On Friday morning, 16 October 2026, a massive fire broke out at the ancient Maa Bhagwati temple, also known as the Adi Badri Maa Nanda Bhagwati Shakti Peeth, in Badiyakot village of Kapkot tehsil, Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. The blaze occurred on the sixth day of Navratri and left the temple building completely destroyed or very badly damaged.
The idol of the goddess and the temporary pandal set up for the Navratri celebrations were also reduced to ashes. Videos shared widely on social media showed flames and thick smoke rising over the hilly terrain.
Badiyakot is a remote Himalayan village about 50 km from Kapkot, in the Danpur region of the Katyur and Kumaon valleys. With no local fire brigade, villagers had to fight the flames on their own. Fire and police teams reached the spot later.
The cause of the fire is not officially known yet. Locals have speculated that a diya with a long wick, placed incorrectly during Navratri worship, or a short circuit in the temple's electrical wiring may be responsible, but neither has been confirmed. SDM Anil Chanyal said the cause is under investigation. No deaths or injuries have been reported.
Significance of the Ancient Temple
The wooden temple was renowned for its traditional carved woodwork (kaashtkala) and Himalayan architecture, and was regarded as an important piece of Katyur-Kumaon cultural heritage. It is the main centre of faith for the Danpur region and a prominent Shakti Peeth of Kumaon.
According to local and Puranic belief, Goddess Bhagwati (Adi Shakti/Nanda) slayed the demon Nishumbh near this site, which is why the place was once called Vadhkot, later becoming Badiyakot. The temple drew devotees especially during Navratri and is linked to traditions such as Ghar Aanthiyon (every 8 years), the Nandkund Upjat Yatra (every 12 years) and the Salpati fair. It is revered across both Kumaon and Garhwal.
Villagers and devotees are in deep grief, with many women reported in tears. As the temple was made of wood, the fire spread very quickly. The administration is assessing the extent of the damage. Locals, including a former block pramukh, have demanded a high-level inquiry and a proper assessment of the loss, and questions are being raised about government assistance for reconstruction.
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