PNS/ BAGESHWAR
The Bagnath Temple in Bageshwar, situated at the confluence of rivers Gomti and Sarayu, is not just a revered shrine in the religious sense but also an important site from the archaeological standpoint. It is a spiritually significant site as it is considered the Tapasthali or Tapobhoomi of Markandeya Muni. Legend has it that satisfied with the Muni’s tapasya, Lord Shiva granted his prayer and agreed to reside at this place called ‘Vyaghreshwar’ which later became Bageshwar.
Archaeologically ancient inscriptions and idols of multitudes of gods and goddesses – Uma-Mahesh, Vishnu, Surya, Vishnu, Parvati, Mahishasuramdini, Dashavatara Patta, Saptamatrika Patta, Chaturmukhi and Panchmukhi Shivling, Harihar, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Nandi among others- have been found. From these findings, the archaeologists claim that the temples, located at the confluence of both the rivers, must have been built before the 6th century AD.
Uttarayani Mela is being organised here every year on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and the locals say that the fair is pretty old. Their claim that it is very old is vindicated by its mention in the copper plates of Katyuri kings Lalitsurdev and Padmatdev.
It was once a vibrant fair. Traders in their hordes from Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet would stream into it with their families to trade in multiple goods. These included woollens, vests, shawls, aasans, pashmina and Rajma aside from variety of medicinal herbs and shrubs. Even horses and dogs were bought and sold.
Politically, the fair is important too. It played a pivotal role in the 1921 Coolie Begar movement. The people congregated at the fair and vented out their long-repressed anger against the oppressive system of Coolie Begar. Its aftermath saw India’s freedom struggle having gained momentum in this region.
