Uttarakhand the land of God is famous for its natural beauty as well as for its ancient temples, their mythological significance and wonderful architecture. Situated at the banks of Gomti River is Baijnath town and is well known for its ancient group of Temples known as Baijnath temple in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The temples are believed to be about 1000 years old.
It consists of 1 main temple devoted to Lord Shiva and a series of 17 other temples called as Kedareshwar, Laxmi Narayan, Brahmi Devi etc. The temple is built from very large pieces of stones and its architecture depicts it as the creation of Katyuri Dynasty of Uttarakhand during 9th to 12th AD.
It is said that the temple was built in one night. The main attraction of the temple is the statue of Goddess Parvati built from gery schist of the size of a human. The temple can be approached from riverside by a series of steps made of stones. On the way to main temple, situated is the temple of Brahmini Devi.
Outside the premises of main temple, there is a beautiful lake known as “Golden Mahasheer” and is full of beautiful fishes. Fishing is strictly prohibited here. The temples are actually a complex of number of temples having idols of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Garud, Kuber, Surya etc.
History of Temple: The temples of Baijnath are said to be built around 1150 AD by Katyuri Dynasty of Kumaon. Baijnath was the capital of Katyuri Kings, who ruled the area during 7th -11th century AD. The place was known as Kartikeyapura and was the centre of Katyur Valley.
Mythology: As per our mythology depicted in Puranas, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of river Gomati and Garur Ganga, which is this place. Folklore also says that temple was built by a Brahmin women, devoted to lord Shiva. There are two major places to visit:
Bhramri Devi Temple: About 2 km away from Baijnath is the temple known as Bhramri Devi temple devoted to Bhagwati Mata. It was once a fort at the times of Katyuri Kings. It is also said that Adi Guru Shankaracharya stayed at this place while on their visit to Badrinath.
Garur Market:The main market of this region and full of shops.
Bheem Pathar (Stone): There is a small garden opposite to the entrance of the temple complex, it is famous for a huge stone known as “Bheem Pathar” which is placed at the centre of it. As per the local belief Bheem (one of Pandavas) used to play with it during their stay here while in exile. It is believed that no other man can lift this stone except Bheem. Therefore people come here and try to lift the stone alone, locals say that no one has been able to lift it alone yet. Although a strange thing is that it can be carried by 9 men with their index finger standing in a circle surrounding the stone while chanting “Om Namah Shivaya”.
How to Reach: Delhi is at a distance of 405 kilometers from Baijnath, where one can find plenty of state and private buses plying to Kausani, Almora, Haldwani, Ranikhet etc.
Location:Bageshwar District, Uttarakhand
Dehradun to Baijnath Temple(shortest route)– 302 km
Ranikhet to Baijnath Temple– 75 kms
Almora to Baijnath Temple– 71 kms,
Kausani to Baijnath Temple– 17 kms
Altitude : 1131 meters
Ideal season : Round the year (avoid July and august)
