History, Architecture, Natural Environment and Travel Guide of Baijnath Temple near Bageshwar, Uttarakhanda
Baijnath Temple complex is the cluster of 18 temple located in a small town of Baijnath on the Bank of Gomati River in Bageshwar District. The Temple holds great significance because according to Indian Mythology, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati were married at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga. Baijnath reveals itself as a wonderful enchanting destination. Thus this temple complex is one of the most important religious place near the Bageshwar.
Baijnath temple was built in 12th century by Katyri kings of kumaon, so Baijnath was also called kartikyapura in old times. The temple has its best Sculpture in the whole western Himalayan region. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Vaidhyanath – Shiva as lord of Physician and thousands of devotee and tourist visits here throughout the year and especially on Shivratri and Makar Shankranti. The temple is famous for the ancient and the magnificent idol of goddess Parvati is chiseled in black stone (standing idol). Along with Goddess Parvati there are the other idols which are sculptured are Lord Shiva, Ganesh, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahma. Bajinath the temple town offers glorious scenic views and pleasant climate just 22 km away from Bageshwar and 17km away from Kausani. Kausani is small village and hill station from where 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli can be enjoy. An artificial lake is made in 2007-2008 and was inaugurated on January 14 2016. The lake is full of “Golden Mahaseer” fishes though fishing is strictly prohibited there. One can enjoy by feeding fish food to the fishes. The lake is the major attraction to the tourist and the pilgrims who visit here.
How to reach Baijnath Temple: Baijnath is well connected with all the major cities of Uttarakhand. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam at a distance of 151 kms and the nearest airport is Pant Nagar at a distance of 185 kms.