Gorakhpur, a land with a historical and spiritual past, is home to plenty of temples. Located in the Northeastern region of Uttar Pradesh, Gorakhpur is not only famous for its cultural richness rather has many pilgrim and tourist attractions within the city. The temples in Gorakhpur are the pride of the society regarding the architectural as well as the religious aspects of the region. The temples showcase beautiful sculptures and a calm atmosphere that provides peace to the visitors. Every temple has their own stories associated with them.
10 Popular Temples In Gorakhpur
Let’s explore the temples in Gorakhpur to appreciate the divinity and culture they offer.
1. Gorakhnath Temple
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The Gorakhnath Temple is undoubtedly the prime attraction in the city of Gorakhpur, as it was built in honor of the saint Gorakhnath, a major influence in the Nath sect of Hinduism, making it an important pilgrimage center. It is located around 4 kilometers from Nepal Road, which is adjacent to the railway station and occupies a staggering 52 acres of land. It is said that the temple was built at a place where the saint Gorakhnath was said to have practiced his sādhanā.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: January, October and March
2. Tarkulhi Devi Mata Mandir
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This temple is primarily oriented toward worshiping by filling the Goddess Tarkulhi Devi idol. The people understand Tarkulhi Devi better as she is incorporated into the local culture and also many of them think that she grants happiness while guarding their families. Temple is designed traditionally for religious celebrations that are usually vibrant, intensifying the warmth of the environment of the premises during festivals.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Geeta Vatika
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Geeta Vatika located on Pipraich Road is dedicated to Radha Krishan. It was founded in the year 1968 by Shri Hanuman Prasad Poddar and has been continuously offering prayers and chanting ever since. This temple has evolved into a locality for those who want to observe all the practices relating to ‘Bhagvata’ much more deeply, especially about the philosophy of Krishna. The temple has a beautiful garden that provides a peaceful atmosphere and thus can be considered a place for meditation and contemplation.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Anytime for spiritual seekers.
4. Vishnu Temple
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The Vishnu Temple at Asuran Chowk which is located on Medical College Road, is said to have been built in the 12th Century during the reign of the Pal Dynasty. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and enshrines a black-colored Kasauti stone-made idol of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also connected with several myths that explain the place of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The temple follows the North Indian style of the Bhakti movement temple architecture is peppered with delightful figures of Gods.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
5. Mahaparinirvana Temple
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The Mahaparinirvana Temple is situated in Gorakhpur and portrays the last moments of Lord Buddha. It is frequented by Buddhist devotees and history-loving tourists as well. This temple has profound significance to the Buddhist followers as it embodies the message of comfort and enlightenment. Inside the precincts of the temple, is a reclining statue of the Buddha which has well-tended gardens surrounding it that provide the inhabitants with a peaceful environment.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Golghar Kali Mandir
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The Golghar Kali Mandir was built in 1968, and it is a temple dedicated to the goddess Kali. This temple is famous for its many visitors during several Hindu-associated public events such as Diwali and Durga Puja. It is also important for the devotees of the site because the story has it that the idol of Goddess Kali grew from the earth at this place. There are beautiful decorations in the temple and a huge idol of Kali which is a sight to behold especially during the festivals.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Lehra Devi Temple
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Lehra Devi Temple is specially devoted to Lehra Devi who is considered protective of devotees who seek her blessings. This place has gained popularity among the local people who visit it for the belief that it leaves every user in peace and prosperity and helps in tying the community with the rope of faith shared within. Its simple but beautiful design appeals very much to the people who come to seek peace in the mad world out there; the surroundings bring out the experience even better.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Radha Krishna Sadhna Mandir
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In this temple, the presiding deity is Lord Krishna, and many people come to the temple for spiritual sadhana (spiritual practice). Radha Krishna Sadhna Mandir has gained popularity especially among people who are looking for ways to connect to God through love and devotion to Radha and Krishna. Celebrations during Janmashtami are especially vibrant in this place, as the worshippers do not stop singing bhajans all through the night until daybreak when the Janmashtami celebrations come to an end.
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Anytime for devotees
9. Budhiya Mai Mandir
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Primarily worshiping Budhiya Mai, this temple is a place of devotion for many local women who come here to pray for offspring and family happiness. Budhiya Mai is a woman who plays an important role in local culture, with many claiming that she takes care of families and brings them luck. Temple is modest in its design, however, its devotees attach great importance to it thus creating a warm aura of love and devotion to all corners of the premises.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Anytime for devotees
10. Suraj Kund Mandir
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This temple is dedicated towards worshiping Sun God (Surya); this temple appeals to those who worship Surya Devta for the health benefits it provides warmth. Suraj Kund is of cultural relevance to the local population who offer their prayers praying in this water reservoir improves their health and vitality during their existence on Earth. Chhath Puja sees the majority of the attendees drawn from the local people who come to this place to pray to the Sun God in thanksgiving after the harvest season.
Timings: Sunrise to sunset
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Around Chhath Puja
The temples in Gorakhpur are not just religious institutions, but they also stand as the cultural fabric of the city. Every temple is an experience in itself with different spiritual needs being fulfilled which broadens our understanding of the ancient cultures that still nurture the living. In any case, whether there is someone who is looking forward to religious activities or there is one who simply wants to know and see other cultures – these temples will not disappoint as they are filled with spirit and joy. Plan your visit with TripXL to begin your spiritual journey.
Cover Photo: ChanhNguyen / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only