Bageshwar
Bageshwar, is an important pilgrim and tourist centre. It is located about 90 kms from Almora on the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti. The town is famous for ancient Bagnath Temple and the annual Uttaraini fair held in January.
The beautiful town is also a delight for adventure sports lovers. The famous Pindari, Sunderdunga 1 and Kafni glaciers can be reached via Bageshwar.
Situated at the confluence of rivers Saryu, Gomti and latent Bhagirathi, lies the holy township of Bageshwar. Aso revered as the pious land associated with Lord Sadashiva, the redeemer of all sins. As the Puranas state, this undoubtedly is a place capable of liberating one from the eternal bondage of births and deaths. With the east and west flanked by the Bhileswar and Nileshwar mountains and surrounded by Suraj Kund in the north and Agni Kund in the south, this land of Lord Shankar is of great religious, historic and political significance. Since time immemorial, this place has been the symbol of faith for the entire Uttranchal region. Because of its spiritual magnetism, it has attracted many saintly men and numerous patriots who have always been ready to lay down everything for the sake of their revered motherland
Bagnath Temple
The temple of Bagnath situated here is venerated by one and all. Devotees gather here on every Monday of the holy month of Shravan to worship the Lord, who is also known as the remover of sorrows. During the fairs of Uttarayani and Shivratri, it becomes very difficult to control the hoards of devotees who come to attend these fairs from far and nearThe Nilaparvat, situated between the rivers Saryu and Gomti is inhabited by all the 33 crore Gods of the Hindu pantheon, the celestial being like Siddha, Gandharva, Vidyadhar, Urvashi etc. and manu sages. Irrigated by the Saryu, the Nilaparvat is held to be more important than the Vindhyachal. Those who desire to embrace death at a place between Surya Kund and Agni Kund, become equivalent to the Gods by attaining salvation at the feet of Lord Shiva himself.
During the reign of the Chands, the Shiva temple was constructed at Bageshwar. Legend has it that when repeated attempts to install a Shiv
Linga proved futile, it was Shri Manorath Pandey of Palaynvillage who succeeded in installing the idol after performing penance on the Shivratri. From then onwards, a massive fair is held on Shivratri each year to commemorate the event.
At the junction of the rivers, Gomti and Saryu stands a large temple with it's conical tower. Here is the shrine of Bageswar or Vyagreswar, the, "Tiger Lord", an epithet of Lord Siva. This temple was erected by the Kumaun king, Laxmi Chand, about 1450 A.D., but there is an interesting Sanskrit inscription there of a far earlier date. Th temple is flooded with devotees on the annual occasion of Shivratri. This place has a cluster of temples. Prominent amoug these are the Bairav temple, Dattatrey Maharaj, Ganga Mai temple, Hanuman temple, Durga temple, Kalika temple, Thingal Bhirav temple, Panchnam Junakhara and the Vaneshwar temple.
Bageshwar gets its name form this ancient temple of Lord Shiva set in the heart of the town. According to mythological legends, sage Markandey lived here and the place was visited by Lord Shiva in the form of Bagh or tiger. The sacred shrine was built during the reign of the Chands and it is believed that no one could install the Shivlinga in the sanctum, finally, Shri Manorath Pandey of Palayn village performed penance and succeeded in installing the Shivlinga on Shivratri. Since then a massive fair is held here on 'Shivratri' to mark this auspicious occasion. Large number of pilgrims flock to the shrine, especially on Shivratri and on every Monday of the holy month of'Sharvan'.
Bamani Temple
Tradition of the place says that it was built by Brahmin widon and was dedicated by her to God Shiva. Another story states that a Brahmin woman who was kidnapped by a Kshatriyabuilt. The temple in favour of Shiva for the expiation of her sins. There is an idol of Shiva inside the temple. It has no inscriptions. The construction of the temple does not differ from that of the Tailihata group, so it may also be said to belong the same period. The main temple, dedicated to Baijnath or Vaidhyanatha> (a name of Shiva), which gives its name to the present village is situated near the <. The temple is approacehed from the riverside by a flight of steps made of stones constructed by the orders of
Katyuri queen. The place was and is a bathing place of the inhabitants who have now made a Kachh< pond near the temple. Baijnath is 19 km> away from Kausani and 26 kmfrom Bageshwer. One it used to be the capital of the Katyuri dynasty of kings and the place was then called Kartikyapura<.
Chandiki Temple
A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Chandikastands at a distance of about half a kilometre from Bageshwar. Every year, the temple bustles with activity as the devout congregate here to offer pujas to the deity during the Navratras.
Sriharu Temple
Another important temple, the Sriharu temple, is situated at a distance of about 5
kms. from Bageshwer. The devotees believe that prayers for wish fulfilment here never go in vein. Every year, a large fair is organised on the Vijya Dashmi day following the Navratras.
