Hanuman Chatti Temple in the Garhwal Himalayas

Arti August 02, 2011
Day 5 : Neelkanth Peak - HANUMAN CHATTI TEMPLE - Exploring Joshimath - Enroute to Rishikesh - Rishikesh Dayanand Ashram - Haridwar - Char Dham Trip Concludes Finally....

7.00 AM - A few hours after watching the Neelkanth spectacle in the morning…

The market lane was deserted… well almost. The Diwali fervour of the previous night had died down and there was a sense of quietude and composure all around. A very few pilgrims could be seen making their way towards the Badrinath temple. I was also one among them… to take the blessings of Lord Badrinarayan in the Badrinath temple for one last time… till I would be summoned again…

The divine sight of the Badrinath Temple in the morning in the Garhwal mountains of Uttarakhand
…till I visit next, vivid memories and visualizations like these
etched forever in my minds eye…

Misty Fumes emanating from the Tapt kund in Badrinath
The view from the Alaknanda bridge in Badrinath in Uttarakhand
Take in the quiet and the solitude... The Alaknanda Bridge

Misty Fumes emanating from the Tapt Kund and Narad Kund in Badrinath
The Tapt kund area was empty too,
only the misty fumes emanating from them seemed to register any presence

I stood there at the Alaknanda bridge once again, the same place where I had started my journey in the holy town from… blanking off  in absolute stillness, in quiet introspection and taking in every bit of the sacred air of divinity… ‘Do call us again, O Lord and make sure You do it early this time’…  with this silent prayer, I bid Him Goodbye and took leave…

9.00 AM

After warming ourselves up with a hot cup of coffee, we started our return journey down the winding road once again, this time towards the plains. Our next night halt destination was Srinagar but before that we did have quite a few stoppages on the way to visit some temples that crossed our way enroute.

Bumpy roads encountered during the drive from Badrinath towards Joshimath
The scenic route was grand...

Treachorous terrain in the Himalayas enroute to Srinagar from Badrinath
...but alas predictably bumpy as it had been on our way up!

10.00 AM : Our first stop of Day 5 – Hanuman Chatti

After driving for about 1 hr, 11 kms from Badrinath, we stopped at the Hanuman Chatti Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. There are two villages by the same name of Hanuman Chatti in the Garhwal Himalayas. One is on the way up to Yamunotri and the other one is this, on the Joshimath - Badrinath route.

The beautiful temple looks small in stature (its about 5 ft tall) but has an impressive history behind it. The pundit (temple priest) informed us that it was at this place that Lord Hanuman had humbled the Pandava brother Bhim and crushed his ego.

Hanuman Chatti temple enroute to Badrinath in the Garhwal Himalayas
Lord Hanuman Temple at Hanuman Chatti

The story goes like this…

One day, Bhim was traversing this path and encountered an old monkey lying across the path. His tail was spread along the way which caused obstruction in Bhim’s route.  Despite several requests by Bhim to remove the tail, the monkey refused to budge saying that he was too old and tired to give way. This angered Bhim who then, decided to take the matter in his own hands by moving the tail himself. The tail did not move…not even an inch! After several failed attempts, Bhim (renowned for his strength and power) was surprised and realized that this was no ordinary monkey and humbly requested the monkey to reveal His true identity. This is when Lord Hanuman – the devoted disciple of Lord Ram - showed him His original form and this is how the place got its name.

Vishwanath, our driver who was an excellent guide in the entire journey of ours, enlightened us that the place can also be thought as dedicated to the two siblings - Hanuman and Bhim - who are both sons of the Wind God, Vayu. He further added that the temple is also known for its mystical power to fulfill wishes.

Bridge besides the Hanuman Temple in Hanuman Chatti enroute to Badrinath over the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna
The bridge just besides the temple was an added draw too

Related Info

Hanuman Chatti is an important stopover on the way to Yamunotri or Uttarkashi. The trek tour to Hanuman Chatti from Dodital also holds a lot of thrill and excitement for trekkers.

Previous posts from this trip -
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Arti

Posted by Arti

Hi there! I am Arti - constantly on the road, both figuratively and literally, unwrapping my unique gift called life. My blog, which focuses on spiritual journeys, is all about my love of sharing, exploring and learning; a continuous journey where I strive to seek the truth, discover myself, the world, my place therein and experience the real treasures of life along the way. I hope to help those planning to make a trip to these places or simply provide a virtual tour to the rest. If you have any queries, do leave a comment, I will be pleased to help! You can also contact me at - 22arti@gmail.com

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59 Comments

  1. SANDEEP PANWARAugust 2, 2011 at 7:13 PM

    आप की ये वाली पूरी सीरिज देख कर मन प्रसन्न हो गया,
    होता भी क्यों नहीं जब कोई जगह देखी हुई होती है
    तो उसे फ़िर से देखने का अपना मजा होता है।

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  2. The Chair SpeaksAugust 2, 2011 at 7:18 PM

    Ahhh, must dig out the old photos to look at it. Places seem to be more developed but the roads and mountains are still the same.

