Sidhbali Temple

Introduction to Sidhbali Temple

Sidhbali is a renowned temple located on the banks of River Khoh. The beautiful Shivalik hills surround the temple. It is 3 km from Kotdwar, Pauri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand. This is a sacred pilgrimage for the Nath community as their Guru, Gorakhnath, meditated in Sidhbali Temple for several years. Hanuman blesses his devotees from this temple as the presiding deity. This temple is built on a hill about 40 meters in height.

Legend of Sidhbali Temple

Sidhbali Dham, Kotdwar, is also one of the 84 Siddha Peethas. It is believed that Hanuman gave darshan to Guru Gorakhnath here.

Guru Gorakhnath is considered to be an incarnation of Shiva. According to the Gorakh Purana, Guru Gorakhnath and his disciples performed penance at this place for a long time; that's why the place is known as 'Siddh.' According to the folk tale, Siddha Baba received Siddhi of Hanuman only after performing penance at this place. He built a huge stone statue of Hanuman (Bajrangbali) here. After this, the name of the place became Sidhbali.

Another story says that a Khan Muslim officer working for the British was going on his horse and fainted when he reached Sidhbali. There, he heard a voice that asked him to build a temple on Sidhbali's tomb. When he regained consciousness, he shared his dream with the people around him. Earlier, this temple was not big. Seeing the deity's power, devotees gradually developed it. Jaggery balls are given as Prasad in the temple. In ancient times, Kotdwar residents offered the first part of their crop to Sidhbali Temple. Hence, Siddha Baba is also called the 'Bhumyal Devta' here.

The Architecture of Sidhbali Temple

The Sidhbali Temple features the North Indian architectural style. There are five small domes and one big shikara. Local stones have been used to build the temple. The entire temple complex is painted in vermilion color, as Sindoor is much loved by Hanuman. Devotees walk 150 steps to reach the temple. There are two natural Pindi (natural stones) inside the temple. One Pindi signifies Hanuman, and the other is Guru Gorakhnath. The idol was established later. The idol of Hanuman is well decorated. The main deity worshipped in the shrine is Hanuman – in a Pindi form. Later, devotees added a murti of Hanuman in standing posture holding a mace and a mountain.

The Mandap area of the temple contains pictures of the Hindu deities. Pilgrims can see hand-drawn pictures of Rajasthan artists at the temple. The temple complex also has idols of Kali and Santoshi Ma. Near the temple gate, many tea and snack shops are present. One can enjoy the serenity of the nearby surroundings of the Sidhbali Temple in Kotdwara.

Festivals in Sidhbali Temple

The Sidhbali Temple celebrates Sri Sidhbali Mela every year in December. Jayanti Day of Sidha Baba, Rudra Abhishek, Rudra Path, and Shobha Yatra are part of the festivities.

Benefits of Worshipping at Sidhbali Temple

Devotees organize Bhandara (food offerings) for poor people and devotees in the Sidhbali Temple once the deity fulfills their wishes. The Sidhbali Temple is famous for its religious belief and faith. People from across the country come to visit this temple.