Nainital, Oct. 9 : Uttarakhand''s Herakhan Temple, which is located at the foothills of Mount Kailash and along the banks of River Gautama Ganga, is today a major attraction for devotees.

Tourists visiting India from different parts of the world attend the special Puja performed on the occasion of Dussera here at this famous temple.

This place of worship gained popularity after Herakhan Baba, an ascetic, had it renovated several decades ago. The temple has been named after him.

The temple is situated almost within a cave where Baba is said to have meditated after arriving from the Kailash Mountain. Devotees today remember him as an incarnation Lord Shiva. He passed away in 1984.

Muniraj, the Herakhan temple priest, said: "Presently, people from 30 countries have come here. Because of the devotees from all over the world coming here, this place is also known as Vishwadham (the universal place) also. We all live together, eat together and worship together Navaratri, in particular, is very special."

Herakhan Baba''s teachings have been consistent with the essence of all religions propagating message of truth, love and simplicity. He also advocated Karma Yoga ( belief in hard work) for the ultimate enlightenment which mankind seeks.

A special attraction is the convergence of a large number of religious-minded foreigners, who find this place irresistibly overwhelming.

Many of these tourists also perform various Hindu rituals during the Puja at the temple.

Italian Russela is one such ardent devotee. She is regular visitor and has even changed her name to Radha, to establish her identity with Hinduism.

"It''s been six months when came here to Babaji shrine. I feel very good. I am completely touched by the divine power of Babaji…I come here every year. People in my country told me about this place," said Russela, an Italian tourist

Many of the foreign devotees tonsure their heads with the belief that it will give them a peace of mind.

"The feeling to come over this place is…it''s a very special place and I think when I return to my country, I will never forget this place," said Jayanti, a devotee from Spain.

Almost all the foreigners visiting River Gautama Ganga and Herakhan temple have taken a fancy to this place and proposed to settle down here.

"The foreigners have been visiting this place sine the time Baba was alive here. They have so much faith in Babaji that once anyone visits this place, they don''t want to leave this place. At present 400-500 foreigners are staying here. They come here for worship in Navaratri, Shivaratri, Makar Sankranti and to worship Lord Shiva," said Savitri, a regular visitor. (ANI)