Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, the city of Gorakhpur
is also very close to the Nepal border. It holds importance for many religions.
The city consists of many shrines, monasteries and buildings of many religions.
Hordes of Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims and Sikhs come to visit this place.
The city is full of relics and ancient collection. There are many galleries in
the city that have a collection of various paintings and other items. The city
is famous for its music, food and liveliness. Various types of food from
various religions make this place an excellent tourist spot. Sufi music is very
pronounced here. In a nutshell, Gorakhpur has everything from the past to the
present, from ancient to modern.
Places to see:
Buddha Museum: It
was constructed on the bank of Ramgarh River in the year 1987. The site was
renewed in the year 1997. The building is designed in Buddhist style. It has an
abundant collection of ancient thanka paintings, relics and other ancient
things displayed nicely into four separate galleries. The museum excels in the
preservation, collection and exhibition of ancient Buddhist culture.
Ramgarh Taal: It
is a water body situated in the centre of the city. It cannot be called a pond
as its waters are refreshed plus it has more area. Cool breeze flows throughout
because of this water body.
Chauri Chaura Shahid
Smarak: This was constructed in memory of the freedom fighters during the
British rule in India. A mob set fire to British textile good on February 4,
1922. The British police forced opened fire. Angry people revolted. The
policemen ran and hid in the police station. The people set the station on fire
and 19 policemen burnt alive. The accused were sent to prisons.
Tarkulha Devi: Tarkulha
Devi was the Ishta Devi of the freedom fighter Senani Babu Bandhu Singh. A fair
is held every year on the occasion of Chatra Ramnavmi.
Maghar: Legend
has it that Saint Kabir religion has issues. After his death, there was a riot
among Hindus and Muslims regarding whether his body is to be burnt or buried.
Miraculously, his body disappeared leaving a heap of flowers. The flowers were
divided among Hindus and Muslims. The Hindus burnt the flowers and built a
temple called the Samadhi Mandir. Muslims buried the flowers and built a
Makbara at the same place. This place is called Maghar and depicts Hindu Muslim
harmony. Besides, there is present the cave where Saint Kabir used to perform
his meditation.
Lehra Devi Temple: History
has it that once Maa Lehra came to the town in order to cross the river. But in
the middle of the river the boatman lost track falling for her beauty.
Realizing his intentions, Maa disappeared with the boat. She was seen by some
of her followers who built a temple dedicated to her. It is said that the one
who visits her temple for five consecutive Tuesdays gets their wishes
fulfilled.
Imambara: This
Imambara was built by Syed Roshan Ali Shah on the piece of land that he
inherited from his maternal grandfather in Daud Chak. This was place was later
renamed as Imamganj. Later on, the boundary was built and other additional
edifices were constructed.
Budhia Mai Temple: It
is located in the Kushmi Jungle. People come here to pray during navratri.
Kali Mandir: It
is situated in the Golghar area of the city. Thousands of people come to visit
this place everyday owing to the belief that one’s wishes are always fulfilled.
How to reach:
By air: Gorakhpur
has a military airbase that serves as an airport for the domestic flights.
By rail: Gorakhpur
has a major railway station that is connected to the whole country. It was once
the headquarters of the North-eastern railways.
By road: It lies
on the national highways 28 and 29 which is well connected with the cities
within Uttar Pradesh.