The Location of Gorakhnath Temple
Guru Gorakh Nath Ji Temple is Located at Bakloh Cantt., near to the Chillama helipad. It is easy to reach as the motor-able road reaches at its gate. It is a Regimental Temple which was built by British and Indian Army personals during the pre-independence era of India. It is a temple of Shri Guru Gorakh nath ji. The Gorkhas are said to be the disciples of Guru Gorakh Nath Ji. They have a deep devotion for the Baba ji. The location of the temple is its biggest plus point. The views from this place are mesmerizing. The Pathankot city of Punjab is easily discoverable through the location of this temple. One can see and call our Bakloh– “a Photographer’s paradise” if this temple is once visited. A view of three rivers flowing in the planes of Punjab and Himachal can be had from this place.
When ?
The Temple is an old monument. It was built in the year 1923 by 2/4 Gorkha Rifles.As is visible from the picture below, it was erected by the British Officers , Gurkha Officers , NCOs and ORs of the 2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles. In 2000, it got renovated and with the efforts of local Ex-Servicemen and army personal belonging to 2/4 GR and 4/4 GR. It is one of the regimental properties of Bakloh which is taken care off by the army aptly.
The Significance
It is a holy place which celebrates a special day every year. The day is 19th April. On this day a Shobha Yatra is organised and the whole Gorkha community celebrates it with great pomp and show.The shobha yatra begins from the temple itself. Covering the whole Bakloh, it closes at the same temple. People show their devotion towards their disciple and walk long distances chanting bhajans and slogans. The Gorkha people of almost all age groups participate in the yatra. Those who cannot walk long distances contribute by giving helping hands in the village wise gatherings stationed for refreshment of the yatra devotees. The Yatra covers Kumlari, Kakira, Kaluganj, 1/4 Bazar, Ghatasani, Chillama and then the temple itself. The refreshments are also tasty and hygienic showcasing the strength of villagers of different villages. The yatra is of almost 8 hours and none seems to get tired for the devotion they show. It is an annual festival of Bakloh.
The Chronology
One can see the above shown pillar to see the developments that has been done for growth of this holy place. Established on January 1923, the temple got its first big renovation only on the year 2000. The main works have been done with the help of 2/4GR. Vishram sthal of the temple was developed by 4/4 GR on the year 2003. The other works of developments like Making of garden area, Pujari Ghar, extended verandah, Hawan Kund were made in due course on the year 2005 by 2/4 GR personal with essential help rendered by Ex-servicemen of Bakloh and other places.
Proof of Legacy of Bakloh
The stones engraved on the walls of the temple tell about the legacy of Bakloh. We get to find the historical evidences of the people who lived here at Bakloh. Watch them and find.
Present Development
COVID-19 situation halted every little progress everywhere. But during these times too during the month of April,2021 renovation work of the temple was done and following is the latest development as seen in picture below. Tile work has been done beautifully. The temple has got a new fresh look. Do visit the temple now and feel the difference.