Baijnath Temple complex is located in the eastern part of the Baijnath town at Шаблон:Coord, on the left bank of Gomati river.[6] It is located in the Bageshwar district at a distance of 22 km from Bageshwar and 16 km from Kausani. The temple is approached from the riverside by a flight of steps made of stones constructed by the orders of a Katyuri queen.[1]
The main shrine in the complex is dedicated to Vaidyanath Shiva in the form of a lingam. The depiction of Parvati, made of grey chloride schist, is a marvel of art. Another sculptural element of note is a life-size image of Kal Bhairava in vilasasana seated outside the Vaidyanath Temple.Шаблон:Cn
History
When the Katyuri kings shifted their capital from Joshimath to Kartikeyapura, a large number of followers of estoric shaiva sects like the Lakulisha, Nath (Kanphata), Jangam, Vairagi, Sanyasi also followed them.[7] In order to rehabilitate them, The katyuris built a large complex of temples dedicated to Vaidyanath Shiva, the name later got corrupted to Baijnath.[7]
Several inscriptions dating back to AD 1202 have been found in the Temple complex.[8] The temples were restored and rebuilt during the reign of king Gyan Chand.[9] The temple complex was plundered by the Rohillas in AD 1743-1744 which led to the destruction of the Shikhar of the main shrine.[10]
