Bageshwar Temple
Location
Bageshwar is a small hillstation, located 73 Km from Almora, in
Uttaranchal.
The Holy Temple
The temple of Bageshwar, also called as Bagnath, is one of the most
visited Shiva temples in Uttaranchal. The temple, apart from being
famous for its Shiva devotions, is also known for the Uttarayani Fair,
biggest of its kind in India. The temple of Bageshwar is dedicated to
lord Shiva, in the form of a tiger. There are many other temples in the
surroundings, dedicated to other deities. The more famous ones are
Chandrika temple, Haru temple and Gauri Udiyar Temple. According to
legends, Bageshwar is blessed by Lord Shiva. During Shivaratri (March),
Shivaratri fair is held here, which attracts thousands of devotees from
far and near. The Uttarayani fair, held in January, is the most sought
after fairs in Uttaranchal. Every year thousands of Shiva-Bhakts throng
Bageshwar to offer their prayers and to be blessed. Popular belief
prevalent here says that prayers at Bagnath Temple are always answered.
History and Myths
According to legends, Markandey, a highly revered sage, used to stay at
this place, meditating days and nights long to get blessings from Shiva.
Lord Shiva visited him during nights in disguise of a 'Bagh' (Hindi for
Tiger). Thats why the temple, dedicated to Shiva is named after tiger,
ie, Bageshwar (meaning Lord of Tigers). The temple was built by rulers
of Chandra dynasty, in 16th century. Legend has it that when repeated
attempts to install a Shiva Linga proved futile, it was Shri Manorath
Pandey of Palayn village who succeeded in installing the idol after
performing penances on the Shivratri. From then onwards, a massive fair
is held on Shivratri each year to commemorate the event.
Other Temples near Bagnath
Shri Haru Temple
The temple of Haru is well known for the fair held on the day of
Vijay-dashami (Dussehra). The temple is 5 Km from Bagnath temple. Locals
have high faith in the temple, because it is said all the wish come
true, if asked in the premises of the temple.
Chandrika Temple
The temple of Chandrika is dedicated to the Goddess of power. Goddess
Chandrika is considered to be an incarnation of Durga. The temple is
close to the Bageshwar Temple. It is a site of fair during Navaratras,
when sacrifice and worship is offered to the deity during the holy
Navratras.
Baijnath
This historical and pilgrim site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the
banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of
Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the
erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the
magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the
Kotkimai temple, 8 kms from here.
Other temples in vicinity of Bageshwar are Agnikund Temple, Nileshwar
Mahadev Temple, Shitla Devi Temple, Trijugi Narayan Temple, Bhadrakali
Temple, Gopeshwar Dham, Praktishwar Mahadev Temple, Jwala Devi Temple
and Veni Madhav Temple.
Reaching There
Bageshwar is well connected with all the major towns and cities of
Kumaon, Garhwal region and Delhi. Bageshwer is 137 Km from Nainital, 73
Km from Almora, 47 Km from Chaurori and 222 Km from Kashipur. Nearest
railhead is Kathgodam, 165 Km, from where one can get taxis and state
tourism buses to reach to Bageshwar. Pantnagar is nearest airport, 200
Km from Bageshwar.
Accommodations
Accommodations can be easily found in the small town of Bageshwar.
There are hotels, ranging from luxury to semi-luxury and budget options.
Alternatively one can stay at Almora (73 Km) and plan a trip to
Bageshwar.
