Bageshwar

Bageshwar, a charming town in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Its name comes from the sacred Bagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, located where the Saryu and Gomti rivers meet. According to legend, Lord Shiva appeared here as a tiger to bless Sage Markandeya, making this town an important pilgrimage site.

Bageshwar is not only known for its ancient temples but also for its breathtaking landscapes and serene rivers, attracting both devotees and nature lovers. This guide covers everything about Bageshwar, including its rich history, must-visit places, local traditions, and essential travel tips.

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History of Bageshwar

In the 7th century AD, the region now called Bageshwar was part of the Katyuri dynasty’s kingdom. Their capital was Baijnath, then known as Kartikeyapura. The Katyuris supported art and culture, which is still visible in the area’s old temples and traditions.

In the 15th century, King Laxmi Chand of the Chand dynasty built the Bagnath Temple, making Bageshwar an important religious center. Later, during British rule, the town became a key site in the fight against forced labor. In January 1921, local peasants gathered there to protest against unfair work policies imposed by British officials.

How to Reach Bageshwar

1. By Air

The nearest airport to Bageshwar is Pantnagar Airport, situated approximately 180 kilometers away. Pantnagar Airport offers flights connecting to major cities like Delhi. From the airport, travelers can hire taxis or board buses to reach Bageshwar.

2. By Rail

Kathgodam Railway Station, located about 149 kilometers from Bageshwar, serves as the closest railhead. Kathgodam is well-connected with major destinations such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. Upon arrival, taxis and buses are readily available to facilitate the journey to Bageshwar

3. By Road

Bageshwar has well-connected roads that link it to many places in Uttarakhand and nearby states. Regular buses run between Delhi, Dehradun, and Haldwani to Almora and Nainital, where local transport is available for travel to Bageshwar. Private taxis are also an option, and those who prefer can drive their own vehicles. The distance between Delhi and Bageshwar is about 470 kilometers.

Top Places to Visit in Bageshwar

1. Bagnath Temple

Bagnath Temple stands where the Saryu and Gomati rivers meet. This old temple honors Lord Shiva and gets its name, ‘Bagnath,’ meaning ‘Tiger Lord,’ from a legend. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared as a tiger to bless Sage Markandeya. Built in 1450 by Chand ruler Laxmi Chand, the temple features Nagara-style design. Many devotees visit during the grand Shivratri festival and the Uttarayani fair, which takes place in January.

2. Baijnath Temple Complex

The Baijnath Temple Complex is around 26 km away near Bageshwar. It has 18 old temples standing beside the Gomati River. The Katyuri kings built them in the 12th century. The main temple honors Vaidyanath (Shiva). Other shrines in the complex are for Parvati, Ganapati, Kartikeya, and more. The temples have detailed stone carvings, making them important for history and architecture.

3. Chandika Temple

Chandika Temple stands on a hill just 2 km outside Bageshwar and is devoted to Goddess Chandika, a form of Goddess Durga. Many devotees visit this temple, especially during the Navratri festival. The temple’s high location provides wide views of the beautiful landscape around it.

4. Gauri Udiyar

Gauri Udiyar is a natural cave temple about 8 km away near Bageshwar. Inside the cave, there are several idols of Lord Shiva. The cave is around 20×95 square meters in size and offers a peaceful space for prayer and meditation. In the local language, ‘Udiyar’ means a small rock cave, which people believe was once used as a shelter by wild animals.

5. Kanda

Kanda is a beautiful hill station about 25 km away near Bageshwar. It sits at heights between 1,500 and 1,900 meters. The place is known for its green fields, peaceful surroundings, and natural beauty. Kanda also has the old Bhadrakali temple, which makes it important for culture and traditions.

6. Vijaypur

Vijaypur is about 30 km away near Bageshwar. This beautiful hill station stands at 2,050 meters and offers clear views of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot. The area has thick pine forests and green tea gardens, making it a peaceful place for nature lovers. A well-known spot here is the Dhaulinag Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Languages

According to the 2011 Census, Kumaoni is the mother tongue of approximately 93.9% of the district’s population, amounting to 243,965 individuals. Hindi is spoken by around 4.1% of the population, totaling 10,680 speakers. Other languages present in the region include Nepali (0.8%), Garhwali (0.7%), and Urdu (0.1%)

History of Bageshwar