Shree baba Alakhnath ji Mandir Bareilly
Many temples were destroyed during the Mughal rule in India, but the Mughal soldiers could not enter the Alakhnath temple in the Nath city Bareilly Dham. Baba Alakhnath Temple, located in the fort area on Nainital Road in Nath Nagari Bareilly Dham, is a proven place where Mahadev himself appeared in the form of Shivling.
This incident happened about a thousand years ago. When there was dense forest around the Nainital Road Fort area of Bareilly. Baba Alkhiya used to remain engrossed in penance under a banyan tree in this same forest. Neither care about the weather nor day and night. It is said that during penance he came to know that there is a Shivalinga under the tree at the place where he was sitting.When Baba Alkhiya dug under the banyan tree, Mahadev was present there in the form of Shivalinga. Then Baba Alakhiya established the temple here and it is known as Baba Alakhnath Temple.
It is said that when the Mughal rule began in the late 17th century, many temples were demolished. In such a situation, many sages, saints and other people took refuge in this penance place of Baba. Due to the greatness of Baba, the Mughals were not able to enter this Tapovan.
Ram Sethu’s floating stone is in the temple
Baba Alakhnath temple is the main center of faith among the Saptnath temples of Nath city Bareilly Dham. Run by the Panchayati Akhara of the Naga sect, the recognition of this temple extends far into the mountains.
At present, there is a 51 feet high Kanakbhu-shaped statue of Ram devotee Hanuman ji at the main entrance of the temple. As soon as you enter the temple premises, a Shani temple like Shani Shingnapur is established under the Peepal tree. Inside, along with Sun God, Bajrang Bali, Mata Durga, Shani temple and Panchmukhi Hanuman idol are also installed.
There is a stone called Ram Setu in the temple complex which does not sink in water. This thing is also mentioned in the book Ancient Temples of Bareilly. It is said that the banyan tree here is about 32 hundred years old. Presently the Mahant here is Baba Kalu Giri Maharaj.
There are many buildings around the temple in which sadhus or babas live. Every day a large number of devotees come to Alakhnath temple to worship Mahadev. Here, the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled by merely performing Jalabhishek of Mahadev with a pure heart.During the days of Sawan, thousands of devotees bring water from Kachla and Haridwar to Kanwar and anoint Mahadev. There is a huge crowd of devotees here throughout the month of Sawan. A fair is organized especially on Mondays of Sawan.