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  3. The Dainty Dolls HouseAugust 2, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    Looks wonderful, I love the feeling I get seeing the pictures, makes me want to explore! :)

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  4. Mohini PuranikAugust 2, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    How can I find devotional words for every Divine yatra.....you give us?......I am just watching these pics from some time.....and ya thanks for the story too.

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  5. Subhrashis AdhikariAugust 2, 2011 at 7:56 PM

    lovely place...you are so lucky to visit such wonderful places...

    Cheers!
    SUB

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  6. Santosh BsAugust 2, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Good info, thanks, never knew this :)

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  7. Leckeres für Mensch und Katze - Goodies for a pleasant lifeAugust 2, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Nice trip! If you like join us on PicStory with some of your beautiful pictures! LG Tina

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  8. MartinaAugust 2, 2011 at 10:10 PM

    So exiting! I coul do with a bit of that peacsful and yet dramatic landscape now!

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  9. A Sunny Yellow WindowAugust 2, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Nice to read the story behind the place :) I guess that what makes your blog stand out from several other travel blogs. It gives complete information and tips of a place, with teaser photographs ... a great read this one Arti!!
    And yes, like you said sketching a plant did brighten up my day!

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  10. AnonymousAugust 2, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    ♥

    I love this post and your blog so much.)) You have a talant *-)

    I need your help...
    A few days ago I got my Ipad. Do you have Ipad? What programs do advise to download?

    ♥

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  11. nehaAugust 3, 2011 at 12:52 AM

    Wonderful place...i would definitely love to visit these places...

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  12. Ms. BeckyAugust 3, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    it must have been a bittersweet to say farewell to this holy town of such solemn beauty. I'm happy that I was able to accompany you in some respects, on this journey. but it isn't over yet! I'm charmed by the tale/tail of the monkey! thanks for sharing Arti. lovely as always. you have in me a captive audience, to be sure.

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  13. BarbAugust 3, 2011 at 3:46 AM

    Arti - What a wonderful pilgrimage you had! I enjoyed following your travels. Those misty morning photos are magical.

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  14. Ginny HartzlerAugust 3, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    I had not heard this story before. My favorite picture is the beautiful mountains!

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  15. SridharanAugust 3, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Excellent..! write-up and some nice pictures depict the place beautifully. I feel like visiting this place.Hope I would do so someday and your post is going to be of immense value then, I am sure!

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  16. ArtiAugust 3, 2011 at 8:11 AM

    @ Mary
    I dont own an ipod, sorry I cant help you with regards to your question.

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  17. Sylvia KAugust 3, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Marvelous post as always, Arti! I do love the wonderful tours you take us on. Such beautiful, fascinating places and I do love the information/history you include! Hope your week is going well!

    Sylvia

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  18. TeamgsquareAugust 3, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    nice pictures and wonderful narration

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  19. Kavita SahariaAugust 3, 2011 at 10:22 AM

    Thanks for such a fabulous trip Arti .I enjoyed every bit of it .Will carry the printouts of your posts whenever i plan Char Dham Yatra.

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  20. sarahAugust 3, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Hi, Arti.
    The scene looks very steep. But the high mountains with snow behide are very beautiful. The Monkey's story was fun. I want to get my wish fulfilled at Hanuman temple,too.
    Thank you for sharing atmosphere of there.
    Have a nice week!

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  21. magiceyeAugust 3, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    interesting tale!

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  22. magiceyeAugust 3, 2011 at 12:50 PM

    Thank you for your good wishes!!

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  23. RachanaAugust 3, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    Hey Arti,

    I feel so good whenever I visit your lovely space here. If I ever got a chance to visit or plan Char Dham yatra or any holy place in India, I know where to look for all the infos.

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  24. AngeliAugust 3, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    You're making me fall in love with your country, Arti. I am seriously thinking of going there. :)

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  25. varshaAugust 3, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    I would love to join you on one of your wanderings :)

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  26. abhiAugust 3, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    Superb post!! Wish I could travel to these marvelous places. Great breathtaking pics. Way to go :)

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  27. stardustAugust 3, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    The story of Bhim and the old monkey teaches me I’m tested on the situation where things don’t go as I expect with my ego. Thank you for sharing the spiritual journey with your touching words and mystic photos as always, Arti. Enjoy the rest of the week.

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  28. ArtiAugust 3, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    @Rachana I feel so glad whenever you drop by.. I am really blessed to have met blogger friends like you who find time to visit my space and leave impressions even when they themselves are not updating their blog...Please Keep posting and keep blogging Rachana :)

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  29. ArtiAugust 3, 2011 at 4:31 PM

    @Angeli Thank you so much :) If that is indeed the case, then it is a huge compliment for me and sure makes me feel very happy and proud to have got such a comment from you! Thank you and I hope you do get to make a trip to India soon :)

    @varsha I would love to have your company anyday :)

    @stardust You are bang on, on the moral. Thank you for I got to learn something more as well through your thoughtful comment.

