Gorakhnath Temple

Getting there

• By train

  The temple is about 4.5 km from Gorakhpur railway station.

• By road

  Auto-rickshaws, Ola and taxis are easily available from the railway station.

Why devotees come here

Gorakhnath Temple stands in the heart of Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, on a campus of 52 acres. It is named after the saint Gorakhnath, and the town takes its name from him. The temple is seen as the main Nath establishment.

The temple is seen as the main Nath establishment, ahead of other Nath monasteries such as Fatehpur Shekhawati and Asthal Bohar. The math is situated within large premises in Gorakhpur. It is named after Gorakhnath, a saint of the Nath Sampradaya. He is dated to about the 11th century, and he is remembered as a yogi who travelled widely across India.

Gorakhpur takes its name from Gorakhnath, and a shrine called Gorakhnath Mandir was built in his honour. The temple grounds cover 52 acres in the heart of the town. Inside, the chamber that holds Gorakhnath's samadhi once housed a statue of him, and footprints now stand in its place.

A month-long Makar Sankranti Mela is held every year from 14 January. Thousands of devotees come on Makar Sankranti to offer khichdi to Gorakhnath. The district government describes the temple as one of the most prominent in the area.

Festivals

• Every year from 14 January, for a monthMakar Sankranti Mela

  Thousands of devotees come on Makar Sankranti to offer khichdi to Gorakhnath. The Mela runs for a month, and lakhs of pilgrims attend it.

Tips for your visit

• An evening Light and Sound Show is the main attraction at the temple these days, according to the district government.
• The temple keeps a cow shed, a Goshala, on its premises.
• Expect large crowds around Makar Sankranti, when lakhs of pilgrims come to the temple.

Questions people ask