Uttarakhand: Ancient Ma Bhagwati temple gutted in fire during Navratri

New Delhi: An ancient temple dedicated to Maa Bhagwati in Uttarakhand’s Bageshwar district was gutted in a fire on Friday, October 16, during Navratri. The blaze caused extensive damage to the historic shrine, known for its traditional wooden architecture and intricate carvings.

The temple is located in Badiyakot village in the remote Malla Danpur region of Bageshwar district. It is an important religious site for local residents and devotees from across the Kumaon region.

The fire reportedly continued to burn for hours because firefighting services were not readily available in the remote area.

Fire destroys historic wooden structure

The Maa Bhagwati temple was known for its traditional Himalayan architecture and detailed woodwork. Its wooden structure suffered extensive damage as the flames spread through the building.

The shrine was not only a place of worship but also an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Its intricate carvings reflected the traditional craftsmanship of the Kumaon hills.

The fire has raised concerns about the preservation of historic wooden temples in remote Himalayan areas, where access to emergency services can be difficult. Reports said the main temple structure was badly damaged. The extent of the loss, including damage to the temple’s religious and architectural features, was being assessed.

Cause remains unknown

The exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. Local residents have suggested that a short circuit or oil lamps lit during worship may have triggered the blaze. However, neither possibility has been officially confirmed.

Badiyakot is around 50 kilometres from Kapkot, in a remote mountainous area where firefighting facilities are limited. The lack of nearby fire services reportedly made it difficult to respond quickly as the flames spread.

The incident has caused grief among local residents and devotees, who regard Maa Bhagwati as an important deity in the region.