Bageshwar
Encyclopedia
Bageshwar is a city and a municipal board
in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand
, India
. It is also the administrative headquarters of Bageshwar district.
There are many places of tourism and historic importance in Bageshwar. The town is situated on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti. There are many old temples dating back to tenth century. Among them are the Baijnath temple and Bagnath temples. Bagnath temple is situated in the middle of the town just across the confluence of Saryu and Gomti. Chandika and Neeleshwar temples are other important temples in the district. These are on the top of the city (hills) and provide a nice glimpse of the city.
Other important shrines in and around Bageshwar are - Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Loknath Ashram, Ashram of Amitji, Jwala Devi temple, Veni Mahadev temple, Radha Krishna temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Siddartha Dham, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple and Praktishwar Mahadev.
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 180 km (111.8 mi) away to the south in Nainital district.
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 160 km (99.4 mi) away to the south in Nainital district reached via Almora town (75 km (46.6 mi)). Tanakpur 230 km (142.9 mi) away to south-southeast near the border with Nepal is another railhead.
Vijaypur 30 km (18.6 mi): It affords a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Baijnath 26 km (16.2 mi): This historical and pilgrimage site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 km (5 mi) from here.
Pindari Glacier
This world famous glacier is situated in the Pinder Valley at an altitude of 3353 m (11,000.7 ft) between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. The glacier is a trekker's paradise, as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. The rugged beauty of the glacier presents an aweinspiring site. The glacier is 5 km (3.1 mi) long, the snout is about 6m high and 2.5m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3 km (1.9 mi) in length and 300 to 400m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3600m to 5000m. The colour of Pindari Glacier is very white and Pinder river emerging from it is a sight to behold.
Pindari Glacier Trek: The base camp is at Song which can be reached by road from Bageshwar 36 km (22.4 mi), Almora 109 km (67.7 mi), and Kathgodam 199 km (123.7 mi). After that one has to trek 45 km (28 mi) upto zero point (Pindari Glacier).
Song to Loharkhet - 3 km trek
Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11 km
Dhakuri to Khati - 8 km
Khati to Dwali - 11 km
Dwali to Phurkia - 7 km
Phurkia to Pindari Glacier - 5 km
Sunderdhunga Glacier
Sunderdhunga or the 'valley of beautiful stones' is also located in the Pindar region. The glacier offers a tough trek as compared to Pindari and Kaphini. There are two glacier for trekkers and nature lovers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram. The route upto village Khati is common for both Pindari and Sunderdhunga glacier.
Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek: The trek length is 54 km (33.6 mi) from Base Camp at Song.
Song to Loharkhet - 3 km Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11 km
Dhakuri to Kathi - 8 km
Kathi to Sundarrfhunga Glacier - 30 km
VISHUVATI alias BIKHAUTI
Among the twice born citizens this festival is observed as the day of solstice. This solstice is called Mesh (ram in form) also; but the brahmins, Kshatriyas and Shilpkars observe a grand festival on this day with victuals fried in clarified butter, sweetmeats, betel-leaves etc. In many places fairs are also held. Pahari (hill dialet) songs are sung to accompaniment playing of Hurka (small drum like musical instrument) and people dance. This is an old festival of aboriginals of this place. On this day fishing is also done and small round cakes of ground pulse (baras) are also eaten. It has been the practice to smoulder the skin as many times as the number of 'baras' are eaten. But this practice has been considerably reduced now. (The smoldering of the stomach with a red hot iron is called 'tala dalna'). On this day fairs are held in Dwarahat, Syalde, Chaugar and Lohakhai.
VAT SAVITRI AMAVASYA
Women fast on this day. The story of chaste Savitri and Satyavan is heard on this day. The figures of the dead Satyavan, Yamraj (the God of death) and eminent jewel among chaste women Savitri are drwan under a banyan tree and they are worshipped Consecrating the thread of twelve knots (door), women tie it around their necks.
