Nanda
Devi peak at 23,500ft. as seen from the doors of Baba's Temple
Himalayan
Retreat Center dedicated to Baba Lokenath at Bageshwar
Inside
of the Temple of Baba Lokenath and Narmadeshwar Shiva
The
Living Presence of Baba Lokenath at the alter |
Situated
in the foothills of the Himalayas in Kumaon region, Bageshwar is a holy
pilgrim town that lies at the charming confluence (sangam) of the sacred
Sarayu and Gomati rivers. The ancient temple of Baghnath, built in 1450
AD, is located at this confluence. In January, thousands of pilgrims
throng here for the Uttarayani fair, to have a dip in the holy waters
of the confluence.
Mahatma Gandhi spoke highly of the beauty and serenity of the Kumaon
hills. In his words " In these hills, nature's beauty of the Himalayas,
the bracing climate and soothing green, envelops you. I wonder whether
the scenery of these hills and its climate are surpassed or equaled
by any of the beauty spots of the world." He wondered why Indians visited
Switzerland when they had the Kumaon Hills.
The Kumaon Hills, with their tree-topped ridges, snow clad peaks, rippling
streams and mountain lakes, have been a haven of refuge from time immemorial.
Kumaon is also rich in pilgrim centers. The Katyuri Dynasty constructed
about 400 temples in the Almora district. The beauty and grandeur of
these ancient temples can only be compared to the wave of temples built
by Chalukyans in the South of India in the beginning of seventh century.
Baba Lokenath Dham (The Abode of Baba Lokenath), the Himalayan retreat
of the Mission, is situated at Tunera Village. Once you reach Bageshwar,
meet Lalit Shah the owner of the Rajdoot Hotel. He can arrange for your
stay at the Government Guesthouse or at any of the Hotels and for food
for you. He will find an escort to take you to the Ashram Temple. You
have to trek the 500-ft. hilly track to reach the retreat center. Inside
the Temple, you will see the living presence of Baba Lokenath and also
a big Shiva Lingam from Narmada, called Narmadeshwara. Sitting at the
feet of Baba and Shiva, your mind will spontaneously become thoughtless
and you will feel ecstatic meditation happening to you without any of
effort.
Bhupal Pandey is the priest and also the caretaker of the center. You
can get all possible help from him. He speaks English. As the Center
is situated in an isolated hilltop, there are occasional water problems.
We request that you to stay in the Govt. guest house and spend the whole
day at the Temple. You can carry the food of your choice to the retreat
and return to the guest house at night.
Fact File
Travel: By Air: From Mumbai or Kolkata
to Delhi and connect the nearest airport Pantnagar by a feeder airline.
Almora is 127 km from Pantnagar by road. Bageshwar is 90 km from Almora.
By Rail: From Delhi, the nearest railhead
is Khatgodam by the Kumaon Express. 90 km by road to Alm.
By Road: Regular buses from Deluxe to ordinary,
leave from Delhi for towns in Kumaon, Taxis are available to move around
in Kumaon, connecting towns and hamlets. Taxis can be hired from Kumaon
Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. to go sightseeing.
Season: Although each season in Kumaon
has its own charm, the best time to visit to have a grandiose view of
the snow-peaked Himalayas is April to June and Mid-September to early
November. Monsoon, in July and August are lovely, but the road conditions
can be difficult then. It is important to bring along with cottons,
light woolens in summer and autumn and heavy woolens in winter.
Important distances from Almora:
Almora - Kausani
: 51 km
Kausani - Baijnath : 20 km.
Baijnath - Bageshwar 20 km
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