Authorities have initiated preparations to rebuild the Badiakot Adibadri Bhagwati temple in Bageshwar, which suffered extensive damage in a devastating fire incident. The groundwork for its reconstruction is currently underway, and the overall expenditure for the project is being estimated. Kapkot MLA Suresh Garhia stated that the grand reconstruction of the temple remains a top priority, noting that financial assistance had earlier been requested from the Chief Minister.
Taking note of the severe damage caused to the shrine by the blaze, the state government has instructed officials to kickstart restoration work at the earliest. The government has assured complete financial and administrative support to ensure the temple is rebuilt in a magnificent avatar.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of 16 October 2026, when a massive fire broke out and inflicted heavy damage on the temple. The flames spread with such ferocity that the primary structure was reduced to ashes within no time. The ancient Kumaoni woodwork and traditional intricate wooden carvings, dating back some 1500 years, were completely lost to the fire. This unfortunate event has left local residents deeply saddened. Initial estimates pegged the total loss from the accident at around four crore rupees.
Temple committee president Bharat Danu shared that the fire outbreak inflicted massive devastation upon the shrine. However, he expressed optimism that devotees would soon be able to offer prayers at the temple once again, as preparations for the same are underway. While the reconstruction of the temple has been officially announced, final confirmation regarding the exact budget required for the construction work is still awaited.
The temple is located in a remote terrain roughly 50 kilometers away from the Kapkot tehsil headquarters. Due to challenging geographical conditions and difficult roadways, fire tenders could not reach the spot in time to contain the blaze.
This religious site is considered to trace its origins between the 5th and 8th centuries. It was widely recognized for its centuries-old Kumaoni architecture and detailed wooden craftsmanship. The fire dealt a severe blow to these historical assets. In the aftermath of the incident, administrative and police teams visited the site to assess the damages. The Chief Minister had also expressed grief over the tragedy and issued directives for the swift reconstruction of the temple. Experts note that this accident is not merely the destruction of a single shrine, but a massive blow to the centuries-old religious, cultural, and architectural heritage of Kumaon.