HARELA
Hariyala or the solstice of Karka, 10–11 days before the solstice of Shravan (July–August), putting soil in bamboo pots etc. preparing a bed, paddy, maize, horse bean and other grains produced in the rainy season are sown and this is called Hariyala. It is not put in the Sun. By doing so the colour of the plants becomes yellow.
HARISHAYANI EKADASHI
This is a famous fast. The women hold the rule of Chatursmasya (the bathing and fasting for months beginning on the eve of the rainy season) from this day. The fast ends on Haribodhini (awakening of gods).
SIMHA OR GHRI SANKRANTI
The solstice of Simha is also called olagia. Earlier, during the Chand rule, craftsman fun_1.jpg (12429 bytes)received reward on this day by showing or exhibiting articles of their crafts and handiwork, and the other people too carried flowers, fruits, vegetables. Curd, milk, sweets and several kinds of best things to the royal court or as present for the venerable people. This was known as the rite of 'olag'. This custom resembled the presentation of gifts to the britishers on Christmas day. Even now this festival is celebrated in some majors. So this solistice is called 'olagia' also. This is called Ghrit' or 'Ghee' (clarified butter) Sankranti. On this day there is a wide-spread custom to consume much Ghee with breads prepared from pounded horse-bean.
SANKASHT CHATURTHI
This is the fast and worship of Ganesh on the fourth day of the dark half of Bhadra (Aug-Sep). Food is taken on the visibility of the moon after giving chairity by libation in honour of the deity, moon. This fast is generally undertaken by the women.
HARITALI FAST
This fast is kept on the third day of the dark half of Aug-Sep. Women observe this fast for prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The Samvedis have their 'Upakarma' in the Hast asterism.
DOORVASHTAMI
This fast is held on the eighth of the bright half of Aug-Sep. making Doorva (agrootislinearis) of gold, silver, silk etc., consecrating and worshipping it, the women wear it themselves. Prayer to Doorva Devi is made for gaining prosperity and progency. Food cooked in fire is prohibited on this day.
NANDA ASHTAMI
Beginning from the eighth day of the bright half of Aug-Sep to the eighth day of the dark half of Sep-Oct, many devotees do the worship of Laxmi and observe fast. The worship of Nanda Devi had been continuing in the court of the Chanda kings traditionally with great pump and show. This is one among the tribal festival of Kumaun. Nanda is the Ranchandi (Chandi of battle) of Kumaun. The elementary battle incantation here is 'Jay to Nanda Devi' , 'victory to her'. The sacrifice of the buffaloes and goats is made in her worship. The worship in Almora is even now made with great splendour and huge fair is held. The descendants of Chands do this worship. In Nainital late Lala Moti Ram had invited this fair. Fairs are held in Katyur, Ranikhet and Bhowali also. She is reported to be family deity of the kings of Kumaun.
KOJAGAR
Minor Diwali is observed on the full moon day of Sep - Oct. The women keep fast. The worship of Laxmi is made in the night. Diwali lamps are lit. The oblation of 'Pakwan' (pudding) and sweetmeats is made and then taken by people themselves. The beginning of vice of gambling too starts from this day.
GHUGHUTIA
On this day the sun enters into the tropic of Capricona. A great fair called Uttaraini is held at Bageshwar. A holy dip is taken by the masses in rivers at Bageshwar, Rameshwer, Chitrashila and other places. This festival is also called 'Kale Kauwa' in Kumaun. Flour is kneaded with 'Gud', then forming a figure of a particular word, Ghuguta, puding is made and strung into a rosary. Orange and other fruits are also strung in it. These rosaries are put round the necks of the children. The children, who get up early in the morning on this very day, call the crows by uttering 'Kale Kauwa Aa Le, Ghughuti Mala Kha Le'. They take off some pudding from the rosary and give it to crow to eat. This usage is not seen anywhere else except in Kumaun. It appears to be an old festival of this region.
