Bagnath Temple: Spiritual Abode Of Lord Shiva In Uttarakhand

Bagnath, a revered temple of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, is visited by tourists and devotees worldwide.It is the place of Shiva and Parvati’s marriage, so the temple is adorned with elaborate architecture and designs that resemble the same. The legend of Bagnath temple is shrouded amid time, however, one of the legends that remain resounding in the people’s minds is the appearance of Lord Shiva in the form of a tiger as he was pleased with sage Markandeya’s penance. Hence, the name Bagnath which means tiger was given to this temple.

Table of Contents

Bagnath Temple Location

Bagnath Temple is adorned with colourful lights on occasion.

Photo: Harshit.S.R / Wikimedia Commons

The temple stands in the meeting of the Gomti and Saryu rivers respectively, making it serene and a peaceful place of worship because of its surroundings and the significance it holds for Hindus. This temple is nestled in the heart of Bageshwar city and has clusters of smaller temples of Parvati, Ganesha, and Surya the Sun God. The temple is built facing South compared to all other temples of Shiva facing North, this is a unique feature of the temple.

How To Reach Bagnath Temple

local bus transportation available to reach the Bagnath Temple

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

This revered shrine is accessible by all means of transport.

By Road: Bagnath is accessible from cities like Almora or Nainital. The bus fare from these cities to the temple will cost you about ₹ 300 to 400 and the taxi fare is a bit higher ranging from ₹ 1500 (Approx)

By Rail: To reach the temple, the Kathgodam railway station is the closest, and hire a cab or a bus to your destination. The train fare starts from as little as ₹120 to higher depending on your choice of coach.

By Air: To reach the temple, take a flight to the Pantnagar Airport which will cost you ₹5000 or higher depending on your distance and choice.

Places To See In And Around The Bagnath Template

There are so many places to see around the Bagnath temple. Its scenic position and historical significance offer amazing trekking spots and other significant temples you can visit. Also, you can dive into its local markets and pieces of stuff as a souvenir back home.

1. Chandika Temple

The beautiful Chandika Temple near the Bagnath Temple, Bageshwar

Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons

This temple is one of the most revered temples of this town. The temple is dedicated to Chandika who is believed to be in the form of Goddess Durga. It is just on the opposite side of the Bagnath temple which is 1.5 kilometers away. The priests are the descendants of Archarya Ram Pandit who built this temple in 1680. The place is brimming with activity on the Navratri with thousands of devotees from all over coming for darshan in this holy temple.

Timings: 5 AM – 8:42 PM
Location: Namticheda bagar

2. Baijnath Temple

The architectural beauty of Baijnath Temple near the Bagnath Temple

Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons

This is an interesting place to visit as the stories surrounding this temple are so intriguing. It is believed that a Brahmin widow built it and dedicated it to the god Shiva but another story states that a Brahmin woman who was kidnapped by the Kashtriyas built it. This is also a bathing place for the locals for a long time and you will find a pool near the temple. It is believed that people who want to get rid of their sins and maintain the purity of their souls take a dip in the pool.

Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: None
Location: Bamrari

3. Gauri Udiyar

The cave temple in Uttarakhand near the Bagnath Temple

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This temple was built on natural rock and is filled with paintings and idols of Shiva all over the cave. The place is known for its serene atmosphere attracting nature lovers and spiritual seekers from all over the place, also called as abode of gods Gauri, this place was not known to tourists but recently it has been gaining popularity for its serene surroundings and its temple cave which is said to be a peaceful getaway if you are seeking to recuperate and rejuvenate.

Location: 8 kilometres from Bageshwar
Timings: Morning to evening

4. Kanda

Terraced fields in the beautiful Kanda near the Bagnath Temple.

Photo: Sridhar Rao / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

This is a beautiful place near the Bagnath Temple which is visited mostly because of its scenic beauty which almost resembles the Swiss Alps. You will be enchanted by its meadows of pines and its terraced fields perfectly aligned with the surroundings. The place is vibrant and has so much to do like shopping in its local markets, tasting their local cuisines, and just immersing into the culture and tradition of this place will captivate your heart. You can also visit its many temples and learn about its spiritual significance. One can never get bored in this beautiful nature getaway.

