Uttarakhand in India is a state that is very rightly dubbed as Devbhoomi or, “The Abode of the Gods”. An aura of mysticism envelops the state like a cocoon and temple bells peal sonorously throughout the state. Baijnath Uttarakhand is one such small town where the mysticism of Shiva pervades in its ancient temple. The Baijnath temple Uttarakhand which is in ruins is still a living temple, read on to know all about the Baijnath Mahadev temple, its history, architecture, and much more.

Baijnath Uttarakhand – Baijnath Shiv Mandir

Uttarakhand is the land where thousands of ancient sages have meditated and where thousands of temples, small and big serve as a fulcrum for the faith and devotion of millions. In more recent history, one of India’s greatest patriot saints, Swami Vivekananda spent considerable time in the region in pursuit of the eternal truth. The Baijnath temple Uttarakhand stands as an emblem of faith that has survived through the centuries. Baijnath is located in a town of the same name in the Bageshwar district of the state of Uttarakhand and is one of the lesser-known but charming temples of the state.

Baijnath Uttarakhand – Baijnath Temple Uttarakhand

The Baijnath temple is a picturesque temple that immediately rivets your attention, even from a distance. Situated on the banks of a lazily flowing Gomti river, Baijnath is actually a group of temples. The temple complex rises to the skies besides the crystal waters of the meandering Gomati and paints a beautiful picture when viewed from the road that leads to it. The lush green banks of the Gomti river and the bright hues of the houses of the village contrast with the dull grey and brown shades of the Baijnath Mahadev temple.

Baijnath Uttarakhand – Visiting The Baijnath Mahadev Temple

We crossed a bridge that spans the river Gomti, watching the tableau of everyday life in the village. A father escorting his daughter to school, locals chatting at a corner tea stall, and more. A long path festooned with colourful buntings waving in the air leads from the road to the entrance of the Baijnath temple.

As you make your way across the path beside the river Gomati, some mischievous monkeys cast discreet and covetous glances at your backpack, but you ignore them and keep walking.

Soon you can see the group of small temple structures through the canopy of green vegetation and coloured flowers that screen it from view.

A small gate acts as the entrance to the temple complex. An old and fading stone plaque put up by the Archaeological Survey of India gives a brief synopsis of the temple complex.

“Group of Temples Baijnath – This group of temples is popularly known as Baijnath ( Vaidyanath), consisting of main shrine of Lord Shiv and 17 subsidiary shrines called as Kedareshwar, Lakshminarayana, Brahmini Devi, etc..built in Nagara style (Curvilinear spire). The main temple is Pancharatha on a plan with a projected portico, while the Shikhar (Spire) of the temple has collapsed in the past. The main attraction of the group is standing statue of Parvati made of grey schist, tresses of 26 miniature images around it. On the basis of architectural features these temples can be assigned to 9th to 12th century A.D. and probably built by the Katyuri rulers of ancient Kartikeypura.”

Baijnath Uttarakhand – Baijnath Temple History | Baijnath Mahadev Temple Story

The Baijnath temple complex was built by the Katyuri rulers who held sway over the present-day Uttarakhand between the 9th and 12th centuries. They ruled the region from their capital city called Karthikeyapura that was situated in the vicinity.

The original temple complex built by the Katyuri rulers was dedicated to Vaidyanath or Lord Shiva. The word Vaidyanath transformed into Baijnath over the passage of time. The temple is unique as it is one of the few that has Parvati along with Shiva in the sanctum sanctorum.

A standing idol of Parvati and a Shiva Lingam grace the main temple. There are a total of 18 small temples in the complex and these are dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon like Ganesh, Surya, Kartikeya, Brahma, Durga, etc.

The temple is considered very sacred as it is believed that the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati took place near the confluence of the Gomati and the Garur Ganga. Apart from the standing idol of Parvati in the main temple another beautiful sculpture that has survived the ravages of time and retains its original beauty is the idol of Kala Bhairava sitting in a meditative posture. This image is found outside the main temple.

Baijnath Uttarakhand – Baijnath Temple Architecture

The Baijnath temple complex which is a cluster of small temples dates back to the 12th century. A flight of stone steps leads across the river to the temple. The series of temples are built in the Nagara style of architecture which is found in most of the temples of the northern part of India.

An artificial lake beside the temple complex has huge fishes and visitors revel in feeding them. The temple complex of Baijnath though in ruins still retains a mystical beauty that touches the core of your heart and leaves you delving deep into your spiritual plane. Looking at the precisely laid out temple complex with symmetrical lines and curves leaves one wondering about the artistry and skill of the builders who existed in the bygone era. The silent stone structures of Baijnath tell the story of the genius, faith, and devotion of a time that has long since passed into the realms of history.

