3. SRI ARUL MANNA NAYAKAR TEMPLE ANEKATANGAVADAM (GOWRIKUND)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	270th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Vada Naadu
Vada Naadu	3rd Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

Gowrikund is a popular Himalayan shrine at about 4000 Meters above sea level where it is believed that Gowri (Parvati) meditated upon Shiva.  Surya and Chandra are also believed to have worshipped Shiva here.This shrine is located on the route between Rishikesh and Kedarnath. 

The route between Kedarnath and Gowrikund is a picturesque one. Gowrikund has several hot springs. Gowri is believed to have taken a bath here after giving birth to Kartikeya. Legend has it that, at Triyuginarayan, south of here Shiva and Parvati were married. The fire kindled during their wedding is said to be burning at Agnikund.  Also nearby, is the temple to Mundkatta Ganesh - without a head. Shiva is believed to have cut off the head of Parvati's son Ganesh and then revived him to life here.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        Four shrines to Shiva in the Himalayas have been glorified by the Tevaram hymns of the Tamil Nayanmar saints of the 1st century CE.

·        They are Indraneela Parvatam, Gowrikund, Kedarnath and Mount Kailash. 

·        Although none of the Nayanmars has visited this Gowrikund, Sambandar has sung about Gowrikundam from Kalahasti.

·        Gowrikund or Anekatankaavadam  is the first of the Tevara Stalams hailed by the Tamil hymns of the Nayanmars, located outside of Tamilnadu/Kerala/Karnataka i.e. in Vada Naadu (the northern lands).

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Arul Manna Nayakar
Ambal	Sri Manonmani, Sri Gowri
Theertham	Gnana Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	-

BELIEF:

Devotees pray here to attain wealth, prosperity and health.

The devotees visit this temple to attain salvation (Moksham) and get relief from incurable disease.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

HOW TO REACH:

Gaurikund is well connected by road with Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station located 220 km away from Gaurikund. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest Airport located at the distance of about 239 km from Kedarnath.                                                                                                  

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Arul Manna Nayakar Temple,

Anekatangavadam (Gowrikund),

Rudraprayag,

Uttrakhand.

LOCATION: