Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar
The tiny, picturesque Chopta will enchant and captivate you as it does millions of tourists. Located at a height of 2680 meters, Chopta is blanketed by forests of pine and deodar and guarded by tall mountain peaks such as the Chandrashila, standing an imposing 4000 meters high. From here you can have a grandstand view of the Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba Mountains. Chopta is pristine and virginal in its beauty and innocence that will go straight to your heart. In addition, it is the starting point of treks to these mountains and to Tungnath.
Why Visit Chopta?
Situated on the right bank of the holy Ganga River, Haridwar is one of the holiest cities of India. Haridwar goes hand in hand with its other holy twin city and the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh. The city is dotted with ancient temples and the river banks are adorned with Ghats which is the stage for the ancient practice of Ganga Aarti that takes place twice every day, no matter the weather. Bilkeshwar Mahadev temple in Haridwar is one of the most sacred temples in Haridwar. The temple is famous for its ritualistic offering of the Bilva Tree.
About Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple Haridwar
The temple is placed in a very idyllic and slightly hilly terrain. It is surrounded by some greenery and is one of the most visited tourist places in Haridwar. It is said that in order to combat the feeling of thirst goddess Parvati had started eating bilva leaves. Later on Lord Brahma came up to her with Ganga Jal or the water from the Ganges and offered it to her so that she could quench her thirst properly. This small water source from where Lord Brahma had gotten the water for goddess Parvati is now known as Gaurikund is located just about 50 steps away from the temple. The bilva leaves are considered to be a very sacred tree and it is said that one can see the three eyes of Lord Shiva in the leaves.
History
Haridwar is named after Lord Vishnu but is home to temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses. The temple gets its name after the legend associated with the bilva tree in the temple complex. It is believed that goddess Parvati had appeased Lord Shiva under one of these trees that is present inside the temple premises. The lord was so pleased with her hard work appeared in front of her and agreed to take her as a wife. To mark this grand moment in eternal Hindu history, a temple was built. This ancient temple is a very famous place of Shiva worship among the local people of Uttarakhand. Reaching the temple is an adventurous endeavor on its own. It requires a quick and easy hike up the hill to reach the temple and offer Darshan.
Architecture
The temple is spread out in a comfortable area amidst the lush green surroundings and ample natural beauty. The structure of the temple is very humble yet spacious. It is made using the traditional north Indian style of architecture. It houses an inner sanctum that holds the idol of the presiding deity along with a large hall where the devotees come to sit, meditate and spend some peaceful time feeling closer to the lord. The small yet very powerful temple is home to a stone sculpture of a Shivling and Nandi the bull. Along with the main temple, the complex also consists of small temple structures dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Mata Rani, and Lord Mahadev.
Temple Timing
The temple remains open throughout the week for Darshan. It opens at 5 am in the morning and stays open till 9 pm at night.
Best Time to Visit
May to November is the best time to visit Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple. The remaining months remain bitingly cold for many people who cannot stand the cold, bone-chilling winter months of December to March.
During these favourable months, the temple remains easily reachable and swarms with tourists and devotees from all over the world. The temperature remains on a bearable level and spending quality time here feels like a dream come true. However, just to be on the safer side, always carry a jacket or a shawl if visiting during evening time as it tends to get quite cold after sundown.
How to Reach
The nearest railway station to the temple is the Haridwar railway station. The temple in itself is 34 kms away from the main temple complex. The taxi rental services available here will charge about 4oo/- rupees from the train station to the temple. From the railway station, the road will take you to Nirmala Chhawani road and then take a right turn from Surendra provision store. After passing the mela hospital on the right, the road will take a slight right turn at the Bilkeshwar Police Chowki and you will find the temple on your left side.
The nearest airport to the temple is located in Dehradun which is the jolly grant airport. From the airport, the Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is about 36 kms away. The rental car will cost about 500/- rupees to get the passengers from the airport to the temple.
Travel Tips
- There is no entrance fee to the temple. Anyone looking to get a dose of adventure-filled spirituality then a visit to Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Haridwar would be just the thing that you need.
- Some of the interesting places to see in Haridwar are Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Patanjali Yogpeeth, etc.
- People visiting Haridwar often include Rishikesh in their itinerary. It is just a couple of minutes away from Haridwar.
- There are many interesting things to do in and around Rishikesh as well. The Beatles Ashram, white river rafting, Ganga Beach, Tera Manzil Temple, Neer Garh Waterfall, Gita Ashram, etc.
- Wear a good pair of shoes since you will be hiking your way up to the Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
