Baijnath Temple: If you like to visit interesting, hilly, and pilgrimage places, then today we are going to tell you about such a temple in Uttarakhand, about which you have hardly heard. But listening to its history, you will not be able to stop yourself from coming here. Today we are going to tell you about the Baijnath Temple of Uttarakhand. In this article, you will get the history of the temple, and how you can reach the time when the temple opens… all the information will be given…
Baijnath Temple
It is dedicated to Baijnath i.e. 'Dev of Vaidya'. Baijnath temple is located in Garud tehsil of Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand state. This temple is situated at a distance of 2 km from Garuda Tehsil and at an altitude of 1126 meters on the left bank of the Gomti river. Bageshwar district is a small hill town situated on the banks of river Gomti. The Baijnath temple was built by the Katyuri kings in the 11th century.
Old name of Baijnath temple and who took care of it
Baijnath temple was known as Kartikeyapur in ancient times. First of all, the city of Baijnath was made its capital by Katyuri king Narasimha Deva. Then this city remained the capital of the Katyuri dynasty. The Katyuri dynasty ruled here from the 7th to the 13th century. During that time the temple was rebuilt. The Katyuri dynasty came to an end after the death of Birdev Singh, the last king of the Katyuri kingdom. After that, the people of the Chand dynasty took care of this temple.
Here in the main temple, a very artistic excellent idol of Parvati made of black stone is installed. There is also a museum with this temple where there is a group of many temples decorated with idols of Kuber, Surya, Vishnu, Mahishasurmardini, and Chandika.
Religious Significance of Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas spread across the country, due to which the importance of this temple becomes very high for the Shaivite community. According to belief, it is said that the Shiva Lingas present inside this temple was created by themselves and naturally from the earth. The idol inside the temple is very beautiful as it is carved on black stone.
According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Shiva and Parvati got married at the confluence of the river Gomti and Garuda Ganga. Some great pundits also say that Ravana stayed at this place for a few days. According to another belief, it was built by a Brahmin woman and dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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Baijnath Temple Opening Timings
Baijnath Temple remains open throughout the week. The opening time of this temple depends on the season here. This temple opens at 5:00 am in the summer time. Closes at 7:00 in the evening. At the same time, it is very cold here in winter, so this temple remains open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
What is the structure of the Baijnath temple complex?
The complex of Baijnath Temple is a group of 18 small and big temples, which is surrounded by mountains from all sides. A glimpse of Dravidian architecture is visible on seeing this temple built in Nagara style. The complex presents a mesmerizing view to the tourists.
To reach the temple, one has to walk on a sloping path, which is finally found on the banks of the Gomti river. Right in front of the complex is a pond named 'Golden Mahaseer', which is a part of the Gomti river itself. Golden colored fishes keep swimming in this pond, which are a center of attraction for the tourists.
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Which other temples are there around Baijnath?
The center of attraction here for the tourists is Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Sun Temple, Kedareshwar, Lakshmi Narayan, and Brahmani Temple, where the idols of the gods are decorated.
How to reach Baijnath Temple? , How to reach Baijnath Temple?
If you want to come here by air, then the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is located at a distance of 185 km. After getting down here, you can easily reach the temple by taking a bus or taxi. If you are coming by train, then you get down at Kathgodam railway station, as this station is the closest to the temple.
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From here you can take a bus or taxi to reach the temple. If you are coming by bus, then take the bus from Almora, Nainital, Haldwani, and Kathgodam.
This lake adds charm. The Irrigation Department has constructed an artificial lake near the temple located on the banks of the Gomti river. This lake adds to the beauty of this place. One can enjoy the views of the surrounding hills by sitting in a boat on this lake.
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