Bageshwar in Almora

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Bageshwar, a hill district, is situated in the eastern Kumaon region in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Positioned about 73 kms from Almora, Bageshwar is famous for several places of historical and religious importance. The municipal board and district headquarters of Bageshwar are located in Bageshwar city. Sited at a height of 1004 mts, the district is bordered by Almora district in the south, Chamoli district in the west & northwest and Pithoragarh district in the east & northeast. Situated at the confluence of two pious rivers- Gomti, Saryu and the underlying Bhagirathi, Bageshwar is a greatly venerated place blessed by Lord Shiva himself. In the north of Bageshwar is located the popular Suraj Kund and in the south is present Agni Kund with Bhileshwar and Nileshwar mountains adorning the east and west.

The quaint town of Bageshwar abounds in spiritual myths, celebratory events and marvelous ambiance. Renowned mainly as an important Shaivaite enchantment, Bageshwar has its share of devoted expressions and illustrative interludes. Since time immemorial, this land of Shankar and Parvati is considered pious and has remained a symbol of faith for even the neighboring regions. According to Puranas, Bageshwar is the 'Abode of Gods' and is a place gifted with the power of liberating souls from the perpetual burden of life and bereavement.

The town was named Bageshwar after the famed ancient Bagnath temple which is located in the heart of the city. The fable behind the temple states that a saint Markandey living in the region prayed to the lord for his blessings and Lord Shiva who is considered as the destroyer of the Hindu trinity, appeared in the form of Bagh or Tiger. Thus the place came to be known as 'Bageshwar'- the land of Tiger lord. At that place a temple was built by the rulers of Chand dynasty in 1450. But after several unsuccessful attempts to set up the Shivling, Shri Manorath Pandey of Palain village carried out a prayer of sacrament on the occasion of Shivratri and only then a Shivling was mounted in the sanctum of the temple. Since then, Shivratri festival during the month of February is celebrated here with pomp and vigor to memorialize the event. A huge fair is held during this time and thousands of pilgrims flock to the shrine during this time to seek the blessings of the god. Also, it is considered auspicious to visit the temple on every Monday of the holy month of 'Shravan'.

Bageshwar is an important pilgrim centre for the devotees of Lord Shiva and there are numerous places and temples associated with the god. There are several tourist places in Bageshwar and the most popular one is Baijnath temple. The Bajinath temple, located in the small town of Baijnath, is a cluster of shrines devoted to several Hindu gods and goddesses. The famous ones are Bhairav, Ganga Mata, Dattatreya, Hanuman, Kalika, Durga and Vaneswar temples.

Another important temple is the Chandika temple. Positioned at about half a km from Bageshwar, it is a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika. The temple is thronged by the devotees especially during the Navratras.

Shri Haru temple is located about 5 kms from Bageshwar and it is believed that whatever you wish here will certainly be fulfilled. Also, a massive fair is held here on Dusshera after the Navratras. Gauri Udiyar has a large cave situated about 8 kms away housing the ancient idols of Lord Shiva.

Bageshwar also offers numerous opportunities for trekking enthusiasts. From here, one can trek down to the famed Pindari, Kafni and Sunderdhunga glaciers.

Bageshwar is an important pilgrim centre for Hindus and is worth a visit during the important festivals.