Baijnath Temple under Shiva Heritage Circuit
The Katyuri kings ruled over an area that included parts of Garhwal and Kumaun in modern-day Uttarakhand, India, and Doti in modern-day Nepal. Baijnath, then known as Kartikeyapura, was the seat of the Katyuri kings who ruled over an area that included parts of Garhwal and Kumaun in modern-day Uttarakhand, India, and Doti in modern-day Nepal.
The historically and religiously significant Baijnath Temple, built in the twelfth century, is one of the most important attractions to visit in Baijnath. The temple is significant because Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the confluence of the River Gomati and the Garur Ganga, according to Hindu legend. The Baijnath temple is actually a temple complex established by the Katyuri rulers containing idols of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya, and Brahma. It is dedicated to SivaVaidyanatha, the Lord of Physicians. The temple is also the name of the town of Baijnath. The stone temples are located on the left bank of the Gomti River at an elevation of 1,126 metres.
The main temple, which holds a stunning Parvati deity, is carved out of black stone. The temple is reached via a flight of stone steps built on the orders of a Katyuri queen from the riverbank. The temple of Bamani is located on the road to the main temple, directly below the Mahanta’s residence. The temple was said to have been built by a Brahmin woman and dedicated to Lord Shiva. Katyuri monarchs are said to have built it in a single night.
Travelers will find adequate lodging and boarding facilities at Baijnath, including budget accommodation at the state-run Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), which offers good rooms with all modern conveniences at extremely low rates. A heli-pad facility for state and defence emergency landing is two kilometres away. There is a market close at Dangoli, but the main market is two kilometres away at Garur, which caters to household items and daily use goods and is regarded the largest market in the region after Almora, Ranikhet, and Bageshwar Districts in the Kumaon Hills up to Karanprayag District in Garhwal.
Garur’s market is one of the oldest in the area. Mohan Chandra Joshi is a well-known poet in this area. Prior to approaching Garhwal via Kumaon en way to Garur Gwaldam road, one may discover a sophisticated shopping complex and the largest Kumaon market.
How to Reach Baijnath Temple in Bageshwar
