Augharnath Temple

History

The temple’s religious identity is Shaiva: local tradition holds the lingam to be self-manifested, and Shivratri draws very large congregations. Rebuilding in the later twentieth century shaped the present complex, which remains one of Meerut’s best-known Hindu temples.

As a historical note — distinct from daily worship — heritage accounts of Meerut link the cantonment shrine with Indian soldiers (“Kali Paltan”) in 1857. Meetings and the temple well figure in local memory of the uprising that began in Meerut on 10 May 1857; a martyr memorial on or near the premises marks that association for visitors interested in the city’s freedom-struggle heritage.

Stories

A lingam found under the ground

The Augharnath temple, commonly called Kali Paltan Mandir, stands close to the army barracks in Meerut. An account recorded on Wikipedia says it was founded after a Shivalinga was found beneath the ground in 1844.

Local tradition regards the lingam as self-manifested. The foundation stone of the larger modern temple complex was laid in 1968, so the present buildings are far newer than the shrine's start.

The well and the first spark of 1857

The uprising of 1857 began at Meerut, and local memory ties this temple to it. Wikipedia notes that the temple houses the well where Indian sepoys who fired the first shots of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 met, and a memorial to 1857 stands within the grounds.

The link rests mainly on local and popular accounts, so it is best read as local heritage tradition. The name Kali Paltan, meaning the black regiment, is the popular name for the temple in the cantonment.

Good to know

Major Shiva temple of Meerut Cantonment (Kali Paltan Mandir)

Especially crowded on Mahashivratri

Historical association with Meerut’s 1857 narrative (local heritage accounts)

Getting there

Nearest airport: Delhi (Indira Gandhi International). Nearest railhead: Meerut City / Meerut Cantt. Local autos and taxis reach the cantonment temple area.