Uttarakhand is a beautiful state widely recognized for its temples like Badhangarhi Temple, and it is also a popular destination for Pilgrims. Uttarakhand is also rich in religious temples and has unbelievable trekking and travel opportunities.
It is the most tranquil location, with a rich history of Hindu Mythology. This State is home to a variety of Sacred Shrines, which are visited by thousands of devotees each year.
Devotees revere numerous centuries-old shrines and temples in Uttarakhand. It attracts people who believe in worship and is well-known for its Char Dham Yatra. Badhangarhi Temple, located in Uttarakhand’s Gwaldam district, is one of these temples.
ABOUT
Gwaldam is a peaceful town in the Chamoli region, on the border of the Garhwal and Kumaon hills, nestled between green dark forest and apple orchards, with breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Devi (7817m), Nanda Ghuti (6309mt) and Trishul (7120m).
Badhangarhi Temple (also known as Maa Badhangarhi Mandir) is ancient Hindu Temple dedicated to Kali, also known as Maa Dakshineshwar kaali.
It is located in the Tharali tehsil of Uttarakhand’s Chamoli Garhwal district. Gwaldam, the nearest town to Badhangarhi, is located 8 kilometres from the main Badhangarhi temple. The temple is located at an elevation of approximately 2260 metres.
HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY
This Temple is the subject of Numerous popular Legends and Mythology. This Temple was thought to be a part of Badhangarhi, one of the 52 Garhwal garhs located on the left bank of the Pindar Swash.
According to Mythology, the original temple was built by a Katyuri King who controlled this region from the 8th to the 12th century.
The king’s castle was only 8 kilometres away from Gwaldam. You can drive 4 kilometres to Taal Square and then walk another 4 kilometres. At the bottom of the stairs from Binatal Square, there are temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and Dakshin Kali.
Badhangarhi is a Combination of the words badhan and garhi. Badhan denotes a Pargana or Chamoli Garhwal, and Grahi denotes a Stronghold at the Mountain’s Apex.
WHY IS BADHANGARHI TEMPLE FAMOUS?
From the standpoint of history, this temple is extremely significant. Because this temple is located in the heart of Garhwal and Kumaon, there has been war in the surrounding areas since ancient times.
Similarly, in the 1670 war, Baz Bahadur Chand invaded Badhangarh in the Pindar valley, and to celebrate his victory, he took the idol of the Goddess Nanda Devi from the Badhangarhi temple and enshrined it in a temple at the old fort of Almora, which G.W. Traill, then Commissioner of Kumaon, later shifted to its current location.
There is a mythical figure involving that incident. Traill was struck with snowblindness while visiting the northern part of the province as Assistant Commissioner of Kumaon, according to legend. He was told that it was due to the Goddess’ curse, which could only be removed by constructing a temple for her. He completed the temple and was free of the curse of Goddess Nanda Devi.
Badhangarhi Temple is Well-known for a number of reasons, including its temple, Devi temples, pilgrimage, the scenery surrounding the temple, and its rich History and Mythology.
Bageshwar, Baijnath, Kausani, Bedni Bugyal- Roopkund, Karnaprayag, and Chaukori are some famous places near Gwaldam.
Tourist attractions in Gwaldam includes the Buddhist Khamba Temple, Badhangari, Gwalnaag, Machhi Tal, Adi Badri, and the Angora farm.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BADHANGARHI TEMPLE
The Months of October to April are ideal for visiting Badhangarhi Temple. This time Traveling and worshipping for people is entertaining and exciting.
During the Winter, the weather in this area is very cold, and due to heavy snowfall at this location and on the surrounding hills, the temperature here drops dramatically, making travel difficult.
Due to Heavy Rain during the rainy season, there is a real danger of frequent landslides, making travel here extremely difficult. The roads are slick, and driving there during the rain is dangerous.
HOW TO REACH THE BADHANGARHI TEMPLE
By train, the closest station to Gwaldam is Kathgodam. Kathgodam has excellent connections to the rest of India. It is located 169 kilometres before Gwaldam. Taxis and buses are accessible from Gwaldam’s Kathgodam station.
Gwaldam is well connected to the road network. It is reachable from both the Garhwal and Kumaon regions. Gwaldam is accessible by bus and taxi from towns in the Garhwal and Kumaon zones. It is 36 kilometres from Kausani, 22 kilometres from Bajinath, and only 149 kilometres from Nainital.
By air, the nearest camp to Gwaldam is Pant Nagar. It is located 205 kilometres away. Pant Nagar Airport is a nationwide area with daytime connections to Delhi. Taxis are easily available from Pant Nagar International Airport to Gwaldam.
You can either drive to Gwaldam or take a cab/taxi from Delhi or another nearby city. Gwaldam has an excellent road network. Because air and rail accessibility in Uttarakhand is confined, the road network is the most convenient and easily accessible mode of transportation.
PLACES TO STAY AROUND BADHANGARHI TEMPLE
Gwaldam is well-known for its Hill Station, Evolving Destinations, and Villages, and there are over 5 Places to Visit in Gwaldam. Pantnagar Airport is 205 kilometres away, and Kathgodam Railway Station is 169 kilometres away. Gwaldam has more than 6 hotels.
You can quickly locate multiple options of guesthouses and villas at affordable rates and prices and have the most enthralling stay. Garuda Nest and GMVN Gwaldam Tourist Rest House are the most popular Gwaldam hotels. The cheapest available tariff for Gwaldam hotel deals is Rs.800.
There are several cheap hotels in Gwaldam that are less than Rs. 3500. The tariff for hotels in Gwaldam begins at 800. Cheap hotels in Gwaldam may offer basic amenities such as a colour TV, a private bedroom, a telephone, a 24-hour front desk, air conditioning, security, and kitchen staff on call. These hotels are reasonably priced and provide good value for money.
LOCATION
Badhangarhi temple is located in Gwaldam, approximately 8 kilometres from Gwaldam town area.
Travel Time: The Badhangarhi temple is 8 kilometers/ 19 minutes from Gwaldam market in Gwaldam.
ENTRY TYPE
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to the Badhangarhi temple. You can travel here for free and relax in this calm picturesque.
TRAVEL TIP
- A medical kit containing pain relievers, cough syrups, antiseptic creams, muscle creams, and cold and fever tablets is also required.
- Cold creams, moisturisers, and sunscreen are all essential.
- Carry a battery-powered torch (preferably solar-powered), extra camera batteries, and fully charged power banks.
- It can rain at any time here, so bring an umbrella and raincoat, as well as your rain boots.
