Bhairav Garhi Temple
The home of Guardian of Garhwal Himalayas
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Kirtikhal, Pauri Garhwal Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
Approx. 7,874 ft
Best time to travel
Sep to July
Total Distance
Approx. 43 km from Kotdwar
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
Bhairav Garhi Temple or 'Bhairavgadi' Temple is nestled atop a mountain in the quaint village of Kirtikhal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand. It is located on the 'Gumkhal - Silogi - Rishikesh Road'. Bhairav Garhi Temple stands as a testament to the devotion, history, and architectural brilliance of ancient times. Situated at an elevation of around 2400 meters above sea level, it is dedicated to the 14th reincarnation of Lord Shiva, known as Kaal Bhairav.
In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the temple’s rich history, mythology, architectural marvels, and the spiritual significance it holds.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
As per the legend, Bhairav, also known as 'Bhairon in the local language', is the 14th manifestation of Lord Shiva. Lord Bhairav is also widely known as the 'Protector of Garhwal' across the region due to the temple's association with the region's history.
To fully understand the significance of the Bhairav Garhi temple and its denotation Protector of Garhwal, we need to delve deep into the history of the Gorkha invasion and their subsequent rule in Uttarakhand first. Gorkhas originally from Nepal annexed and ruled different parts of the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand in the late 1700's and early 1800's. After conquering almost the entire Kumaon region and major parts of the Garhwal region the Gorkha invasion started spreading to today's South-west Uttarakhand.
As per the legend, Bhairav Garhi was an authoritative fort (one of the 52 garhs or castles of the Garhwal region) and was also known as Langoor Garh (deriving its name from Langur Mountain where it was built). Due to the fort's strategic importance, the Gorkha army planned its capture for almost two years but was defeated in just 28 days after entering into the battle for the Langur Garh fort.
Recognising the importance of Bhairav, Gorkhas donated a Tamra-Patra (a copper plate) weighing 40 kilos at the temple. This victory solidified Bhairav Garhi's (or Bhairav's) legend as the protector of Garhwal.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Bhairav Garhi Temple
Pilgrims enter through a small mandap at the base of the temple, leading to the square-shaped sanctum housing the idol of Lord Bhairav. The temple complex also includes smaller shrines dedicated to various deities and a shivling or lingam.
Ambience and Views from Bhairav Garhi Temple
Bhairav Garhi Temple stands amidst the picturesque hills of Kirtikhal Village. From here, visitors can enjoy almost unparalleled panoramic views of the Himalayas, lush forests, and nearby villages. Visit this place to either enjoy grand sunrise and sunset views or an ambience which invites introspection and spiritual connection.
Festivals and Rituals
Lord Bhairav is worshipped as a protector and it is believed that Kaal Nath Bhairav loves everything black. Hence, the prasad (also called Rot in the Garhwali dialect) distributed at Bhairav Garhi is made of Mandua ka Aata (Finger Millet Flour).
The nearby Hanuman Garhi also hosts a month-long festival from mid-July to August. Visitors during this time get a chance to participate in the fascinating festivities.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
The temple is located very close to some of the most famous hill stations of South West Garhwal like Lansdowne (Just 18 km away), Pauri (80 km away) and other famous temples like Hanuman Garhi (2 km from Bhairav Garhi), Siddhbali temple (40 km), Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple (60 km) and Jwalpa Devi Temple (47 km) to name a few.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Bhairav Garhi Temple
This temple can be reached via a 2 km uphill trek from Kirtikhal village. Lansdowne is the nearest hill station and Kotdwara is the closest large town.
Weather Conditions at Bhairav Garhi Temple
Visitors can experience the changing seasons and connect with nature all year long. The weather is pleasant during the summer. Monsoon season brings high levels of rainfall and winters are chilly with temperatures dropping near zero during December and January.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Temple Distance
Trek: Approx. 2 Km uphill trek
Private Transport
You can directly reach Bhairav Garhi Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Rishikesh - Taliyal Gaon - Kirtikhal - Bhairav Garhi Temple - Approx. 125 km
Dehradun - Haridwar - Kotdwar - Gumkhal - Kirtikhal - Bhairav Garhi Temple - Approx. 160 km
Delhi - Kotdwar - Gumkhal - Kirtikhal - Bhairav Garhi Temple - Approx. 275 km
Public Transport
Reach Kotdwar from Delhi or Dehradun (direct buses are available).
You can avail a local shared transport or a bus towards Gumkhal from Kotdwar and take a local taxi from Gumkhal to Kirtikhal (approx. 7 km).
Or you can directly hire a taxi to visit the temple from Kotdwar.
Important note: The frequency of public transport directly between Dehradun & Kotdwar, Delhi & Kotdwar is moderate.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Kotdwar and Bus Station/Depot is in Gumkhal.
Distance between Gumkhal & Kirtikhal: Approx. 7 Km
Distance between Lansdowne & Kirtikhal: Approx. 20 Km
Distance between Kotdwar & Kirtikhal: Approx. 42 Km
Distance between Rishikesh & Kirtikhal: Approx. 90 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Kirtikhal: Approx. 125 Km
Distance between Delhi & Kirtikhal: Approx. 275 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kotdwar.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach the temple directly by hiring a local taxi from Dehradun airport.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
The Black Prasad: Manduwe Ka Aata, or finger millet flour, is served as prasad by devotees. Why is it black? Considering that Bhairav adores all things dark—the hue of strength and mystery.
The tale of Gurkha's defeat: An epiphany followed the Gorkha army's defeat. A copper plate provided by the Gorkha warrior etched Bhairav's name into history.
Views from Above: View the snow-covered giants, the peaks of Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi, from the temple. The Himalayas inspire wonder and devotion as they stretch like a cosmic canvas.
The Whispering Stones: Pay attention as you walk on these old paths. The stones hold tales of conflict, love, and the never-ending dance ofof creation and destruction.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Dehradun, Arrival in Lansdowne
Day 2: Bhairav Garhi Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Dehradun