Bagnath Temple
Bagnath Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated in the heart of Bageshwar City, Uttarakhand. It is situated at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers at an altitude of 1004 meters above sea level and 80 km from Almora.
The Bagnath temple is adorned with bells of all sizes and has impressive carvings. Bagnath Temple is the most famous temple in the Bageshwar district. Devotees from all over the world visit this temple on the occasion of Shivratri. Bagnath literally meaning ‘Tiger Lord’ is a temple after which the city Bageshwar is named. The Bagnath temple also houses a Chaturmukhi Shivling (a four-headed idol) and several other Hindu deities. To know more about this temple read this article till the end.
Bagnath Temple History
The history of Bagnath Temple is of great importance. It is told through some sources that the existence of Bagnath Temple dates back to the seventh century. The present construction, probably in the Nagara style, was built by the Chand ruler Lakshmi Chand in 1450.
Although there are various idols from the 7th century AD to the 16th century AD which are still there. The Archaeological Department took over the temple in 1996. The Uttarakhand department has sealed several inscriptions and idols from the seventh to tenth centuries inside the temple.
These idols include Shiva, Ganesha, Vishnu, Chaturmukhi Shiva, Teen Mukhi Shiva, Panch Mukhi Shiva, Mahishasura, Mardini, Sahasra Shivling, Ganesha, Kartikeya, Panchdevpath, Navagraha, etc. The importance of this temple is mentioned in Skanda Purana. Hindu pilgrims and devotees worship this place throughout the year.
Bagnath Temple Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, it was believed that sage Markandya worshiped Lord Shiva and the Lord appeared in the form of a tiger to bless the sage at the Bagnath Temple.
Other Hindu mythology mentions that sage Vashishtha was asked by Lord Brahma to bring the river Sarayu to earth. When the sage was executing the orders given by Brahma, he saw that the sage Markandya, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva, was meditating on the path where the river was to flow, so he asked Lord Shiva to help intervene. and then Lord conspired along with Goddess Parvati, to appear before the sage in the form of a tiger and a cow.
Lord Shiva in the form of a tiger started attacking the goddess in the form of a cow. Then the sage had to leave his place to save the cow from the tiger. As soon as he left, sage Vashishtha brought the Sarayu River to flow from that place. This is the place where the Bagnath temple is now located. And then sage Markandya was blessed by Lord Shiva in the form of a tiger.
Bagnath Temple Fairs and Festivals
Many festivals are celebrated in and around the Bagnath Temple.
A fair is held in the temple in the month of January. This is a grand fair called ‘Uttarayani’. This fair is celebrated at the festival of Makar Sankranti. This festival is celebrated by taking a holy dip in the early morning at the confluence of both the beautiful rivers Saryu and Gomti.
After the famous holy bath, water is offered to the Shivling installed inside the Bagnath temple. Those who have a religious bent towards the occasion continue this ritual for three consecutive days which is known as ‘Trimargi’. There are other beautiful festivals which are celebrated in the temple.
Bagnath Temple is Famous For
It is famous for its temple, architecture, culture, sculptures and idols, its name, history and mythology, its view of rivers and mountains, pilgrimage, and many other beautiful scenes and festivals.
Places to Visit Near Bagnath Temple
Pindari Glacier
The Pindari Glacier is about 3 km away on the western slope of the Nandkot peak. This glacier is very wide. You can also enjoy musk bear, and Bhojpatra trees, the state bird of Uttarakhand Monal bird.
Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is 26 km from Bageshwar West and 19 km from Kausani. You can also see a museum around this temple. Towards the north, there is a group of temples at the confluence of the Gomti and the Gurunganga.
Kausani
Kausani is 39 km from Bageshwar. The main attractions that you will find at this place are the unique Himalayan views and the sunrise and sunset views. You can see all the peaks of Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Bhadrakal Nanda Kot, Panch Chuli, and Nanda Ghungti from here.
Best Time To Visit Bagnath Temple
This beautiful temple can be visited throughout the year. In January when there is a holy festival, or at the time of worship which is celebrated on a large scale. It is a beautiful place situated at the confluence of two beautiful rivers.
The best time to visit this place in the summer season is from March to May and in winter from October to January. At this time you can not only worship this temple but you can also enjoy trekking. camping, and many more things. At this time the environment is perfect and pleasant for your journey.
Bagnath Temple Location
This temple is located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The temple is situated at the confluence of the Sarayu and Gomti rivers in Bageshwar. A short trail downwards led to this Bagnath temple. The distance to reach Bagnath Temple is 3 km from Kurmanchal Nagar Sahkari Bank, Bageshwar.
How To Reach
By Air: Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest airport to Bageshwar district. Once you reach the airport, you can always take taxis or cabs or even local buses to reach your destination. The distance between Pantnagar and Bageshwar is 205 km.
By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Bageshwar City, which is 171 km from Bagnath. Once you reach the station, you can always book taxis or cabs and even local transport to reach your destination.
By Road: It is well connected through motorable roads to the main destination of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand. If you are traveling from places like Dehradun, Nainital, Almora, or Haldwani then you can always opt for local buses and taxi cabs are easily available for your journey.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar(Uttarakhand) like the best time to visit, and Activities you can do in this place, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
