Gorakhnath Temple

Gorakhnath Temple is a significant Hindu temple in the city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the revered saint and yogi, Gorakhnath, who is Lord Shiva's incarnation. The temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the region and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country every year.

The temple's long and fascinating history dates back to the 12th century. It was founded by the great saint Gorakhnath himself, one of the most prominent figures of the Nath sect of Hinduism. The Nath sect is a mystical and ascetic tradition emphasizing meditation, yoga, and self-realization to attain spiritual enlightenment.

The temple is a sprawling complex that covers an area of around 52 acres and consists of several buildings, including the main temple, several smaller shrines, and various administrative and residential buildings. The main temple is an imposing structure over 300 years old and built in the traditional North Indian style of architecture. It has a high dome-shaped roof and is adorned with intricate carvings and paintings depicting Hindu mythology scenes.

One of the temple's most striking features is the large statue of Gorakhnath at the entrance. The figure is made of black stone and is over 8 feet tall. It is believed to have been installed by the saint and is considered an object of great veneration by the devotees.

The temple are several other shrines dedicated to various deities, including Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Kali. The temple's inner sanctum houses a small shrine dedicated to Gorakhnath himself, which is the temple's focal point and the main worship site.

The temple is not just a place of worship but is also a centre of learning and spiritual development. It has a large ashram attached to it, where monks and devotees live and study under the guidance of the resident gurus. The ashram also runs various programs and courses on yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices, attracting people worldwide.

Gorakhnath Temple is an important spiritual and cultural landmark of Uttar Pradesh and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Hinduism's rich and diverse traditions.

Places To Visit Nearby Gorakhnath Temple in Uttar Pradesh

Kushinagar:

This small town is located about 50 km from Gorakhpur and is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is believed to be where Lord Buddha passed away and attained Nirvana. The town is home to several ancient Buddhist temples and stupas that attract visitors worldwide.

Kapilvastu:

This ancient city is located about 100 km from Gorakhpur and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is home to several important Buddhist sites, including the ruins of the ancient Kapilavastu palace and the sacred Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Sarnath:

This small town is located about 200 km from Gorakhpur and is another important Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. The town has several ancient Buddhist temples and stupas, including Dhamek Stupa.

Ayodhya:

This ancient city is located about 200 km from Gorakhpur and is believed to be Lord Rama's birthplace, one of Hinduism's most revered deities. The city is home to several important Hindu temples and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Rama.

Varanasi:

This ancient city is located about 200 km from Gorakhpur and is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It is a major centre of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism and is home to several important temples, ghats, and other religious sites. It is also known for its vibrant culture and rich history.

Location