Augharnath Temple

Introduction to the Augharnath Temple

The Augharnath Temple is religiously significant and historically important in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Kali Paltan Mandir is another name for it.

Legend of the Augharnath Temple

According to legend, Shiva Lingam installed in the Augharnath Temple is a Swayambu. This miracle has been attracting devotees of Shiva ever since its inception. According to local priests, the Maratha rulers worshipped here and sought blessings before proceeding with their wars.

History of the Augharnath Temple

Indian soldiers were called the Black Army or Kali Paltan during British rule. The Augharnath Temple lies very close to the Cantonment area, Meerut. The soldiers used to have their secret meetings at this temple. They also used to quench their thirst with the water from the Augharnath Temple's well. During the war, Kali Paltan used the temple to store the essentials. A war memorial was also constructed in the temple premises to honor the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First War of Indian Independence.

The Sepoy Mutiny, the first great revolt of India's independence in 1857, started in this place. The Maratha rulers preferred pilgrimages on auspicious occasions and made it a significant place of worship.

The Architecture of the Augharnath Temple

The Augharnath Temple was built during the reign of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century. It is also believed that the temple was built in the 12th century during the rule of the Tomar dynasty.

The Augharnath Temple is on a raised platform. Intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities adorn the entrance of the temple. The sanctum of the Augharnath Temple houses a six-foot-high Swayambu Shiva Lingam, one of the country's largest.

The Augharnath Temple complex includes several other shrines dedicated to various Hindu deities. The most prominent shrine is the shrine of Hanuman, who is well-known for his strength, courage, and devotion. The Augharnath Temple has a memorial built to remember the martyrs of the Independence War of 1857.

The Augharnath Temple houses two shrines - Shiva shrine and Shri Krishna shrine. The Augharnath Temple has a self-manifested Shiva Lingam. Shri Krishna shrine is the recent addition to the Augharnath Temple. The present structure has replaced the old temple's structure.

Until 1944, the Augharnath Temple had a large complex with numerous small shrines and a well. The old complex was demolished, and a new Augharnath Temple was constructed in modern architecture in 1968, adding a hexagonal hall to host religious ceremonies and Bhajans. In 1987, some additions were made to the temple's structure. A 4.5 kg gold-plated Kalash was also installed in 2001.

Festivals in the Augharnath Temple

The Augharnath Temple celebrates special Poojas on Maha Shivaratri, Diwali, Dussehra, and Purnima. Devotees visit the temple to receive the deity's blessings on these occasions.