There is no dearth of temples and rituals in Uttarakhand of the mountains. There is a cluster of temples here in every city. In the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state, there is a very old and famous temple in the town named Agastyamuni, known as the August Muni Temple. This ancient temple was built in the South Indian style, but some changes have been made for the revival.
There used to be a great sage in the pages of history whose stories of tenacity and charisma are famous even today. The Agastyamuni Temple, situated in Rudraprayag, is well known for its mythological beliefs.
The Kund of Agastya Muni and the statue of his disciple Ajit have also been installed in the main fort of the temple. Adjacent to the temple is the temple of Agastyeshwar Mahadev, the presiding deity of Agastyamuni.
History of the temple It is believed in some way that Agastyamuni had traveled to Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand before going on a journey towards the South direction (from where he did not return).
At Na Kot place in Agastyamuni town of Rudraprayag, August Muni had worshiped the Sun God and Sri Vidya. Many Raja Maharajas also became his disciples when Agastyamuni was in Rudraprayag.
The story of Agastya Muni and Aatapi Vatapi is very famous. It is believed that while Agastya Muni was in Rudraprayag, two demons Atapi and Vatapi, were troubling the people in the area.
The way of killing people of Aatapi and Vatapi was very strange. Aatapi used to invite Mahatma-Brahmins to have food and hospitality.
When the Mahatma would come to him after receiving food invitations, the elder brother would cut the younger brother and prepare food. The food was cooked with a variety of flavors and dishes.
When the satisfied Mahatma would leave for his homes after consuming a variety of excellent and delicious dishes, Aatapi would also give him some donations and dakshina.
Hearing the voice of Aatapi, Vatapi would come out, tearing the stomachs of the Mahatmas.
Nevertheless, with the help of Kurmasana, the sage killed both the demons. Even today, a temple of Goddess Kurmasana is established at that place.
There is a huge ground near the Agastyamuni temple where a fair is organized every year on the occasion of Baisakhi.
If one has come to visit the pious land of Uttarakhand and is interested in history, one must visit the August Muni temple and definitely know about the mythology and history from the local people.