About Pandukeshwar
Nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas, Pandukeshwar is a sacred village near the Alaknanda River in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is known as the winter abode of Lord Kuber and holds deep ties to Lord Badrinath, mythology, and ancient rituals that continue to this day.
Deities of Pandukeshwar
Kuber Bhandari
God of Wealth
Lineage: Kamdi Thok (Panwar)
Kuber Bhandari, the divine treasurer of the gods, is the main deity of Pandukeshwar. He is chiefly worshipped by the Kamdi Thok.
Ghantakarna
Kshetrapal (Protector)
Lineage: Bhandari Thok
Ghantakarna Devta stands as the vigilant protector of Pandukeshwar, safeguarding the region and its sacred grounds.
Nanda Devi
Goddess of Bliss
Lineage: Bhatt & Mehta Thok
Nanda Devi is venerated as the compassionate Mother Goddess of Pandukeshwar. The Bhatt and Mehta Thoks are her primary devotees.
Vishwakarma
Divine Architect
Lineage: Universal Worship
Lord Vishwakarma, the celestial craftsman, is revered for his creative powers and blessings.
Laatu Devta
Local Guardian Deity
Lineage: Village Protector
Laatu Devta is considered a fierce protective spirit deity, invoked for safeguarding the community.
Festivals & The Sacred Gaadu Tradition
A unique ritual known as "Gaadu" — or self-abhishek — takes place five times a year, where chosen individuals are believed to embody the divine.
Makar Sankranti
The first Gaadu of the year, marking the start of the divine cycle and invoking prosperity.
Vasant Panchami
Celebrates the onset of spring and the day when the opening date of Badrinath Dham is decided.
Baisakhi
Marks the opening of the sacred Kapaath (gates) of Badrinath Temple, symbolizing renewal and abundance.
Ashtami Gaadu
An inner village ritual symbolizing purity, devotion, and renewal of divine energy, held at the BAAMNI village.
Baawan Dwadasi
The final and most revered Gaadu of the year, performed inside the Badrinath temple sanctum.
Out of the five Gaadus, three take place in Pandukeshwar and two within the sanctum of Badrinath Dham.