Bareilly Shree Baba Alakhnath ji Mandir - Uttar Pradesh

Address

Bareilly Shree Baba Alakhnath ji Mandir – Uttar Pradesh

State Highway 37, Phool Bagh,

Quilla Chhawni, Bareilly,

Uttar Pradesh 243001

Moolavar

Alakhnath (Shiva)

Introduction

One of the famous four Natha temples in Bareilly, Alakhnath Temple is a major Shiva shrine in Bareilly. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the prime akhaara for the Naga Sadhus in the district. Though the presiding deity of Alakhnath Temple is Lord Shiva, one can see the huge statue of Lord Hanuman in the vast courtyard of the temple. The idol stands at a height of 51 feet and is a noticeable structure in the vicinity. Alakhnath Temple is one among the 4 Natha (Shiva) temples in the 4 corners of Bareilly

Puranic Significance

Devotees of Shiva are spread over several faiths, orders, sects or akharas. Members of the akharas are generally known as babas. These akharas are generally found in Northern India. There are four such akharas in Bareilly. One of these is called Naga Sanyasis of the Anand order. This akhara serves as the headquarters of the Naga sadhus. They have built a temple devoted to God Shiva, also called Alakhnath, in its premises. The name of the temple is Alakhnath Temple. Besides the main temple, there are several other temples as well in the premises. These are dedicated to other gods, goddesses and deities. There are several buildings around the temple where the sanyasis or the babas live.
The Alakhnath Temple has a history of over 930 years. According to a local legend, The Qila region was home to dense forests in ancient times. Saint Alakhiya used to penance below a Banyan Tree. It was after him that the temple was named Alakhnath Temple. During late 17th century under Mughal rule, several temples were demolished in the region, and many saints took refuge in the temple complex. It is believed that the Mughals could not enter the complex. The temple complex beyond the inner gate consists of several buildings with a kind of courtyard in the center. Large and small shrines are there, some within buildings and some outside. Devotees go from one shrine to the next to make offerings and prayers. Animals of various kinds are around the place. Cows and goats are tethered and behind one of the buildings is a camel. A 51 Feet Statue of Lord Hanuman is installed just outside the Temple Premises.

Special Features

1) Alakhnath Temple is one among the 4 Natha (Shiva) temples in the 4 corners of Bareilly.
2) This shrine serves the prime akhaaras of the Naga Sadhus
3) In the vicinity of this temple; there are different shelters for the cattle like cow, buffalo, and goat.