Thal Baleshwar Mahadev Temple Pithoragarh,Uttarakhand

Baleshwar Temple is located in Thal, a small town in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Ramganga River, near its sacred confluence.Lord Shiva is said to have appeared here in his Bala (youthful) form, which is why the temple is called Baleshwar Mahadev.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds historical and religious significance, being mentioned in ancient texts like the Skanda Purana.
This temple is built in the Nagar style of architecture and is considered one of the oldest temples in the Kumaon region.

The importance of this temple is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana, in the 108th chapter of the Manas Khand. It is believed that visiting this temple and offering prayers here gives devotees the same spiritual benefits as visiting Kashi (Varanasi), one of the holiest cities in Hinduism.

The temple was established in the 12th century during the rule of the Chand dynasty, under King Udyot Chand. In ancient times, the sacred pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar used to begin from this very place. Later, in the 16th century, the temple was expanded.

Sthalapurana

There is a religious belief about this temple that, in the Treta Yuga (an ancient era), Vanar King Bali (the mighty monkey king) performed intense penance standing on one leg at this sacred confluence to please Lord Shiva. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of a child and then merged into a self-manifested Shiva Lingam (a sacred representation of Lord Shiva). Because of this divine event, the temple became famous as Baleshwar (Bali-Eshwar) Temple.

On the day of Magh month’s Vishuvat Sankranti, taking a dip at this Triveni Sangam and performing a ritualistic water offering (Jalabhishek) to the Shiva Lingam is believed to destroy all human sufferings, diseases, grief, and sorrows. It is also said that if a person passes away at this holy ghat, they attain Moksha (liberation) and ultimate salvation.

Festivals

Apart from widely celebrated Hindu festivals like Mahashivratri and Uttarayani, Thal Baleshwar Temple also hosts some unique festivals and fairs like Chaitra Purnima Mela,Kanwad Yatra,Harela Festival,Bhai Tika on Deepawali which makes Baleshwar Temple a sacred pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees.