Binsar is a destination gifted with all-natural amenities like thick forests, mountainous terrains, various water bodies and also a wildlife sanctuary hosting different varieties of flora and fauna. This makes Binsar a dream destination for travellers, trekkers and adventurers. Apart from all this, one more fascinating thing about Binsar is that it is home to many ancient temples that were built during different eras and time periods. These temples remind us of the ancient architecture of many different dynasties who have ruled this region. There are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and many other goddesses. Some of the best temples you can visit at Binsar are:
Bineshwar Mahadev Temple-
Built during the 16th century A.D. by Raja Kalyan Chand of the famous Chand dynasty, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. It is a temple with fabulous architecture and holds a lot of religious significance to it. It is situated on the way to Binsar wildlife sanctuary and serves as one of the resting points for tourists.
Nada Devi Temple-
Being 1000 years old, Nanda Devi temple is one of the most frequently visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The Nanda Devi temple has one of the finest stone carvings that emulate life-like time images and figurines. The temple situated in Almora hosts a grand fair every year in the month of September called the Nanda Devi Mela. A large number of tourists take part in this grand fair every year.
Bagnath Temple-
The Bagnath temple is situated at the confluence of the Sarayu and Gomathi rivers in Uttarakhand. Its name literally translates to ‘Tiger lord’, after which the city of Bageshwar is named. The temple’s existence dates back to the 7th century. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that sage Markandeya worshipped Lord Shiva at this place, and Lord Shiva graced him with his presence in the form of a tiger. A huge number of pilgrims visit this temple every year on the auspicious occasion of Shivaratri.
Kasar Devi Temple-
This 2nd-century temple is situated at an altitude of 2,116 metres above sea level and is a very famous Hindu shrine located in the toy town of Almora. This place holds historical significance as Swami Vivekananda, in the 1890s, visited this temple and meditated here. Located in the village of Kasar Devi, this temple is visited by a lot of spiritual seekers, especially from the western world. This temple hosts an annual fair on the auspicious day of Karthika Poornima in the month of November or December every year.
Jageshwar Temples-
Also known as Jageshwar valley temples, is a group of Hindu temples located at an elevation of 1,870 metres above sea level and at a distance of 37 km from Almora. This place holds a lot of archaeological importance and is protected and managed by the archaeological survey of India. It also provides camping grounds around the temple complex. Some of the most popular temples situated here are nav-Grah, Jogeshwar, Maha Mrityunjaya, Kuber and Dandeshwar.
Katarmal Sun Temple-
This temple dates back to the 9th century and was built by Katarmalla, a king of the Katyuri dynasty. This temple is approximately 12kms from the Almora district and is situated at an elevation of about 7000 feet. This temple holds a lot of significance for its intricate wood carvings on its doors and panels and was once among the most beautiful temples in the country.
Chitai Golu Devta Temple-
Located at a distance of 9km from Almora district and 4km from the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, the Chitai Golu Devta temple is dedicated to an incarnation of Lord Shiva called the Goljyu Devta. The temple is believed to make the wishes of its devotees come true and is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand.
