Two Sacred Pools Where the Mandakini and Alaknanda Symbolically Merge at Guptakashi
Manikarnika Kund is a sacred tank (kund) at Guptakashi, consisting of two pools where the waters of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are said to flow in symbolically — representing the hidden confluence of the holy rivers at this spot. The kund is named after Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi (Kashi), reinforcing Guptakashi's identity as the "Hidden Kashi".
Pilgrims perform ritual bathing and ancestor rites (shraddha) at the Manikarnika Kund before proceeding to Kedarnath. The kund is adjacent to the Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnareshwar Temple, forming an integrated pilgrimage complex. The sacred water is believed to have the same purifying power as the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi — hence pilgrims unable to reach Varanasi often perform their last rites here.
Year-round. Especially significant during Kedarnath pilgrimage season (May–June and September–November) when ancestors rites are commonly performed here.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (186 km). Taxi to Guptakashi.
Bus to Guptakashi, then short walk to temple complex.
47 km from Rudraprayag. Within Guptakashi town, adjacent to Vishwanath Temple.