Gorakhpur, a small city in the northern region of Uttar Pradesh, is
located very close to Kushinagar and Nepal. Sitting on the shores of the
River Rapti and Rohini at an elevation of 77 meters from the sea level,
Gorakhpur was earlier famous as Ramgarh. It served as the capital of
the Koliyas in the ancient days. However after sometime it was named
after the renowned saint Goraknath who inspired people to the fullest
extent by his preaching. Today this city is visited on a large extent by
the travelers. They enjoy sightseeing in this small city to the
fullest. However the place that attracts them most on tours to Gorakhpur
is Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur.
The Gorakhpur Gorakhnath Temple epitomizes the identity of the city. It
is so said because the city itself was named after Mahayogi Guru or sage
Gorakhnath. According to a strong belief Guru Gorakhnath meditated in
Treta Yug at the place where this splendid temple is standing today.
History of Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur
The Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur is named after the Guru Gorakhnath
who attained prosperity in this city and also influenced devotees with
his teachings. It is said that this temple is erected at the spot where
Gorakhnath did meditation in Treta Yug.
This apart, in the records of the temple it is revealed that the
Gorakhpur Gorakhnath Temple structure and shape was transformed over the
period of time. In fact many attempts were made to destroy this temple
during the rule of the Mughal emperors. Today, the form and shape in
which this temple is seen is said to have been conceptualized by late
Mahant Digvijaynath and current head priest of the temple Mahant
Aveiydyanath.
Description of Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur
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The Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur is standing on the 52 acres of the
land. It is exactly positioned in the heart of the city on
Gorakhpur-Sonauli state highway. This temple is a good example of peeth
of the Nath sect along with Indian sculpture. The most attractive
feature of this temple is the garbh griha where sage Gorakhnath is
portrayed as a manifestation of Lord Shiva in deep meditation posture.
His very sacred charan paduka has been placed close to his mediation
site. There is a pond called Mansarovar also in the east of the
Gorakhpur Gorakhnath Temple. This pond has been turned into a boating
site by the authorities of the temple.
The Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur is almost every day visited by the
devotees. But on every Tuesday and Saturday the number of the visitors
increases to great extent. During the celebrations of Khichari mela
thousands of devotees gather here. This festival falls in the month of
January.
