Bageshwar

GROUP OF ANCIENT TEMPLES, CONSISTING OF MAIN SHRINE OF SIVA AND 17 SUBSIDIARY SHRINES (BAIJNATH OR VAIDYANATH)

Location Geo- Coordinates-Lat. 29° 54' 24" N: Long 79° 39' 28" E

NOTIFICATION NO. : 571MS/89-MS-1931, NOTIFICATION DATE: 08.08.1931

Baijnath identified as ancient Karttikayapura often is believe to be the seat the Katyuries, earliest ruling dynasty of central Himalayan region who had shifted their capital from Joshimath (District Chamoli) to this place sometimes in 8th Century AD.

The main temple known as Baijnath is dedicated to Siva. Panchratha on plan, the temple consist of sanctum with projected portico. The plinth of the temple has five base moldings however, remaining portion is devoid of any decoration. The original shikhara of the temple is lost and the present one is a later addition which is a clerestoried tin-shed supported on wooden frame. The other shrines in the group are also identical both in plan and elevation. Among the important are Kedareswar, Lakshmi-narayan and Brahmani Devi temples.

THREE TEMPLES OF THE INDO-ARYAN SHIKARA TYPE KNOWN AS LAKSHNMI NARAYAN, RAKSHAS DEVAL & SATYA NARAYAN(TALLI HAT MOUNT KATYUR)

Location Geo- Coordinates: Lat. 29° 54' 23'N; Long. 79° 38' 12'E

NOTIFICATION NO. : 571MS/89-MS-1931, NOTIFICATION DATE: 08.08.1931

These temples are located adjacent to the west of Baijnath group of temple in village Tallihat. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple stands within enclosure wall and consists of a sanctum in rekha style followed by mandapa with a pyramidal roof. It is more akin to Orissan temples style. Triratha on plan, the temple has Kakshasana balconies on the transept projections. There is a inscription of Saka- era 1214 i.e. A.D. 1292 near the doorway of the temple.

The Rakshas Deol (temple), also known as Rakshaka deva, is a massive temple. Standing within enclosure wall, it consists of a sanctum in rekha order followed by mandapa of pyramidcal style. The sikhara of the main temple have five bhumis topped with amalaka over which akasalingas is placed. Due to lack of decoration and on the basis its architectural style, it is believed to be little earlier than that of Lakshmi Narayan temple.

The ruins of Satyanarayan temple is located little away from village in the open field. The shikhara and veneering stone members of surviving structure are missing. However, a few sculptures and detached architectural members suggest the-old grandeur of this temple.