Location: 25 kilometres from Bageshwar
Timings: Anytime during the day

5. Pandusthal Trek

A majestic view of the glaciers from a place near the Bagnath Temple

Photo: Wander-earth / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Pandusthal is a favourite choice for trekking because of its historical significance and also due to the stunning glacial views. Its historical significance is the place where the Kauravas and the Pandavas war took place and you will find a natural ground half a kilometer in length on the top. The trekking will take one whole day and the best place about it is that you can stay overnight to explore the region. The place gives a near view of the Himalayas with its dangling glaciers on its peak which is utterly captivating and worth the trek.

Location: Baisani
Timings: preferably during the winter season

Where To Stay

A cosy bedroom of a hotel near Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar City, Uttarakhand

Photo: Amin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many wonderful places to stay around the Bagnath Temple. The Heritage Resort, Kausani Best Inn, Hotel Narendra a Palace, Sun N Snow Inn Kausani, and Mountain View Mountain Resort provide tourists with good amenities and comfortable stay. The prices of the hotels range from ₹1000 or above, depending upon your accommodation.

Where To Eat

A picture of a typical North Indian thali on display in a restaurant near Bagnath Temple

Photo: Prav2991993 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many good places to eat in the city of Bageshwar as it is a thriving tourist place, they have good restaurants like Hotel Naren dra, The GaInadi Greens, Hans Janral store Bhura Pul, Tan restaurant, and there are also many local eateries serving local cuisines which you will bestie.

Best Time To Visit

The winter months in the hills of Uttarakhand captivates the tourists

Photo: Amit Shaw / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The best time to visit these wonderful months of October to February. During these months, you will experience pleasant weather with temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius, which is the best for your ideal activities such as sightseeing, shopping, visiting temples, or trekking.

Other Factors To Consider

A picture of a tall statue of Lord Shiva near the Bagnath Temple

Photo: Stardust1972 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost: The average of the whole trip will cost you ₹5000 approx, depending on your activities, the cost may be higher.

Duration: Try to have three days as the number of days in your itinerary to explore the region to its fullest.

Tips For Travellers

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
Dress modestly while visiting religious shrines.
Get familiar with the local culture & Customs
Do not litter for and shop local

A visit to the beautiful city of Bageshwar is an ideal decision considering the city and its many attractions. It is the best nature and spiritual getaway one could ask for. The beautiful temple with its rich history, the wonderful places for trekking or the bustling local festival, and its markets brimming with the colourful tradition and culture of the Kamaon is an experience you will treasure for a lifetime by booking a trip with TripXL to a rich experience in the wonderful Bageshwar city.

Cover Photo: Pramod Nagher / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

What local food must I try in Bageshwar?

While in Bageshwar, you can relish the Kumaoni food comprising Aloo Ke Gutke which is a Spicy potato dish primarily enjoyed north of the country, usually cooked with local leaves, another delicacy is the Bhatt Ki Churkani, a cuisine made with bhatt or black soybean which is Indigenous to that area.

Is there any National Park or nature reserve in the vicinity?

Yes, there are attractions like Binsar, located 80 kilometres from Bageshwar. Kausani Tea Gardens, located near Kausani is a tea garden,40 kilometres from Bageshwa.

Name the local festivities or cultural activities in Bageshwar.

Numerous colourful festivals in and around Bageshwar are celebrated like the Uttarayani Fair (Makar Sankranti): A major fair in January that attracts visitors from nearby towns for prayers, business, and entertainment. Shravan Mela is held in the earlier months of July and August, in the month dedicated to Lord Shiva called Shravan.

Can one find different shopping places in Bageshwar?

Yes, though it is not a shopper's paradise you will find interesting local items like woollen hand-knit items such as shawls, caps, and scarves, particularly during the winter. This region has spices and herbs that have medicinal and culinary applications for the people of the Kumaon region.

What are the languages spoken in Bageshwar? Is there any chance for me to come across a language barrier?

The major languages of Bageshwar include Kumaoni and Hindi. You will find few English-speaking fluent people in specific tourist places, where speaking simple English is okay.

Bagnath Temple Travel Guide: A Journey Into Spiritual Serenity