Anasuya Devi Temple

Anasuya Devi Temple is one of the famous and sacred temples in Uttarakhand. This temple is located in Gopeshwar, Chamoli district. The temple dedicated to Goddess Anasuya is situated at an altitude of approximately 2000 metres above sea level. The distance to this temple is 19 kilometres from Gopeshwar city and 29 kilometres from Chamoli city, as it falls on the Gopeshwar-Chopta route. To reach the Anasuya Devi temple, one must first reach the Mandal village and then undertake a 6-kilometre trek. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati. It is said that Goddess Anasuya was completely devoted to her husband, Rishi Atri, one of the seven great sages.

Anasuya Shaktipeeth is located between Badrinath and Kedarnath. According to the mythological story associated with this Shaktipeeth, when the glory of Maharishi Atri's wife Anasuya began to spread across all three worlds, Goddess Parvati, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati requested Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, respectively, to test her. At their request, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva came to Earth disguised as ascetics and approached Anasuya for alms. When she was about to serve them, they asked to be fed in a condition where they would not be wearing any clothes. At this point, Anasuya remembered her husband, Atri Muni, and prayed for his presence. Instantly, Atri Muni appeared before her, and the deities, in the form of ascetics, were transformed into infants. Anasuya fed them and even breastfed them. After a while, the three goddesses appeared and asked for forgiveness from Anasuya. They also blessed her, promising that whoever comes to her temple with devotion would not leave empty-handed. This is why this temple holds great significance.

It is believed that Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar resided here in the form of Anasuya's sons. They lived here permanently, which is why a grand festival is organized here every year during Dattatreya Jayanti in December. Hundreds of devotees participate in this festival to seek the blessings of the Goddess. The temple of Mata Anasuya is also famous for fulfilling the desires of childless couples. Childless couples visit the temple to pray for offspring. It is believed that no devotee leaves Mata Anasuya's temple empty-handed.

The Anasuya Mata Temple is like a trek, a short one-day trek of about 6 kilometres. This trek concludes with an easy climb through a beautiful village and along the lush greenery of the riverbank. Upon reaching the temple, pilgrims are first greeted by the grand statue of Lord Ganesha. This statue is situated on a rock. Atri Muni's ashram is located about 2 kilometres from the Anasuya Devi temple. The ashram is built in the form of a cave and is considered the only sacred place in the world where devotees circumambulate the river as a symbol of devotion.

Devotees offer sweets, sarees, flowers, flower garlands, fruits, and other offerings to Goddess Anasuya at the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport to Gopeshwar is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 228 kilometres away. From there, you can reach the temple via local transportation. By Train: The nearest major railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is about 210 kilometres away from Gopeshwar. You can then take a taxi or local transportation to reach the temple. By Road: To reach the Anasuya Devi Temple, it's a 5-kilometre trek from Mandal village, and Mandal village is 15 kilometres away from Gopeshwar city via road. So, you can easily reach the temple by bus or other vehicles.