Gaurikund is the starting point of the 16 km rather difficult trek to Kedarnath. The place is more than 1982 meters above sea level. The place is a tribute to Goddess Parvati who is the wife/ consort of Lord Shiva. The famous Gauri temple is situated here and is considered be a significant tourist spot. Gaurikund is situated on the banks of Mandakini River and there is a beautiful blue watered lake in the centre of the Gaurikund valley. The place remains covered under a blanket of snow except the period between March to November. Gaurikund is not only a pilgrimage spot, it’s also a beautiful hill station.
Why Should You Visit Gaurikund?
Gaurikund offers a wealth of natural beauty along with spiritual significance. The holy Vasuki Ganga flows beneath the Gaurikund. The location is scenic perched as it is against a background of serene mountains and forests. The environment offers excellent views and an atmosphere of quiet spirituality. Unfortunately, the devastating 2013 floods snatched away the beautiful thermal spring that inspired the name Gaurikund but there is a tiny stream that flows at the place where the Kund exists. The stream is revered by all tourists and pilgrims.
Gaurikund was once the top tourist destination for Hindus and drew thousands of pilgrims every day. However, the floods damaged much of the tourist facilities. Now the Government has restored the facilities to a large extent and the love and appreciation of tourists and pilgrims will surely restore the lost glory of Gaurikund. When you are planning to visit Kedarnath then its highly recommended that you visit Gaurikund too. The Nehru Institute of Mountaineering is located at the base of Gaurikund.
Legends and Myths associated with Gaurikund
Gaurikund is strongly linked with Shiva’s wife Parvati who is also known as Gauri. According to Hindu mythology Gauri committed strenuous penance for many years and performed ascetic and yogic practices to win the attention and affection of Shiva. Gauri Kund is the spot where Gauri lived and meditated and it is also the same place where Shiva confessed his love for Gauri. Later Shiva and Gauri got married at Triyuginarayan that is located nearby. Many springs with therapeutic properties and spiritual significance are in Gaurikund.
There is another story associated with Gaurikund. Ganesha (the elephant God of the Hindus who is believed to bring in luck and prosperity). It is said that Parvati fashioned a beautiful child Ganesha from the soap bubbles on her body and then magically breathed life into him. She then ordered him to stand at the entrance of the bath house and stop anybody from entering inside. It so happened that Lord Shiva arrived there in search of Parvati and was immediately stopped by Ganesha who was unwilling to let him enter even after repeated requests and orders. Enraged Shiva cut off Ganesha’s head in a sharp stroke and then placed the head on Ganesha’s body.
When Parvati came to know that her son has been killed while obeying her orders she wept in extreme grief. She told Shiva to breathe back life in the boy. Shiva wandered outside looking for a head he could put on Ganesha’s body. In his hurry, he saw a sleeping elephant and cut off its head which he carried back to Parvati. After the head was placed on Ganesha’s body…the boy came to life. Parvati got her Ganesha back and the Hindu religion got its most lovable God.
