Shri Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur

Shri Gorakhnath Temple is one of the important tourist attractions in Gorakhpur. This temple is a religiously significant place, and it’s dedicated to Baba Gorakhnath, after whom the city Gorakhpur got its name. This is not only in India, but also devotees come to visit this temple from other countries come. There is a huge number of devotees in the neighboring country, Nepal. The king of Nepal also sent his representative to present Prasad in the temple.

Attraction

Gorakhpur has its cultural and historical significance. Many attractions are an important part of creating the appeal of Gorakhpur tourism. One of the most important tourist attractions is the Shri Gorakhpur Temple. The identity and one of the most famous landmarks of the city, which is an important shrine, witness devotees every year, gathering on the occasion of Makar Sankranti to offer their prayers to Baba Gorakhnath. This temple is crowded with thousands and thousands of devotees coming from different parts of the country on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, offering Khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath. According to the locals, the king of Nepal also sent Khichdi to be presented here by his representative. The Khichdi mela in the temple was celebrated with huge followers. A large number of people gather here to worship and enjoy the fair organized inside the temple premises, which goes on for months. Different kinds of stalls are put off for the visitors, selling various products ranging from bangles, jhumkas, and other accessories to household items and crockeries at a very cheap rate. There are also stalls selling toys for kids. The delicious street food in the Mela is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. You will want to try each and everything that is on display. Kids and even adults are seen enjoying different rides on the Mela. The joint rings, swings, and roller coaster will give you a thrilling experience. Shri Gorakhnath Temple - Religious tourist place in Gorakhpur You can also enjoy the evening light show which is mesmerizing indeed. And can enjoy boating in the Sarabar. You will be ought by the divinity, the ideal emanates, the temple bell continuous prayer charms and devotees gather there to take just one look at the almighty is sight to behold. Visiting Gorakhnath Temple will be an experience to cherish whenever you are in Gorakhpur because such holiness will definitely charm you.

History

Shri Gorakhnath Temple, a testament to the spiritual journey of the saint Gorakhnath, stands as a beacon of his daily ritual. The history of this temple traces back to the time when saint Gorakhnath, having reached Gorakhpur after receiving Bhiksha from goddess Jowala Devi, began his spiritual practice here. The story of Gorakhnath is associated with Himachal’s Kangna devi to Jowala Devi. Guru Gorakhnath left for Bhiksha from Jowala Devi and asked the goddess to boil water for Khichdi. But he never returned and he reached Gorakhpur. Still it is believed that the water is still warming there.

The press for establishing this magnificent and glorious shrine goes to Mahant Digbijoynath Moharaj and his disciple Mahant Abadyanath Maharaj. The story of Bheem (one of the Panchapandab) is also related to this temple. As the story goes, once Bhim came there to invite Guru Gorakhnath to Yudhistir’s Yugga and lied there down to take rest. This place is now called Bhim Sarabar.

Inside/Outside Views

This shrine has an empty center of the Nath tradition which was founded by Guru Munsendranath. The temple premises is spread in a large area consisting of the main shrine, many little temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses and a Sarobar where a light show is displayed every evening narrating the story of Baba Gorakhnath. Inside the main temple, Baba Gorakhnath’s idol is predominant. The divine idol of Baba Gorakhnath, made of white marble, was placed inside the main sitting in a meditating position. On the right side of the main temple there is Khand – Dhuna that was left by Baba Gorakhnath himself and burned eternally since the Treta Yug. Shri Gorakhnath Temple - Religious tourist place in Gorakhpur

The U.P chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who is also the head of the temple, visits here to present Khichdi to Baba Gorakhnath after performing puja and arti. The C.M. has an office and residence inside the temple campus where he stays and manages his work when he is in Gorakhpur. The entrance of the temple is lined up with sweet shops selling prasad items to offer to the deity. Many other shops are also located inside the temple boundary, where you can eat and buy items.

How to Reach

By Air: Mahayogi Gorakhnath airport or Gorakhpur airport is the nearest airport from the Gorakhnath Temple. By reaching the airport you can go to the Gorakhnath Temple by any local transport.

By Train: Gorakhpur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Gorakhnath Temple. Cover the distance from the railway station to Gorakhnath Temple by any local transport.

By Road: You can easily reach Gorakhpur by road as this city is well connected with all the main cities of India. From the bus station reach Gorakhnath Temple by any available transport.