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
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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