Bagnath Temple

Bagnath Temple
Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar
Name
Devanagari	बागनाथ मंदिर
Geography
Coordinates	29°50′12″N 79°49′21″E / 29.83667°N 79.82250°E / 29.83667; 79.82250Coordinates: 29°50′12″N 79°49′21″E / 29.83667°N 79.82250°E / 29.83667; 79.82250
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand
District	Bageshwar
Location	Bageshwar
Elevation	1,004 m (3,294 ft)
Culture
Primary deity	Lord Shiva
Important festivals	Diwali , Shiv ratri and Uttarayani Fair
Architecture
Architectural styles	nagara
Number of temples	1
History and governance
Date built	1450
Creator	Laxmi Chand

Bagnath Temple (Hindi: बागनाथ मंदिर) is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in the Bageshwar city at the confluence of Sarayu and Gomti Rivers. Bagnath Temple is festooned with bells of all sizes and features impressive carvings. It is the most famous Temple in Bageshwar District. It is flooded with devotees on the occasion of Shivratri. The city of Bageshwar gets its name from this Temple.

Bagnath Temple is located at 29.8370° N, 79.7725° E. The temple is situated in Bageshwar City in Bageshwar District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the confluence of Saryu and Gomati rivers. It has an Elevation of 1004 m above mean sea level.

According to Hindu Legend, Sage Markandeya worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva blessed sage Markandeya by visiting here in the form of a Tiger.

Though some sources state The existence of Bagnath temple since 7th Century, the present building in nagara style was built in 1450 by Chand ruler, Laxmi Chand. The various statues in the temple date back from 7th century AD to 16th century AD. The significance of the temple finds mention in the Skanda Purana. Hindu Pilgrims file in throughout the year to worship here. A water police post was opened in the premises of the temple on 19 September 2016 for patrolling and prevention of water crimes in the city.

The Uttarayani fair is held in the month of January every year on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The religious ritual of the fair consists in bathing before daybreak at the confluence. After Bathing, an offering of water to Lord Shiva inside the Temple is essential. Those who are more religiously disposed, continue this practice for three days in succession, which is known as "Trimaghi".

Lord Shiva Statue in the Temple Premises