Bageshwar, Uttarakhand

 
Bageshwar The Salvation Point, Uttarakhand … Simply Heaven !

Nestled amidst misty hills, at the confluence of the Gomti and Saryu rivers at a height of 960 meters above sea level lies the holy township of Bageshwar. This 1695.7 sq. km. land of 'Sadashiva' has attracted saints and devotees through ages; by its spiritual magnetism. As described in the 'Puranas', this is the ultimate place that liberates one from the bondage of birth and death.

The temple of Baghnath (Lord Shiva), situated here is venerated by one and all. Devotees gather here on 'Shivratri fair' to worship the lord, who is also known as the remover of sorrows.

Apart from its religious sanctity, Bageshwar is also a trekkers' paradise. Adi Shankaracharya, who trekked in the Himalayas in the 8th century A.D., was the pioneer who opened trekking routes in this part of India. The mountain adventure season which till recently was confined to the summer months in this region; now covers almost the full year including winter. Bageshwar is the entry point to the trekking routes like/viz Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdunga Glaciers.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest Airport is Pant Nagar, at a distance of 206 kms.

Rail: The nearest Railway station is Kathgodam, which is 190 kms.

Road: Bageshwar is well connected by roads with all the major towns in the area. Taxis are available from Almora (90 kms), Nainital (137 kms), Kathgodam (180 kms) and Pant Nagar (206 kms).

Where to stay (STD code: 05963)

Hotel Rajdoot

Hotel Annapurna

Siddharth Hotel

KMVN Tourist Rest House

PWD Inspection Bungalow

District Board Dak Bungalow

What to See

Baghnath Temple: 

At the junction of rivers Gomti and Saryu stands a large temple with its conical towers. It is the shrine of 'Bageshwar' or Vyagreshwar', the Tiger Lord, an epithet of Lord Shiva. Temple was erected by the Kumaon king 'Laxmi Chand', about 1450 AD. 

The temple complex has a cluster of temples, prominent among them are Bhairav temple, Dattatray Maharaj, Ganga Mai Temple, Hanuman Temple, Durga Temple, Kalika Temple, Thingal Bhairav Temple, Pancham Junakhara and the Vaneshwara temple.

Chandika Temple: 

Dedicated to goddess 'Chandika', the temple stands at a distance of about half a kilometer from Bageshwar. Every year thousands of devotees congregate here to offer obeisance to the deity, during the Navaratras.

Gauri Udiyar: 

Situated 8 kms from Bageshwar is a large cave, measuring 20 X 95 sq. mts. housing the idols of Lord Shiva.

Shikhar Temple: 

Named after the God Mool Narayan, Shikhar Temple is located at the Shikhar Mountain. It can be reached by an 18 kms. motorable road from Kapkot to Sopra followed by a 5 kms. bridle trek.

Other Temples

Agnikund Temple

Nileshwar Mahadev Temple

Shitla Devi Temple

Trijugi Narayan Temple

Bhadrakali Temple

Gopeshwar Dham

Pratikshwar Mahadev Temple

Jwala Devi Temple

Veni Mahadev Temple

Beyond Bageshwar

Baijnath: Lies in the Katyuri Valley, 19 kms from Kausani and 26 kms from Bageshwar as the small and ancient town of Baijnath. Situated on the bank of Gomti, at an altitude of 1126 mts, 'Baijnath Temple' is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It houses a famous temple complex, dating back to 12th and 13th century. The main 10th century temple houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is married here.

Vijaypur: 

At a distance of 30 kms from Bageshwar, Vijaypur offers a fascinating view of the snow covered Himalayan range.

Kanda: 

This picturesque place situated at 1500-1900 metres above sea level is a treat for nature lovers and is situated at a distance of 25 kms from Bageshwar. An ancient Bhadrakali temple stands very near to Kanda.

Pandusthal: 

According to Indian mythology, the Mahabharata heroes Pandavas and their cousins Kauravas fought here on the hilly stretch of around half a kilometer width, amidst forests and wilderness.

Kausani: 

A quiet holiday resort amid snow capped Himalayan peaks situated 1890 metres above sea level. Gandhiji stayed here in 1929. An Ashram is built here in his memory. This is also the birthplace of the famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant.

Pindari glacier: 

Perhaps the best-known trekking route in Kumaon, earlier located in Almora district and now in the newly created Bageshwar district, the trail follows the Pindar River to its source on the glacier are Nandakot (6,860 metres), Chhanguch (6,322 metres) and Nandaghunti (6,310 metres).

Kafni glacier: 

Near the Pindari glacier is the Kafni glacier. Located at an altitude of 3853 mtrs, Kafni glacier is an exquisite and untouched place. One could reach the summit from a side road from Pindari. It is definitely a worthwhile visit.