UTTARAINI FESTIVAL
One of the largest fair of Kumaun region, the Uttraini festival of Bageshwar, is organized in the month of January for a period of one week and is frequented by Almora traders, on barter or money lending intent, and by the Bhotiyas from the snows, as well as by a great multitude of people from the surrounding villages. The chief articles of merchandise are: ponies, goats, sheep, furs, yak tails, musk pods, borax, salt horns, books, shoes, fruit dried and fresh. The Bhotiyas bring down excellent ponies, which breed in a wild or semi-wild state over the Tibetan border.
, Bageshwar had a population of 7803. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Bageshwar has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 58% of the males and 42% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand , formerly Uttaranchal, is a state in the northern part of India. It is often referred to as the Land of Gods due to the many holy Hindu temples and cities found throughout the state, some of which are among Hinduism's most spiritual and auspicious places of pilgrimage and worship...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. It is also the administrative headquarters of Bageshwar district.
There are many places of tourism and historic importance in Bageshwar. The town is situated on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti. There are many old temples dating back to tenth century. Among them are the Baijnath temple and Bagnath temples. Bagnath temple is situated in the middle of the town just across the confluence of Saryu and Gomti. Chandika and Neeleshwar temples are other important temples in the district. These are on the top of the city (hills) and provide a nice glimpse of the city.
Other important shrines in and around Bageshwar are - Ram Ghat temple, Agnikund temple, Kukuda Mai temple, Shitla Devi temple, Trijugi Narayan temple, Hanuman temple, Nileshwar Dham, Swarg Ashram, Ramji temple, Loknath Ashram, Ashram of Amitji, Jwala Devi temple, Veni Mahadev temple, Radha Krishna temple, Bhileshwar Dham, Suraj Kund, Siddartha Dham, Gopeshwar Dham, Golu temple and Praktishwar Mahadev.
Etymology
The name has been derived from "Byagreshwar". 'Byagra' is tiger and 'Ishwar' is God. Therefore the name would mean Tiger God.Geography
Bageshwar is located at 29.85°N 79.77°E. It has an average elevation of 1004 m (3,294 ft).The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 180 km (111.8 mi) away to the south in Nainital district.
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 160 km (99.4 mi) away to the south in Nainital district reached via Almora town (75 km (46.6 mi)). Tanakpur 230 km (142.9 mi) away to south-southeast near the border with Nepal is another railhead.
Places around Bageshwar
Kanda 25 km (15.5 mi): The charming site on Bageshwar Chaukori road near the ancient temple of Bhadra Kali temple is a nature lover's delight. Another sacred site, Pandusthal, said to be the legendary battle ground of the Kaurvas and Pandavas, is near Kanda.Vijaypur 30 km (18.6 mi): It affords a panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks.
Baijnath 26 km (16.2 mi): This historical and pilgrimage site on Gwaldam motor road is set on the banks of river Gomti in Katyuri valley. It was once the capital of Katyuri dynasty and the ancient temples here stand in testimony of the erstwhile era. The ancient Shiva temple here is famous for the magnificent idol of Goddess Parvati. Another important shrine is the Kotkimai temple, 8 km (5 mi) from here.
Pindari Glacier
This world famous glacier is situated in the Pinder Valley at an altitude of 3353 m (11,000.7 ft) between the Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot mountains. The glacier is a trekker's paradise, as it is one of the most easily accessible of all the Himalayan glaciers. The rugged beauty of the glacier presents an aweinspiring site. The glacier is 5 km (3.1 mi) long, the snout is about 6m high and 2.5m wide and above the snout, the glacier extends for about 3 km (1.9 mi) in length and 300 to 400m in width, between an altitudinal range of about 3600m to 5000m. The colour of Pindari Glacier is very white and Pinder river emerging from it is a sight to behold.
