A temple that opens only on the day of Raksha Bandhan

In India, there are countless unique temples having numerous secrets associated with it. Similarly, there is one such temple that exists in Uttarakhand. A temple that is closed on all the other except on a Hindu festival i.e Raksha Bandhan. The doors of this temple open only once a year on Raksha Bandhan. Know what history is related to it and why is this temple special.

Bansi Narayan Temple, located in the Urgam valley of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand has several facts attached to it. According to history, the temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna and dates back to the 8th century. It is believed that it was the first time that Bhagwan Vishnu appeared after being freed from his Vamana avatar.

Historical Significance:

Ancient history reveals when King Bali ruled the entire world, Bhagwan Vishnu came to help the other gods who were troubled by King. Vishnu came to earth as Vamana, his fifth avatar, to defeat him. Vamana appeared as a dwarf. When the Bali asked what gift the holy man desired, Vamana requested only as much land as he could cover in three steps. The King smirked, unknowingly at that thought granted his wishes.

However, Lord Vishnu then turned into a gigantic form and covered the entire universe with two strides. King Bali always believed to be a man who keeps promises and he had promised to grant the wish of Vamana. So King Bali asked the Vamana to make his third stride on Bali’s head.

When discovered he was Lord Vishnu, King Bali requested the Lord to protect his Kingdom and become his gatekeeper. For this task, Lord Vishnu had to leave his wife, Goddess Lakshmi. However, he took the task of safeguarding the kingdom of Bali Raja. Seeing this, Goddess Lakshmi was very upset. She came to the Kingdom of King Bali.

So, on Shravana Purnima and tie a Rakshasutra on King Bali’s wrist. Honored by the gesture, King Bali grants her a wish in which Lakshmi requests that Vishnu return home. The Bansi Narayan Temple is believed to be the place where Lord Narayana emerged from the underworld.

It is believed Lord Narayana is worshipped at the Bansi Narayan temple for 364 days and humans have the right to worship here for only one day, the day being Raksha Bandhan. The temple has idols of both Lord Narayana and Lord Shiva. Also, Lord Ganesha and forest goddesses’ sculptures grace this temple. This is possibly the only temple in Uttarakhand that opens once a year, on the day of Raksha Badhan.