“No more Jhumka or Soorma”
Beyond the bustling bazaars and cinematic nostalgia lies a deep, spiritual heartbeat. For centuries, Bareilly has been revered by devotees as Nath Nagari—the city of Lord Shiva.
Now, the government is bringing this spiritual heritage to the forefront with the ambitious Nath Corridor project. Modelled after the magnificent Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya corridors, this initiative is set to transform the city into a global pilgrimage hub. Let’s take a journey through the history of these sacred shrines and see how this corridor is unlocking the true soul of Bareilly.
The History of Nath Nagari
Bareilly’s identity as “Nath Nagari” is rooted in the presence of seven powerful ancient Shiva temples. According to local lore, these temples are situated strategically across the city, forming a divine, protective boundary around it.
The history of these shrines spans eras—from the Dvapara Yuga and the Mahabharata to the medieval period. For thousands of years, these sites have been the penance grounds (tapo-bhumi) for revered sages, Naga Babas, and spiritual seekers. The new Nath Corridor aims to connect these seven historical jewels into one seamless, spiritually enriching 32.5 km circuit.
The Seven Sacred Temples of the Nath Corridor
Alakhnath Temple: With a history spanning over 930 years, this temple is the headquarters of the Anand Akhara order of Naga sannyasins. Legend has it that Mughal forces could not penetrate the temple complex due to the spiritual power of the resident saints who took refuge here.
Trivatinath Temple: In 1474, a resting shepherd had a divine dream of Lord Shiva. Upon waking and digging the spot he dreamt of, a self-manifested (swayambhu) Shivalinga was discovered under three banyan (vat) trees—giving the temple its name.
Dhopeshwarnath Temple: Steeped in Mahabharata lore, this temple is over 5,000 years old. It is believed to be the tapo-bhumi of Dhroom Rishi. Local legends also closely associate this site with the birth of Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna.
Madhinath Temple: A site of immense antiquity, it is believed that the Pandavas established the Shivalinga here during their exile.
Vankhandinath Temple: Dating back to the Dvapara Yuga, this temple was once surrounded by dense forests. It served as a gathering place for sages performing rigorous penance, many of whom took samadhi in the temple complex, which can still be seen today.
Tapeshwarnath Temple: Known as one of the oldest temples in the city, this peaceful sanctuary was once a prime meditation spot for ancient ascetics. A self-manifested Shivalinga rests here beneath a sacred Peepal tree.
Pashupatinath Temple: The newest addition to the Nath family, built in 2003. Modelled stunningly after the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, it sits in the middle of a pond and features a five-faced (panchamukhi) Shivalinga surrounded by 108 smaller Shivalingas.
Putting UP on the Global Religious Tourism Map
The Nath Corridor is not just about beautification; it is a masterstroke for Uttar Pradesh’s tourism economy. Here is how it is changing the landscape:
Unprecedented Footfall: The impact is already visible. Recently, Bareilly saw over 1 crore domestic visitors in a single year, bringing its tourist footfall on par with holiday hotspots like Goa!
World-Class Infrastructure: The Rs 232-crore project includes the widening of roads into six lanes, the introduction of electric buses for seamless transit, and the creation of riverside ghats for daily aarti.
Cultural Revitalization: The corridor will feature Vedic libraries housing digital and physical copies of the Upanishads and Puranas, alongside grand multipurpose halls capable of hosting hundreds of devotees for Rudrabhishek and Satsang.
Immersive Experiences: A state-of-the-art Light and Sound show is being set up at the Trivatinath Temple to beautifully narrate the region’s religious and historical significance to the younger generation.
Economic Boom: The surge in spiritual tourism is directly boosting local businesses. Hotels are seeing peak weekend occupancies, transport services are thriving, and the city’s traditional Zari-Zardozi artisans are finding a massive new customer base.
The Soulful Verdict
The Nath Corridor is breathing new life into Bareilly’s ancient stones. By seamlessly blending world-class infrastructure with deep-rooted spiritual heritage, Uttar Pradesh is ensuring that the protective shield of the Seven Naths is shared with the rest of the world.
