Bagnath Temple is situated at the confluence of Saryu and Gomti rivers in Bageshwar city of Uttarakhand state. Bagnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. This is the most famous temple of Bageshwar district. Bageshwar is famous for its mountainous natural beauty, glaciers, rivers and temples.
Mythology behind Bagnath Temple
Bagnath temple came into existence from the 7th century, the present day Bagnath temple in Nagara style was built by Chand ruler Lakshmi Chand in 1450. There are still many sculptures here dating from the 7th century AD to the 16th century AD.
The importance of this temple is described in Skanda Purana.
Bagnath Temple houses the Chaturmukhi Shivalinga and many other Hindu deities, this temple is one of the most famous temples of Bageshwar district. This temple exhibits wonderful architecture with brass bells of different sizes. Bageshwar has several temple clusters dedicated to Hindu deities such as Bhagwan Bhairav, Dattatreya Maharaj, Ganga Maiya, Bhagwan Hanuman, Devi Durga, Devi Kalika, Thingal Bhairav, Panchnam Junakhara and Vaneshwar.
According to legends and Hindu scriptures, Bagnath Temple is the place where sage Markandeya worshiped Bhagwan Shiva. Happy and pleased with the sage's prayer, Bhagwan Shiva appeared in tiger avtar and blessed Markandeya with his presence.
Major festivals in Bagnath Temple
Many festivals are celebrated in and around Bagnath Temple. Bagnath Temple attracts thousands of Shiva devotees every month and especially on the day of
Shivratri.
A fair is held in the temple in the month of January. It is a grand fair called
Uttarayani. This fair is celebrated on the festival of
Makar Sankranti. This festival is celebrated by taking a holy bath 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 Shivalinga installed inside the Bagnath temple. People who are religiously interested in this occasion continue this ritual for three consecutive days which is known as
Trimargi. Other beautiful festivals are also celebrated in the temple.
How to reach Bagnath Temple?
Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar city is connected to major destinations of Garhwal and Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state by good roads. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam city. Through which devotees can easily visit the temple.
Popular Name: bageshwar mandir