamaheshwar. It is believed that the temple was built by rich Katyuri Kings in 9th & 11th century. Devotees in large number visit the temple and pay reverence to Mahadeva.
The renowned Gopinath mandir is situated in Gopeshwar in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and known for its antique architectural style formation. Gopinath temple is the most famed Lord Shiva temple in Uttarakhand after Panch Kedar temples i.e. Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar and Madhyamaheshwar. It is believed that the temple was built by rich Katyuri Kings in 9th & 11th century. Devotees in large number visit the temple and pay reverence to Mahadeva.
The structure of the Gopinath temple is quite different and the major highlight of the temple is the Nagara pattern. Temple has a huge dome and sanctum sanctorum which has 24 doors. Inside the sanctum is placed the pious self manifested (Sawayambhu) Shivalinga. The Shivalinga is known as Gopinath. Around 5 m high trident which is formed of eight different metals is settled in the courtyard of the temple. Some partly damaged idols can be found in temple premises. The whole architecture of the Gopinath Temple is nothing but a piece of ancient art.
Legend says that, the trident that is placed in the temple courtyard belongs to Lord Shiva. The great Shiva in order to kill Kamadeva (God of Love) threw his trident and it got fixed at this spot. It is believed that only a real devotee can move the trident.
According to another story, Lord Shiva turned Kamadeva into ashes; to bring him back to life his wife Rati did penance here. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva gave back life to her husband.
One of the main festivals celebrated at Gopinath temple is Mahashivratri. This prosperous festival attracts many devotees to the temple. The whole temple is very elegantly decorated with lights. People very devotionally worship the holy deity of Shiva enshrined at the temple and performs religious rituals.
Ideal time to visit Gopinath temple is summer and spring season when sky gets clear and climate is also pleasant. This is also the best time to explore the nearby areas of Gopinath mandir. During winters weather gets freezing cold.