Baijnath Weather & Best Time To Visit

Baijnath located at an altitude with an average elevation of about 1,130 metres is pleasant during the summer months with temperatures ranging between 11°C and 25°C while during the winter months the temperatures range between 2° C and 15°C. The best months to visit Baijnath Uttarakhand are between September and May.

How To Reach Baijnath Temple Uttarakhand | Baijnath Shiva Temple

Baijnath Map | Baijnath Temple Uttarakhand Map 

• Baijnath temple is located in a town of the same name in the Bageshwar district in the Kumaon region of the state of Uttarakhand, India
• The nearest airport to Baijnath is the Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar at a distance of about 184 kilometres
• The nearest railway station to Baijnath is Kathgodam at a distance of about 150 kilometres
• Baijnath Uttarakhand To Bageshwar distance is about 20 kilometres
• One can reach Baijnath by road from Pantnagar or Kathgodam

Are you planning a trip to Baijnath Uttarakhand, to be awed by the splendour of the ancient temple? You can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.  if you are thinking of a road trip to Baijnath or anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.

Where To Stay In Baijnath / Kumaon Region, Uttarakhand

The KMVN Rest Houses are really good and a great option to stay in different places in Kumaon. Some of the KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) picturesque properties with beautiful locations.

If you are looking for the best hotels in Baijnath, Kumaon, Uttarakhand to book, you can do that right here. You can book your hotel in Baijnath, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!

Shiva Heritage Circuit in Kumaon

Baijnath Uttarakhand is part of the Shiva heritage circuit in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The circuit joins different ancient and sacred temples that are sanctified by the divine and mystical presence of Lord Shiva. Apart from the Baijnath Mahadev temple, the circuit includes the Katarmal Sun Temple which has idols of Shiva and Vishnu apart from that of Surya, the Sun God. Another ancient Shiva temple that lies about 80 feet under the ground is the mysterious Shiva temple of Patal Bhuvaneshwar. The other temples of the Shiva circuit are Binsar Mahadev, Dandeshwar-Jageshwar, and the Baleshwar temple in Champawat.

Other Places To See In Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is full of places to visit and experiences to be savoured. From the sacred banks of the Ganga in Rishikesh and Haridwar to the hallowed lands of Badrinath and Kedarnath, a mystical experience awaits in Uttarakhand. From the Gurbani at Nanakmatta to the sights of the Himalayan peaks in Kumaon, Uttarakhand is a gift to the senses.

You can book package tours in Uttarakhand that will include the important places of interest in Uttarakhand  You can plan your activities and book experiences in Uttarakhand and book online places to visit in Kumaon/Uttarakhand.

Baijnath Mahadev Temple – FAQ

Is Baijnath Temple Bageshwar the same as Baijnath Temple Jyotirlinga?

Shiv Temple, Baijnath is not a Jyotirlinga, the Baidyanath temple in Deoghar, Jharkhand is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.

Who built Baijnath Temple?

It is believed that the Baijnath temple was built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the rulers of the Katyuri dynasty

What is the old name of Baijnath?

Baijnath was earlier known as Kartikeypura.

How do I get to Baijnath?

One can reach Baijnath, either from Kathgodam or Pantnagar. If coming by train then Kathgodam is the transit point from where one needs to come by road, while if you are flying, Pantnagar is from where you would need to travel by road to Baijnath.

Where is the Baijnath Temple located?

Baijnath Dham is located in Baijnath village of Bageshwar District in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India.

How can I go to Baidyanath Dham by train?

One can go by train to Kathgodam and then travel by road to reach Baijnath.

Which are the other famous Baijnath temples in India other than the Baijnath Temples?

The other famous Shiv temples that are also known as Baijnath temple are Baijnath Temple Jharkhand or Baijnath Temple Bihar, and the Baijnath Temple Himachal Pradesh near Dharmashala.

What are the Baijnath temple timings?

The temple is open on all days from morning till evening.

We hope you liked our Baijnath travel blog post, and find it useful when you plan your Uttarakhand trip. Do you like the Baijnath Temple photos in this Baijnath blog post? Do the Baijnath Temple Uttarakhand photos make you feel like planning a trip to the Kumaon region? For more interesting posts about the amazing places of India, do subscribe to our blog. Connect with us on our social media platforms to stay up to date about our travels and the places that we visit.

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