Bageshwar Bagnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Address

Bageshwar Bagnath Temple,

Bageshwar city,

Uttarakhand 263642

Moolavar

Bageshwar / Vyagreswar

Introduction

The Bagnath Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Bageshwar, situated in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, India.

The Bagnath Temple is situated at the confluence of the Sarayu and Gomati rivers in Bageshwar city.
This temple is one of the most famous and revered temples in the Bageshwar district.
The temple receives a large number of devotees, especially during the festival of Shivaratri, when it is flooded with pilgrims.

Puranic Significance

Temple History:

The temple has a rich historical background, with inscriptions confirming the construction details. Some sources claim that the Bagnath Temple existed as far back as the 7th century.
The present temple structure, built in Nagara style, was constructed in 1450 CE by the Chand ruler Laxmi Chand.
The temple’s significance and historical importance are mentioned in the Skanda Purana.

Deities and Idols:

The presiding deity of the temple is known as Bageshwar or Vyagreswar and is represented in the form of a Shiva Lingam.
Within the temple complex, you can find idols and shrines dedicated to various deities, including Chaturmukhi Shiva Linga, Trimurti Shiva Linga, Dasavatara, Bhairava, Dattatreya Maharaj, Ganga Maiya, Lord Hanuman, Goddess Durga, Goddess Kalika, Thingal Bhairava, Panchnam Junakhara, and Vaneswar.

Special Features

The city of Bageshwar derives its name from the Bagnath Temple. The term “Bageshwar” originated from “Baghreshwar,” which means the abode where Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a lion.
According to the Skanda Purana, the legend associated with this place narrates how Lord Shiva, in the form of a lion (Byaghra), and Parvati, in the form of a cow, came to this location.
Rishi Markandeya was meditating on the path of the River Sarayu, hindering its flow. Lord Brahma instructed Rishi Vasishta to resolve the situation. Rishi Vasishta prayed to Lord Shiva for assistance.
Lord Shiva’s manifestation as a lion (Byaghra) and Parvati’s form as a cow resulted in a conflict between them in front of Rishi Markandeya. When the Rishi intervened and opened his eyes, Sarayu began to flow freely.
Bagnath Temple was initially called “Baghreshwar” in honor of Lord Shiva’s lion form. However, over time, the term “Bageshwar,” signifying “Bagh” (tiger), became the popular name for the city.