About the Temple Gorakhnath Temple, located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a major Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath, a revered saint of the Nath tradition. The temple is the headquarters of the Gorakhnath Math, which has a strong influence on the spiritual and cultural landscape of North India. The temple is well-known for the Khichdi Mela, which takes place every year on Makar Sankranti, and for the Akhand Dhuni, an eternal fire that is continuously burning.
Temple Description & Architecture
The temple complex covers 52 acres and is built in Nagari-style architecture. The main sanctum houses an idol of Guru Gorakhnath, where devotees offer Khichdi as prasad. Other features include prayer halls, meditation areas, and a sacred fire pit, symbolizing eternal energy. The Akhand Annakshetra, or community kitchen, serves free meals to thousands of devotees daily.
Temple Information
Temple Address:
Gorakhnath Road, Khushhal Pur, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh – 273015, India
Location (Latitude & Longitude):26.7681° N, 83.3648° E
Temple Timings:
Mangala Aarti: 3:00 AM – 4:00 AM
Bhog Aarti: 11:00 AM
Sandhya Aarti: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The temple remains open from early morning until late evening.
Temple Sevas & Rituals:
The temple offers several services, including daily Aartis (Mangala, Bhog, and Sandhya Aarti), special pujas during festivals, free community kitchen services, yoga and meditation sessions, and spiritual discourses.
Travel Facilities
How to Reach Gorakhnath Temple?
By Road:
Gorakhnath Temple is about 4.5 km from Gorakhpur Railway Station. Local transport options such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based services like OLA are readily available. State and private buses connect Gorakhpur to cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, and Delhi.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Gorakhpur Junction, which is about 4.5 km from the temple. Major trains connecting Gorakhpur include Gorakhdham Express and Vaishno Devi Express from Delhi, Kushinagar Express and Godan Express from Mumbai, Purvanchal Express from Kolkata, and Intercity Express and Satyagrah Express from Lucknow.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, approximately 8 km from the temple. Flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kolkata.
By Bus:
Gorakhpur Bus Stand is about 5 km from the temple, with regular bus services to Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, and Patna.
The nearest airport is Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, approximately 8 km from the temple. Flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kolkata.
Accommodation & Food Facilities
Food Facilities:
The Akhand Annakshetra in the temple provides free meals. Several restaurants nearby offer North Indian, South Indian, and Gorakhpuri cuisine.
Stay Facilities:
For accommodation, visitors can stay at Gorakhnath Temple Dharamshala for an affordable option. Other hotels nearby include Hotel Krishna Inn, Hotel Royal Residency for budget stays, and Radisson Blu, Nirvana Sarovar Portico for luxury accommodations.
Nearby Attractions & Places to Visit
Religious Sites:Vishnu Temple, Gorakhpur – An ancient Hindu temple.
Geeta Press, Gorakhpur – A renowned center for publishing Hindu religious texts.
Arogya Mandir – A wellness and yoga retreat.
Nature & Sightseeing:
Kushmi Forest – A green retreat ideal for nature lovers.
Ramgarh Tal Lake – A picturesque lake for boating and relaxation.
Taramandal Planetarium – A must-visit for astronomy enthusiasts.
Nearby Cities & Distances:
Lucknow – 270 km
Varanasi – 197 km
Patna – 220 km
Allahabad – 250 km
Delhi – 780 km
Festivals & Celebrations
Several festivals are celebrated at the temple, with Makar Sankranti & Khichdi Mela being the most significant. During this festival, devotees from all over India visit the temple to offer Khichdi to Guru Gorakhnath. Other important festivals include Navratri, Guru Purnima, and Mahashivratri, celebrated with grandeur, special pujas, and religious gatherings.The best time to visit the temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. The busiest times are during Makar Sankranti in January, Navratri, and Guru Purnima.
Shopping in Gorakhpur – What to Buy?
Gorakhpur is famous for its handicrafts, religious books, and textiles. Popular shopping items include:
Terracotta Handicrafts – Handmade clay artifacts unique to the region.
Brass & Wooden Handicrafts – Traditional artwork representing local craftsmanship.
Religious Books & Idols – Widely available at Geeta Press.
Handloom Textiles – Local sarees and woven fabrics.
Summary of Gorakhnath Temple, Gorakhpur
Dedicated to: Guru Gorakhnath (Nath sect)
Famous for: Spiritual significance, Khichdi Mela, and Akhand Dhuni.
Temple Timings: 3:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sevas & Aartis: Daily worship, Bhog Aarti, Sandhya Aarti
Festivals Celebrated: Makar Sankranti, Guru Purnima, Navratri, Mahashivratri
How to Reach: Well-connected by train, bus, and air
Nearby Attractions: Vishnu Temple, Geeta Press, Kushmi Forest, Ramgarh Tal
Shopping Specialties: Terracotta items, religious books, textiles, handicrafts
Best Time to Visit: October – March
The Gorakhnath Temple stands as a beacon of faith, history, and tradition, preserving the legacy of Guru Gorakhnath and the Nath sect. With its architectural beauty, religious significance, and strong connection to the region’s cultural fabric, the temple continues to inspire and attract devotees seeking spiritual enlightenment. Its role in promoting unity and well-being among people further enhances its status as a sacred and historical landmark in Uttar Pradesh.
