The temples at Baijnath proper are situated on the left bank of the Gomti River. On the way to the main temple, just below the house the Mahatma is the temple of Bamani. Tradition of the place says that it was built by Brahmin widow and was dedicated by her to Lord Shiva. Another story states that a Brahmin woman who was kidnapped by a Kshatriya built the temple in favour of Lord Shiva for the expiation of her sins. There is an idol of Shiva inside the temple. It has no inscriptions. The main temple, dedicated to Baijnath or Vaidhyanatha (a name of Shiva), which gives its name to the present village is situated near the Gomti. The temple is approached from the riverside by a flight of steps made of stones constructed by the orders of Katyuri queen. The place was and is a bathing place of the inhabitants who have now made a Kachha pond near the temple. A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika stands at a distance of about half a kilometer from Bageshwar. Every year, the temple bustles with activity as the devout congregate here to offer Puja to the deity during the Navaratri. Another important temple is the Sriharu temple which is situated at a distance of about five kilometers from Bageshwar. Every year, a large fair is organised on the Bijaya Dashmi day following the Navaratris. Other temples of Bageshwar district are Ramghat temple, Agnikund temple, Ramji temple, Kukudamai temple and Hanuman temple. |