Binsar Mahadev Temple

Getting there

• By air

  The nearest airport is Jollygrant at Dehradun, about 155 km from Pauri, the district headquarters.

• By train

  The nearest railheads are Kotdwar, 108 km from Pauri, and Rishikesh, 117 km from Pauri.

• By road

  Binsar is 114 km from Pauri. The last motorable road ends at Thalisain tehsil, 96 km from Pauri.

Why devotees come here

Binsar Mahadev is an ancient Hindu rock temple dedicated to Shiva, in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand. It stands at about 2480 metres above sea level, among dense forests of birch, deodar and rhododendron. The temple is set in Bisaona village, in the Chauthan region of Thalisain block.

Binsar Mahadev is an ancient Hindu rock temple dedicated to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Bindeshwar, a popular deity of the region. One belief says the Pandavas built the temple in one night while they were in exile. Another legend says a king named Bindu built it.

The temple is believed to have been built by Maharaja Prithu in memory of his father Bindu, in the 9th/10th century. It is built in the Katyuri style. Its central chamber holds idols of Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati and Mahishasuramardini.

It was a contemporary of the Jageshwar and Adi Badri temples, but no documented history of it exists. The sanctum holds Hargauri, Ganesh and Mahishasuramardini. A 12 km trek from here leads to Dudhatoli, at 3001 m.

Festivals

• Every year on Baikunth ChaturdashiBaikunth Chaturdashi fair

  A big fair takes place at the temple on this day.

• Vaikunth Chaturdashi and Kartik PurnimaBinsar Mela

  A two-day fair at the temple, with Pandav and Chaufula dances through the night.

Tips for your visit

• The Dudhatoli trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Pauri district.
• On the way, the trek passes wonderful flowers, waterfalls and bugyals (pastureland).
• Forest Rest House, PWD Rest House and Dharamshala are the places to stay near the temple.

Questions people ask