Why is Uttarakhand called "The Land of Gods(Dev Bhoomi)"?

Why is Uttarakhand called “Dev Bhoomi”? – Land of Gods

Uttarakhand, also known as “Dev Bhoomi”, is one of the most beautiful states in India. Uttarakhand is purely a bliss for travellers, tourists and historical enthusiasts. “Dev Bhoomi” means the Land of Gods in Hindi language.

Uttarakhand is often referred to as “Dev Bhoomi” because there are numerous pilgrimage sites and holy Hindu temples throughout the state. Thus, the name “Dev Bhoomi” or the Land of Gods. Apart from these holy temples and pilgrimage sites, Uttarakhand is also quite popular among travellers and tourists for its breath-taking natural Himalayan beauty.

It is also quite famous among archaeologists and historic enthusiasts as the state is filled with valuable historic evidence, findings and sites. Uttarakhand has an abundance of greenery and beautiful mountains. The main reason Uttarakhand is referred to as “Dev Bhoomi” is because there are ample of holy Hindu temples and pilgrimage sites throughout the state.

Mythological aspect behind the name “Dev Bhoomi”:

It is believed that there were a lot of godly events that took place in Uttarakhand which shaped the Hindu religion and culture.

One of the most fascinating Hindu mythological stories about Uttarakhand is that after the Pandavas won the great “Mahabharata” war, they went out on a journey to find Lord Shiva for his blessings and also to repent for their sin of killing their own relatives. However, Lord Shiva was unwilling to appear before the Pandava brothers. Therefore, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull. Bheema (one of the Pandava brothers) was able to recognize Lord Shiva to some extent. As Bheema went towards the bull, the bull started submerging on the ground. Bheema rushed and got a hold of the bull’s tail. However, the bull was submerging in the ground with great strength, believed even greater than that of Bheema’s. On the other hand, Bheema was also determined and didn’t loosen his grip. As a result of two great strengths exerted in opposite directions, the bull tore into multiple pieces. Some parts of the bull’s body were left where Bheema was standing and some went to different locations. The place where Bheema had a “tug-of- war” contest with Lord Shiva in the form of a bull is now known as Kedarnath, which is a prominent pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand.

There are a lot of interesting and fascinating godly stories and tales associated with Uttarakhand. Therefore, the state is also called “Dev Bhoomi”.

According to Vedas and Puranas:

One of the most prominent reasons why Uttarakhand is called “Dev Bhoomi” is because of the Vedas and Puranas. Uttarakhand is mentioned by the name of “Dev Bhoomi” in Vedas and Puranas. In the ancient times, the great sages used to refer Uttarakhand as “Dev Bhoomi”. In the Vedas, “Dev Bhoomi” is divided into two sections known as Kedar Khand and Manas Khand, which is now known as Garhwal and Kumaon.

Due to Uttarakhand’s peaceful environment and vibes:

From ages, people have visited Uttarakhand in search of peace and contentment. People visit Uttarakhand to meditate, practice Yoga, bust stress and rejuvenate themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Uttarakhand also has Rishikesh which is known as the “Yoga capital of the wold”. People feel closer to God when they visit Uttarakhand and meditate, therefore, it is often referred as “Dev Bhoomi”.

Holy Rivers:

Uttarakhand is believed to be the place where holy rivers like Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna originated. The origin story of the holy river Ganga is a fascinating tale in itself.

Religious events:

Kumbh Mela which is known to be the largest pilgrimage event in the world, which is celebrated 4 times in a span of 12 years takes place in 4 main sites, that are Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nasik. Haridwar is situated in Uttarakhand. Also, there are a lot of Hindu religious events that take place throughout the state for example Ganga Arti in Haridwar, Maha Shivratri mela in Dehradun and much more.

There are a lot more reasons why Uttarakhand is called “Dev Bhoomi”. However, these are the most prominent reasons of them all.

There you go, now you know why the beautiful state of Uttarakhand is also known as “Dev Bhoomi”.