Pindari Glacier Trek: The base camp is at Song which can be reached by road from Bageshwar 36 km (22.4 mi), Almora 109 km (67.7 mi), and Kathgodam 199 km (123.7 mi). After that one has to trek 45 km (28 mi) upto zero point (Pindari Glacier).
Song to Loharkhet - 3 km trek
Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11 km
Dhakuri to Khati - 8 km
Khati to Dwali - 11 km
Dwali to Phurkia - 7 km
Phurkia to Pindari Glacier - 5 km
Sunderdhunga Glacier
Sunderdhunga or the 'valley of beautiful stones' is also located in the Pindar region. The glacier offers a tough trek as compared to Pindari and Kaphini. There are two glacier for trekkers and nature lovers, namely Maiktoli and Sukhram. The route upto village Khati is common for both Pindari and Sunderdhunga glacier.
Sunderdhunga Glacier Trek: The trek length is 54 km (33.6 mi) from Base Camp at Song.
Song to Loharkhet - 3 km Loharkhet to Dhakuri - 11 km
Dhakuri to Kathi - 8 km
Kathi to Sundarrfhunga Glacier - 30 km
Functions and festivals
The functions and festivals of Kumaun are not only an expression of the religious social and the cultural urges of the people but have also sustained the folk culture and have been central to the economic activities of the people. Also at remotely located places of hilly terrain, especially where communication is difficult and the land is cut up by mountain or water, the need is felt for periodical meetings at convenient centers, where exchange and sale of commodities may take place. A district like Bageshwar holds many valleys which are absolutely dependent on such meetings for their supply of common necessaries, and consequently fairs or periodical markets are numerous. There are two kind of these. The weekly assemblages, corresponding to "market-day" in an English provincial town, are called "Penth". They are of an ordinary kind, and have no religious associations. The great annual fairs are known by the name of "Mela", and are always connected with religious ideas and customs. They very often center round some famous local shrine, which reaps an extensive harvest at the annual festival. Business, pleasure and religion are cheerfully combined in these junketing, which are doubtless the chief oases in the monotonous lives.. The following main festivals and functions are observed in KumaunVISHUVATI alias BIKHAUTI
Among the twice born citizens this festival is observed as the day of solstice. This solstice is called Mesh (ram in form) also; but the brahmins, Kshatriyas and Shilpkars observe a grand festival on this day with victuals fried in clarified butter, sweetmeats, betel-leaves etc. In many places fairs are also held. Pahari (hill dialet) songs are sung to accompaniment playing of Hurka (small drum like musical instrument) and people dance. This is an old festival of aboriginals of this place. On this day fishing is also done and small round cakes of ground pulse (baras) are also eaten. It has been the practice to smoulder the skin as many times as the number of 'baras' are eaten. But this practice has been considerably reduced now. (The smoldering of the stomach with a red hot iron is called 'tala dalna'). On this day fairs are held in Dwarahat, Syalde, Chaugar and Lohakhai.
VAT SAVITRI AMAVASYA
Women fast on this day. The story of chaste Savitri and Satyavan is heard on this day. The figures of the dead Satyavan, Yamraj (the God of death) and eminent jewel among chaste women Savitri are drwan under a banyan tree and they are worshipped Consecrating the thread of twelve knots (door), women tie it around their necks.
HARELA
Hariyala or the solstice of Karka, 10–11 days before the solstice of Shravan (July–August), putting soil in bamboo pots etc. preparing a bed, paddy, maize, horse bean and other grains produced in the rainy season are sown and this is called Hariyala. It is not put in the Sun. By doing so the colour of the plants becomes yellow.
HARISHAYANI EKADASHI
This is a famous fast. The women hold the rule of Chatursmasya (the bathing and fasting for months beginning on the eve of the rainy season) from this day. The fast ends on Haribodhini (awakening of gods).
