Bagnath Mandir – Bhagnath Shiva Temple on the Confluence of Sarayu and Gomati Rivers at Bageshwar in Uttarakhand

Bagnath Mandir at Bageshwar is dedicated to Shiva. This ancient temple is located on the confluence of Sarayu and Gomati Rivers in Uttarakhand. The mandir is around 90 km from Almora. Bhagnath Mandir story is associated with Sage Vasishta escorting Sarayu River on earth. But the journey of the river was blocked by Sage Markandeya who was meditating on Shiva.

Sage Vasishta took the help of Shiva to overcome the crisis caused by a Shiva devotee.

Shiva appeared before Sage Markandeya in the form of a tiger and attacked a cow. The sage came out of his meditation to save the cow. Sarayu was able to take its course now.

Sage Markandeya who realized that it was the leela (divine play) of Shiva prayed to Him to stay at Bageshwar. Bholenath Shiva never disappoints his devotees and readily agreed to reside there as Bagnath.

The present day shrine was built in 1450 AD by King Lakshmi Chand of the Katyuri Dynasty.

Seven kalash hangs on top of the Shivling which is placed in a six feet circumference yoni. A murti of Goddess Parvati is also found in the main sanctum sanctorum.

Outside the main sanctum there are murtis of Vishnu, Ganesha, Parvati and Varaha. Two other shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Kaal Bhairav in the form of Shivling can be found in the complex.

The entrance of the temple is adorned with big bells hanging from an iron supported by two pillars. Two Nandi murti sit facing the main Shivling.

The Shravan month attracts thousands of devotees who come to offer water to the Shivling.

A huge fair is held in the temple during the Makar Sankranti.