Shri Baleshwar Temple, Champawat — Attraction in Uttarakhand

The temple is barely two minutes walking on a well paved pathway. There is a small temple outside the main temple complex. As soon as one enters the main temple, get struck by the beauty of the temple which is exquisitely carved out, probably from a single rock. Hundreds of stone sculptures, being part of the main temple, are littered around the temple precincts. It is probably the most beautiful temple in the entire State of Uttarakhand. The temple was built by the rulers of the Chand dynasty. It is believed to have been built between the 10th and 12th century AD. The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Baleshwar. There are two other temples in the compound of Baleshwar, one dedicated to Ratneshwar and other to Champawati Durga. The temple architecture bears similarities with temples in west and southern part of India. Magnificent stone carvings of gods, goddesses, demons, apsaras, elephants, peacocks, horses, lions and other beings from Hindu scriptures make the temple unique in the region. The sculptures have striking similarity to Solanki – Vaghela architecture of Gujarat. According to some legends, Skandpurana mentions that the shivling at this temple was established by Raja Bali. The shivling got covered with Kumbhakarna’s skull. The shivlinga was later revived during Mahabharata period by Ghatotkatch,...

An ancient temple of Baleshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva which is located in Champawat district of Uttarakhand. Apart from religious Char Dham pilgrimage, Baleshwar is one of the popular temples in the hill state of Uttarakhand. The devotees from different parts of the country visit this temple and worship Lord Shiva to seek the blessings. The main Baleshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is also known as Baleshwar. There are two other shrines in the Baleshwar temple premises. One is consecrated to Ratneshwar and other to Champawati Durga. The outer walls of Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga shrines are carved with the images of the local deities. Adjacent to the Baleshwar Temple is a "Naula" which is a fresh water resource. This temple is an excellent example of the marvelous stone carving architecture during the period of Chand dynasty. The temples of Champawat, including Baleshwar temple, are well-known for their stone carving skills. The architecture of the temple is based on South Indian style or it resembles the one which is found in the temples of South India. Wooden carvings displaying the images of Hindu deities is amazing and worth watching in this temple. The temple had a mandap and a sanctuary with some fine carvings. The carvings are visible, but the mandap has...

Baleshwar Temple: This temple complex is built by the kings of Chand dynasty during 10th to 12th century AD dedicated to Lord Shiva and Champawati Durga. The architecture of the temples is based on south Indian stone carving work. The site is being looked after by The Archaeological Survey of India but maintenance of the temple complex needs to be taken care in priority to save the history of the region and kumoun. Local populace of the area gets to gather at Balewhwar temple complex every year on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri in which many old people also likes to take bath in the fresh water spring of the complex as per their old belief to this place. God Baleshwar is incarnation of Lord Shiva as per belief and mythology. The exterior of temple is carved with the different statues of local deities. State and Central Govt must take attention of the situation of the temple, to give a boost to tour and travel industry. Immediate renovation and maintaining of the complex should be priority of the concerned authorities. If this review helpful to you...