Gopinath Temple in Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Gopinath Temples is located in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple is rooted in the unique tale of Kamdeva facing Lord Shiva’s wrath.
Sem Mukhem Nagraja in Tehri, Uttarakhand
Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Sheshnag.
Story of Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple
Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here as Sheshnag (the serpent king). This ancient temple, located atop a hill surrounded by picturesque landscapes, holds significant importance for local devotees and pilgrims alike.
Sem Mukhem Nagraja’s origin traces back to the Dwapar Yuga, the era of Lord Krishna. According to the local legend, Lord Krishna was enchanted by the beauty of Sem Mukhem during one of his visits. He was so captivated by the place that he asked the local king, Gang Ramola, to give him a piece of land. However, Gang Ramola refused, stating that he never gives land to a wandering man.
This refusal angered Lord Krishna, who then used his divine powers to turn all of Gang Ramola’s cattle into stone. The miraculous event revealed Krishna's true form to the king, who was overwhelmed by the deity's power. Realizing his mistake, Gang Ramola offered a portion of his land to Krishna and requested him to stay there permanently.
In response, Lord Krishna decided to settle in Sem Mukhem as Sheshnag, and since then, this place has been known as Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple, a symbol of his divine presence and grace.
A Unique Feature of Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple
One of the most unique features of the temple is the stone formations that surround the hill. It is believed that these stones are the remnants of the cattle that Lord Krishna turned to stone during the encounter with Gang Ramola. From a distance, these stones still resemble animals, further adding to the mystical allure of the temple.
How to Reach Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple
The Sem Mukhem Nagraja Temple is located in a relatively remote region of Tehri Garhwal but can be accessed via a beautiful trek through the Himalayan terrain.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 150 kilometers away. From Dehradun, one can hire a taxi to reach the base village of the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located about 130 kilometers from the temple. Local transportation like buses and taxis are available from Rishikesh to Tehri.
By Road: Sem Mukhem is well-connected by road to major towns in Uttarakhand. One can take a bus or taxi from Tehri or Rishikesh and reach the base of the temple. From there, a short trek leads to the temple.
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