Uttaranchal State Guide
The Bageshwar temple is dedicated to lord Shiva, in the form of a tiger. It is said Shiva used to visit the place in a tiger's disguise. The place is a panoramic hillstation, near Almora.
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.
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.