Gauri Adiyar
This is sitiated 8 kms from Bageshwer. A large cave, measuring 20 X 95 sq is situated here, which houses the idols of Lord Shiva
Other Temples near Bageshwar
RAMGHAT TEMPLE AGNIKUND TEMPLE
RAMJI TEMPLE LOKNATH ASHRAM
NILESHWER MAHADEV ASHRAM OF AMITJI
KUKUDAMAI TEMPLE JWALADEVI TEMPLE
SITLADEVI TEMPLE VENIMAHADEV TEMPLE
TRIJUGINARAYAN TEMPLE RADHAKrishnaISHNA TEMPLE
HANUMAN TEMPLE BHILESHWER DHAM
NILESHWER DHAM SURAJ KUND
SWARGASHRAM SIDDHARTH DHAM
GOPESHWER DHAM GOLU TEMPLE
PRAKTISHWAR MAHADEV
Baijnath
Lying in the Katyuri valley, 19 KMs away from Kausani and 26 kms from Bageshwar, is the small but ancient town of
Baijnath. In Kumaun socio cultural region, Baijnath is one among remote antiquity and of historical importance. The remnants of those glorious days lies at the bank of the Gomti river in the form of a group of temples. The temple is famous for it's ancient and magnificent stone idol of the Hindu goddess Parvati. Around 8 KMs from Baijnath on the Gwaldam road is lies the famous Kotkimai temple. One can also visit Pandusthal which lies nearby.This historical and pilgrim site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 kms from here.
Pandusthal
According to legends, Pandusthal was the battle ground where 'Kauravas' and 'Pandavas' had fought. There exists a natural ground half a km in breadth. The Himalaya is so near that one can get an excellent view of the ranges. To reach Pandusthal, a bus service is available from Garur to Jakheda. From Jakheda it is 20 km trek through the mountains.
Vijaypur
It is situated at a distance of 30 kms from Bageshwar town. One can have a panaromic view of the snow capped Himalayan range from here. Because of it's high altitude the view is breath taking.
Chandika Temple
This beautiful shrine of Goddess Chandika attracts large number of devotees during the holy Navratras.
Shri Haru Temple
This important shrine lies about 5 kms from Bagheswar. It is believed that the wishes. of the devotees are fulfiled here. A large fair is held here on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashmi.
Gauri Udiyar
The sacred site is 8 kms from Bageshwar and has a large cave enshrining idols of Lord Shiva.
Other important shrines in and around Bageshwar are: Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Nileshwar temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Loknath Ashram, Ashram of Amitji, Jwala Devi temple, Veni Mahadev temple, Radha Krishnaishna temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Siddartha Dham, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple and Praktishwar Mahadev.
Around Bageshwar
Baijnath (26 kms): This historical and pilgrim site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 kms from here.
Another sacred site nearby is the Pandusthal, which is said to be the legendary battle ground of the Kaurvas and Pandavas.
Kanda (25 kms): The charming site on Bageshwar Chaukori road is a nature lover's delight. Nearby is an ancient temple of Bhadrakali.
Vijaypur (30 kms) : It affords panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Festivals
The festivals of Kumaon are not only an expression of the religious social and the cultural urges of the people but have also sustained the folk culture and have been central to the economic activities of the people. Also at remotely located places of hilly terrain, especially where communication is difficult and the land is cut up by mountain or water, the need is felt for periodical meetings at convenient centers, where exchange and sale of commodities may take place. A district like Bageshwar holds many valleys which are absolutely dependent on such meetings for their supply of common necessaries, and consequently fairs or periodical markets are numerous. There are two kind of these. The weekly assemblages, corresponding to "market-day" in an English provincial town, are called "Penth". They are of an ordinary kind, and have no religious associations. The great annual fairs are known by the name of "Mela", and are always connected with religious ideas and customs. They very often center round some famous local shrine, which reaps an extensive harvest at the annual festival. Business, pleasure and religion are cheerfully combined in these junketing, which are doubtless the chief oases in the monotonous lives.
Vishuvati aka Bikhauti
Among the twice born citizens this festival is observed as the day of solstice. This solstice is called Mesh (ram in form) also; but the brahmins, Kshatriyas and Shilpkars observe a grand festival on this day with victuals fried in clarified butter, sweetmeats, betel-leaves etc. In many places fairs are also held. Pahari (hill dialet) songs are sung to accompaniment playing of Hurka (small drum like musical instrument) and people dance. This is an old festival of aboriginals of this place. On this day fishing is also done and small round cakes of ground pulse (baras) are also eaten. It has been the practice to smoulder the skin as many times as the number of 'baras' are eaten. But this practice has been considerably reduced now. (The smoldering of the stomach with a red hot iron is called 'tala dalna'). On this day fairs are held in Dwarahat, Syalde, Chaugar and Lohakhai.