SIMHA OR GHRI SANKRANTI
The solstice of Simha is also called olagia. Earlier, during the Chand rule, craftsman fun_1.jpg (12429 bytes)received reward on this day by showing or exhibiting articles of their crafts and handiwork, and the other people too carried flowers, fruits, vegetables. Curd, milk, sweets and several kinds of best things to the royal court or as present for the venerable people. This was known as the rite of 'olag'. This custom resembled the presentation of gifts to the britishers on Christmas day. Even now this festival is celebrated in some majors. So this solistice is called 'olagia' also. This is called Ghrit' or 'Ghee' (clarified butter) Sankranti. On this day there is a wide-spread custom to consume much Ghee with breads prepared from pounded horse-bean.
SANKASHT CHATURTHI
This is the fast and worship of Ganesh on the fourth day of the dark half of Bhadra (Aug-Sep). Food is taken on the visibility of the moon after giving chairity by libation in honour of the deity, moon. This fast is generally undertaken by the women.
HARITALI FAST
This fast is kept on the third day of the dark half of Aug-Sep. Women observe this fast for prosperity and longevity of their husbands. The Samvedis have their 'Upakarma' in the Hast asterism.
DOORVASHTAMI
This fast is held on the eighth of the bright half of Aug-Sep. making Doorva (agrootislinearis) of gold, silver, silk etc., consecrating and worshipping it, the women wear it themselves. Prayer to Doorva Devi is made for gaining prosperity and progency. Food cooked in fire is prohibited on this day.
NANDA ASHTAMI
Beginning from the eighth day of the bright half of Aug-Sep to the eighth day of the dark half of Sep-Oct, many devotees do the worship of Laxmi and observe fast. The worship of Nanda Devi had been continuing in the court of the Chanda kings traditionally with great pump and show. This is one among the tribal festival of Kumaun. Nanda is the Ranchandi (Chandi of battle) of Kumaun. The elementary battle incantation here is 'Jay to Nanda Devi' , 'victory to her'. The sacrifice of the buffaloes and goats is made in her worship. The worship in Almora is even now made with great splendour and huge fair is held. The descendants of Chands do this worship. In Nainital late Lala Moti Ram had invited this fair. Fairs are held in Katyur, Ranikhet and Bhowali also. She is reported to be family deity of the kings of Kumaun.
KOJAGAR
Minor Diwali is observed on the full moon day of Sep - Oct. The women keep fast. The worship of Laxmi is made in the night. Diwali lamps are lit. The oblation of 'Pakwan' (pudding) and sweetmeats is made and then taken by people themselves. The beginning of vice of gambling too starts from this day.
GHUGHUTIA
On this day the sun enters into the tropic of Capricona. A great fair called Uttaraini is held at Bageshwar. A holy dip is taken by the masses in rivers at Bageshwar, Rameshwer, Chitrashila and other places. This festival is also called 'Kale Kauwa' in Kumaun. Flour is kneaded with 'Gud', then forming a figure of a particular word, Ghuguta, puding is made and strung into a rosary. Orange and other fruits are also strung in it. These rosaries are put round the necks of the children. The children, who get up early in the morning on this very day, call the crows by uttering 'Kale Kauwa Aa Le, Ghughuti Mala Kha Le'. They take off some pudding from the rosary and give it to crow to eat. This usage is not seen anywhere else except in Kumaun. It appears to be an old festival of this region.
UTTARAINI FESTIVAL
One of the largest fair of Kumaun region, the Uttraini festival of Bageshwar, is organized in the month of January for a period of one week and is frequented by Almora traders, on barter or money lending intent, and by the Bhotiyas from the snows, as well as by a great multitude of people from the surrounding villages. The chief articles of merchandise are: ponies, goats, sheep, furs, yak tails, musk pods, borax, salt horns, books, shoes, fruit dried and fresh. The Bhotiyas bring down excellent ponies, which breed in a wild or semi-wild state over the Tibetan border.
Demographics
India censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
, Bageshwar had a population of 7803. Males constitute 55% of the population and females 45%. Bageshwar has an average literacy rate of 75%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 58% of the males and 42% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.