Binsar Mahadev Temple

Binsar Mahadev Temple

Bindeshwar Mahadev Temple, also known as Binsar Devta or simply Binsar, is an ancient Hindu rock temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Bindeshwar, a popular deity in this region. At an altitude of 2480 meters above mean sea level, it is situated in Bisaona village, which falls in the Chauthan region of Thalisain Block in the Pauri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand.

The temple is believed to have been constructed by Maharaja Prithvi in memory of his father, Bindu in the 9th/10th century. It is built in the Katyuri style. It was a contemporary of the Jageshwar and Adi Badri group of temples, but no documented history of it exists. Many rock-cut idols, shrines, and Shiva Lingams can be found within the valley where the temple is located. While many historians and researchers visited the location, no one produced accurate historical data related to the temple.

According to one belief, the temple was built by the Pandavas in one night while in exile. Another legend says that the temple was built by a king named Bindu. Alternatively, the temple may have been built by lord Vishwakarma. A strange symbol inscribed outside the temple is said to be in his handwriting.

The central chamber of the temple features the idols of Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati and Mahishasuramardini. A fair is organized there on Vaikuntha Chaturdashi every year.