This temple has been recognized as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India
.Manaskhand, Uttarakhand, India
Baijnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an elevation of 1126 metres on the banks of the Gomati River in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is approximately 300 kilometres away from the state capital Dehradun and is located in the centre of the 'Katyuri' valley. The city is named after the Baijnath Temple. Baijnath was the capital of the Katyuri kings who ruled this region from the 9th to the 12th century. Baijnath Temple is also known as Vaidyanath Temple. In addition, this temple is also referred to as the God of Physicians.
History of the temple
The history of Baijnath Temple holds great significance because, according to Hindu mythological stories, the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place at the confluence of the Gomati and Garur Ganga rivers. The history of this temple dates back to the 11th century. This temple is a center of spirituality for devotees from all over the world. It was constructed in 1150 CE by the Katyuri kings and has since become a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. Baijnath city was the capital of the Katyuri kings at that time. It is also believed that the construction of this temple was completed in a single night by the Katyuri kings.
Significance of the temple
Due to its historical and religious importance, Baijnath Temple is one of the significant places to visit in Bageshwar (Kumaon region). It is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Here, devotees can also witness other deities along with Lord Bholenath. The darshan of Lord Shiva here is believed to relieve all the troubles of devotees. This temple has been recognized as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India in Uttarakhand. Moreover, Baijnath has been named as one of the four places in the "Shiv Heritage Circuit" in Kumaon under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by the Government of India. Baijnath is renowned for its temples, trekking routes, historical monuments, natural beauty, pilgrimage, culture, architecture, mythological stories, and the festivals celebrated here.
Architecture of the temple
The architecture of Baijnath Temple is captivating. The temple complex consists of three main temples, each with its own unique architecture. The main temple is a three-story pyramid-shaped structure with a peaked roof, while the other two temples are single-story with flat roofs. The temple complex is surrounded by a vast courtyard with several smaller temples and idols. The main temple houses a beautiful idol of Goddess Parvati, which is carved from black stone.
Temple Timings
Temple's timing during the summer
05:00 AM - 07:00 PMTemple's timing during the winter
06:00 AM - 06:00 PMShodashopachar Pooja timings
04:00 AM - 04:30 AMShringar Pooja timings
07:30 PM - 08:00 AMAbhishekam timings
04:30 AM - 03:30 PMOfferings of the temple
At Baijnath Temple, offerings to Lord Shiva include bel leaves, water, milk, curd, fruits, flowers, etc. Additionally, coconuts, bhang, and datura are also offered to Lord Bholenath.
Travel Details
The below are the travel details for the temple