Location

About 4 km form railway station on NH-29A (connecting the city to Nepal border) in Gorakhnath locality of Gorakhpur, U.P., India

Attractions

Religious

Timings

4am-10:30pm, opens on all days

Ideal time

Throughout the year, especially during morning & evening Arties, Tuesdays & Saturdays are considered more auspicious, during one month long Makar Sankranti fair (Khichadi Mela), starting from 14th January

Phone

+91-551-2255453, 2255454

Email-id

gorakhnathtemple@yahoo.com

Web

www.contect@hindvi.com

Hire a cycle rickshaw from any part of the city or auto rickshaw from Dharmshala market

This is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Gorakhpur and a must see for all those visiting the city. The famous shrine of Guru Gorakhnath, of undoubted antiquity, epitomizes the identity of the city, since the city has been named after Mahayogi Guru Gorakshnath. According to a popular belief, Guru Gorakshnath performed penance (tapasya) at this place, where the magnificent temple has now been built. The temple premises spreads over about 52 acres of land in the old part of the city, on Gorakhpur Sunauli (Nepal border) national highway. The temple which dates back to the12th century is an architectural marvel. The vast temple complex houses many small temples. The main temple is rectangular in shape with a huge hall, supported by round pillars. It is the Peeth (centre) of the Nath sect. The plinth is about half metre high. In the Garbhgrih (Sanctum) of the temple, the idol of Guru Gorakshnath in meditation posture is seated on the white marble platform. His Charan Padukas (footwear) have been kept near his meditation site. Literary sources reveal that the structure & shape of the temple has changed over a period of time but it has been able to retain its original shape despite several attempts to demolish it during the Mughal period. It was rebuilt in 1896. The present form of the temple is credited to Late Mahant Digvijay Nath & Mahant Aweiydya Nath. They gave a new look to the temple & to the premises. The sacred pond (Mansarovar), situated in the south east part of the temple, has been converted into a boating place by the temple authorities. While the temple witnesses regular stream of devotees, their number increases many times on every Tuesday & Saturday. The place is particularly overcrowded on the Jan. 14th of every year when Khichari Mela, the main festival of the temple, is celebrated every year. The King of Nepal also occasionally visits this temple during this festival. A Charitable Hospital (started on 16th July 2003), Sanskrit Vidyapeeth, Hostel, Yoga Training Centre, Meditation Centre, Old Age Home & a Gym have also been started in the temple premises. Prayers (Arties) are performed thrice a day –early morning, mid day & in the evening. Many verses of guru Gorakhnath along with their explanation are inscribed on marble plaques installed there in.