Vat Savitri Amavasya
Women fast on this day. The story of chaste Savitri and Satyavan is heard on this day. The figures of the dead Satyavan, Yamraj (the God of death) and eminent jewel among cha ste women Savitri are drwan under a banyan tree and they are worshipped Consecrating the thread of twelve knots (door), women tie it around their necks
Harela
Hariyala or the solstice of Karka, 10-11 days before the solstice of Shravan (July-August), putting soil in bamboo pots etc. preparing a bed, paddy, maize, horse bean and other grains produced in the rainy season are sown and this is called Hariyala. It is not put in the Sun. By doing so the colour of the plants becomes yellow.
Harishayani Ekadashi
This is a famous fast. The women hold the rule of Chatursmasya (the bathing and fasting for months beginning on the eve of the rainy season) from this day. The fast ends on Haribodhini (awakening of gods).
Sinha
The solstice of Simha is also called olagia. Earlier, during the Chand rule, craftsman
received reward on this day by showing or exhibiting articles of their crafts and handiwork, and the other people too carried flowers, fruits, vegetables. Curd, milk, sweets and several kinds of best things to the royal court or as present for the venerable people. This was known as the rite of 'olag'. This custom resembled the presentation of gifts to the britishers on Christmas day. Even now this festival is celebrated in some majors. So this solistice is called 'olagia' also. This is called ''Ghrit' or 'Ghee' (clarified butter) SanKrishnaanti. On this day there is a wide-spread custom to consume much Ghee with breads prepared from pounded horse-bean.
Sankasht Chathurti
This is the fast and worship of Ganesh on the fourth day of the dark half of Bhadra (Aug-Sep). Food is taken on the visibility of the moon after giving chairity by libation in honour of the deity, moon. This fast is generally undertaken by the women
Haritali Fast
This fast is kept on the third day of the dark half of Aug-Sep. The women folk observe this fast for prosperity, that is the longevity of their husbands. The Samvedis have their 'Upakarma' in the Hast asterism.
Doorvashtami
This fast is held on the eighth of the bright half of Aug-Sep. making Doorva (agrootislinearis) of gold, silver, silk etc., consecrating and worshipping it, the women wear it themselves. Prayer to Doorva Devi is made for gaining prosperity and progency. Food cooked in fire is prohibited on this day.
Nanda Ashtami
Beginning from the eighth day of the bright half of Aug-Sep to the eighth day of the dark half of Sep-Oct, many devotees do the worship of Laxmi and observe fast. The worship of Nanda Devi
had been continuing in the court of the Chanda kings traditionally with great pump and show. This is one among the tribal festival of Kumaun. Nanda is the Ranchandi (Chandi of battle) of Kumaun. The elementary battle incantation here is 'Jay to Nanda Devi
' , 'victory to her'. The sacrifice of the buffaloes and goats is made in her worship. The worship in Almora is even now made with great splendour and huge fair is held. The descendants of Chands do this worship. In Nainital late Lala Moti Ram had invited this fair. Fairs are held in Katyur, Ranikhet and Bhowali also. She is reported to be family deity of the kings of Kumaun.
Kojagar
Minor Diwali is observed on the full moon day of Sep - Oct. The women keep fast. The worship of Laxmi is made in the night. Diwali lamps are lit. The oblation of 'Pakwan' (pudding) and sweetmeats is made and then taken by people themselves. The beginning of vice of gambling too starts from this day.
Ghugutia
On this day the sun enters into the tropic of Capricona. A great fair called Uttaraini is held at Bageshwar. A holy dip is taken by the masses in rivers at Bageshwar, Rameshwer, Chitrashila and other places. This festival is also called 'Kale Kauwa' in Kumaun. Flour is kneaded with 'Gud', then forming a figure of a particular word, Ghuguta, puding is made and strung into a rosary. Orange and other fruits are also strung in it. These rosaries are put round the necks of the children. The children, who get up early in the morning on this very day, call the crows by uttering 'Kale Kauwa Aa Le, Ghughuti Mala Kha Le'. They take off some pudding from the rosary and give it to crow to eat. This usage is not seen anywhere else except in Kumaun. It appears to be an old festival of this region.
Uttaraini Festival
One of the largest fair of Kumaun region, the Uttraini festival of Bageshwar, is organized in the month of January for a period of one week and is frequented by Almora traders, on barter or money lending intent, and by the Bhotiyas from the snows, as well as by a great multitude of people from the surrounding villages. The chief articles of merchandise are : ponies, goats, sheep, furs, yak tails, musk pods, borax, salt horns, books, shoes, fruit dried and fresh. The Bhotiyas bring down excellent ponies, which breed in a wild or semi-wild state over the Tibetan border.
There are also group of temples dedicated to various Hindu deities. The main shrines among them arethe Bhairav temple, Dattatrey Maharaj, Ganga Mai temple, Hanuman temple, Durga temple, Kalika temple, Thingal Bhairav temple, Panchnam Junakhara and the Vaneswar temple etc.
Tranport
By Air: The nearest airport for Bageshwar is Pantnagar (206 km)
By Rail: Nearest rail head is Kathgodam (180 km)
By Road: Bageshwar is well connected by road to major towns and cities.
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