Gopinath Temple

Gopinath Temple in Chamoli district is a Shiva shrine built between the 9th and 11th centuries under the Katyuri dynasty, rulers who raised many temples across Kumaon and Garhwal. Local tradition says a King Gopinath built it after Shiva appeared to him in a vision. It follows the North Indian shikhara style, with a tall spire, and its walls and pillars are carved with deities and mythological scenes. A Shiva lingam sits in the garbha griha.

A large trident stands in the courtyard and is believed to have been hurled by Shiva himself. The temple also keeps old copper plates recording gifts from kings and devotees. Crowds peak in the month of Sawan and at Maha Shivaratri.