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  30. ArtiAugust 3, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    @ALL Thank you for all the appreciations. I am really glad to have you all along in my travels. Thank you once again :)

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  31. AmandaAugust 3, 2011 at 6:07 PM

    The view from Alaknanda Bridge is simply stunning. That looks like a fairly bumpy road but the scenery is really worth it.

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  32. Redrose.August 3, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Hello, Arti!
    You always take us to fascinating tours with mysterious and beautiful photos! However, what a bumpy and steep road you went up! The Hanuman temple looks much more mordern than the others I saw on your post before. Thank you for sharing the interesting about Bhim's trip and an old monkey. It is interesting!
    Have a great day,Arti.
    Tomoko.

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  33. The Retired OneAugust 3, 2011 at 7:08 PM

    Those mountains look so rugged!

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  34. EG CameraGirlAugust 3, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    Thank you for sharing the highlights of your pilgrimage.

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  35. AnonymousAugust 3, 2011 at 10:20 PM

    So pristine and beautiful!

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  36. aipiAugust 4, 2011 at 5:22 AM

    Reading your post I almost felt I was with you there walking and enjoying the divinity of the place. It is always a pleasure to be here ~ great post Arti!
    Us Masala

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  37. P.N. SubramanianAugust 4, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Wonderful write up of the yatra. Feel like visiting those place once. Thanks.

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  38. Santosh BsAugust 4, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    I also feel its time you get an camera upgrade... and provide more justice to your readers on the places you visit :)

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  39. Chapters From My LifeAugust 4, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    This place looks something out of our natural world... like some mysterious place which has tales hidden in every stone.

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  40. Sallie (FullTime-Life)August 5, 2011 at 5:30 AM

    I enjoy seeing these quiet places -- spiritual in their own way and amazingly scenic! Thanks for sharing.

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  41. rajudaAugust 5, 2011 at 8:12 AM

    Excellent Arti. Your write-ups make us yearn to go on the 'yatra'.

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  42. ArtiAugust 5, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    @ Santosh
    I have got one but there are a few trips left to be told here of the times when I used the old camera :)

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  43. Pooch Purple ReignAugust 5, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    beautiful memories arti. gorgeous photos
    ~laura xx

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  44. Felicity Grace TerryAugust 5, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    Like something from another world. I can't thank you enough for introducing me to all these wonderful sights.

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  45. RizalenioAugust 5, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    Very regional. I want to explore this place too in the future.

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  46. AmritAugust 6, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    Just beautiful pictures. Really very nice.

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  47. Sushma MallyaAugust 9, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    wonderful post Arti, Ur indeed so very lucky to get to go these temples...beautifully captured!

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  48. KalpanaSAugust 12, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    What a blessing to visit the place of Hanuman-ji's encounter with Bhima!
    Hope you will comment on my posts on Hanuman-ji [his temple in Bangalore] and an inspiration anout his positive mental attitude. Here are the two links:
    http://nowritehere.blogspot.com/2011/07/hanuman.html
    http://inspirindia.blogspot.com/2011/07/think-achieve.html

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  49. AmitAagMarch 20, 2012 at 9:49 AM

    Hey Arti! I've been to all these places but your mesmerizing pics and and an all encompassing narration makes me feel as if they are some far off foreign lands, or, that I missed something(s) when I was there! Thoroughly enjoyed the refresher through your lovely post!

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  50. Rahul BhatiaMarch 20, 2012 at 11:43 AM

    Arti, this narrative brings back the memories of my treks to these lovely places which are heavenly:)Thank you!

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  51. Akshay Kumar GMarch 20, 2012 at 2:48 PM

    Whenever I read your posts, I feel like I am traveling with you on your magical trips. Beautiful pictures and a lovely narration. And a nice info about how Hanuman Chatti got its name. :)

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  52. RajeshMarch 20, 2012 at 5:40 PM

    The history behind this temple is interesting.

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  53. A Homemaker's UtopiaMarch 20, 2012 at 6:17 PM

    Its a dream for me to see Himalayas...Thanks for the nice post..Lovely pics..:-)

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  54. Life UnordinaryMarch 21, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    you are indeed lucky to have seen such beauty

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  55. Puru@ShadowsGaloreMarch 21, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    Bahut badhiya.. when are you going on your next trip ?

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  56. indu chhibberMarch 21, 2012 at 6:24 PM

    You have taken beautiful pics of these places...they are very inviting...i hope i can visit them some day.

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  57. Jen..The Butterfly EffectMarch 21, 2012 at 7:25 PM

    Sometimes I feel so envious of you Arti didi! You travel and post awesome stuff about them! :) I wish to explore the world as well! :|

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  58. Ramakant PradhanMarch 22, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    Lovely pictures. Reminded me of the era before digital cameras became popular. These pictures look so like the ones we used to get with film cameras.

    Nice write-up. I can recall watching the scene in Mahabharata where Bhima tried lifting Hanuman's tail from the path ;)

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  59. BhavanaMarch 26, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    Many of my friends have been urging me to go on a char dham tour and visit the places you write about...now I have a ready reference and inspiration to make this happen this summer. Thanks!

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Delighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!

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