Baijnath Temple Uttarakhand: An Experiential Guide (2020)
Baijnath Temple in Uttarakhand is actually a temple complex of more than 15 temples, dating back to the 9th-10th century. This experiential guide will talk about everything that is to know before you plan your visit.
I always say that temples are the heart of India. You will find a temple in every corner of this country. I have a special love for temples. Don’t know why whenever I am in a temple complex, I feel refreshed and devote myself to the atmosphere of spirituality and devotion there.
The state of Uttarakhand is known as Dev Bhoomi and it is indeed. Baijnath Temple is located in between the beautiful Himalayas in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand.
I visited this temple in November 2020 and now I will take you on the journey of this architectural bliss. Okay?
Baijnath Temple: Historical Journey
In ancient times this place was known as Kartikeyapur. Its importance was further expanded when the Katyuri kings shifted their capital from Joshimath to Karthikeypur. Then a large number of Shiva devotees also migrated with the subjects and the Katyuri kings built the Baijnath temple complex here to make their demands and worship. However, the credit for the construction of all the temples built in the Himalayan region goes to the Katyuri kings only.
Another important point is that historians believe that Katyuri rulers (Katyuri Dynasty ruled the area from 7th-13th century AD) were descendants of Suryavanshi rulers of Ayodhya. Sometimes this area was also known as the Katyur Valley.
According to the researchers, it was built in 1150 AD. However, no concrete evidence has been found to prove this. The inscription of the temple also mentions its construction from the 9th-10th century. It has been preserved by the Archaeological Department of India.
Structure of the Present-Day Temple Complex
This temple built in the Nagara style gives a glimpse of Dravidian architecture. The Baijnath temple complex is a group of 18 large and small temples surrounded by mountains from all sides and offers an enchanting view to the tourists.
To reach the temple one has to use a sloping path which will end at the end of the river Gomati. Just in front of the complex is a pond called “Golden Mahaseer” which is part of the Gomati River (not the same as the Gomti river flowing through Lucknow). The golden-colored fishes swimming in it are the center of attraction.
On entering, two stone inscriptions appear which reveal the general information related to the temple. Apart from the Shiva temple, other temples include Kedareshwar, Lakshmi Narayana, Brahmani temple, etc. Statues of Surya, Brahma, Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati, Chandika, and Kubera Devas are adorned in the complex. Out of all the temples, only 2 temples are currently functioning. Among them is the temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati Ji.
The main temple is dedicated to Baijnath, a form of Lord Shiva meaning “Lord of Vaidya”. An ancient Shivling is installed inside this temple, which is worshiped daily.
I saw some movement near the Parvati Devi temple near it. Curiously, when we reached there, we saw that some local people are performing puja (worshipping) and the priest is chanting mantras. The entire complex was filled with such chants. On seeing this temple, I remembered the Hidimba Devi temple located in Manali as both of them have a similar building.
Suggested Read: This is exactly why you should visit Manali (+some must-see places)
After asking the old lady standing at the gate, I went inside for darshan and have been offered prasad. Inside, there is a statue of Goddess Parvati made of cystine stone which is adorned with 26 other miniature sculptures.
Popular Legends and Stories
According to Hindu mythological beliefs, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of the Garuda Ganges and the Gomati River.
Some Mahapanditas also say that Ravana stayed at this place for a few days. Another belief is that it was built by a Brahmin woman and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Located at just 2 km from here, is the Kot Bhramari Temple, where it is said that Adi Guru Shankaracharya stayed here during his Badrinath visit.
Note: We do not confirm any of the above facts or beliefs. All information is according to research and historians.
Major Festivals and Darshan Time
My hotel was 200 meters in front of the temple complex and the evening I arrived, I heard the sound of the bells of the temple clearly which urged me to see it from my balcony but the view looked a bit bleak. I decided, first thing in the morning is a visit to Baijnath temple.
The Baijnath temple is open from sunrise to sunset. You can visit Darshan anytime and visit the temple complex.
The right time to visit is throughout the year, but avoid going in the rainy season because the chances of landslides increase in this season.
Aarti Time
7 AM and 8 PM.
Shivaratri and Nagpanchami are the major festivals celebrated here. On this occasion, a large crowd throngs, and a fair is also organized.
Where to Stay?
By the way, if you want, you can come here for a day’s visit from Kausani or Bageshwar. I stayed here for 3 days. If you plan to stay for more than a day to explore more, stay at Hotel Baijnath for a comfortable stay.
You can also go to the government guest house (of Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam).
Click here to search for your stay with our special link.
How to Reach Baijnath Temple?
The harder it looks to get here, the more it is not. We did not have any problem in reaching. The place is located 300 km from Dehradun, 17 km from Kausani, 132 km from Nainital, 151 km from Haldwani, and 70 km from Almora. You can reach this temple in the following ways:
By Air
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 185 km. A bus or taxi can be used from there.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam located at a distance of 150 km. Buses and taxis are available from there.
Note: You can also get a bus directly from the Haldwani bus stand which is more feasible as it is situated at a 5-minutes walk from Haldwani station (Haldwani lies one station before Kathgodam). If you can’t get a direct bus, first take a bus to Almora and then take a bus or taxi to Baijnath from there.
By Road
Buses ply at regular intervals from Almora, Nainital, Haldwani, and Kathgodam. You can also take a taxi from these places.
My Experience
I went on this trip during the Corona period. Since many months had passed without traveling, I was looking for a peaceful and spiritual place to spend some leisure time and my search was completed after coming to Baijnath.
I sat in the temple for long hours. Just beholding the people coming to the temple, drowning in a devotional spirit, watching the panoramic view, and the fish forage in the nearby lake. It was all so captivating that it is a little difficult to convey that feeling.
If you are also looking for someplace that gives a feeling of peace away from the crowd then Baijnath may be your next destination.
If you want to share thoughts or have any more information about this temple, then write them in the comment box below. We will do our best to improve Misfit Wanderers with your suggestions.
An appeal: Please do not throw the litter around. Use a dustbin and if you can’t find a dustbin, take the trash with you and throw it when you find one. Your small initiative can make the whole world clean and green.
Originally published at https://misfitwanderers.com on November 15, 2020.
