TEMPLES OF KUMAON

The essence of Himalayas symbolizes eternal wisdom and elegance of Mother Nature. This, in turn, helps in unfolding the spirit of man through acquaintance with the perennial casmic Reality. Welcome to the temples of the Kumaon Himalayas. Experience unique serenity, tranquility, deep peace and radiant joy.

ALMORA DISTRICT

Perched atop a 5 kms. long saddle-shaped ridge of kashaya Hill, Almora at an altitude of 1,646 mts. is a charming mountain resort in the Himalayas.

Jageshwar Temple: Jageshwar, a cluster of large and small temples and one of the Swayambhu (Jyotir Linga) Lingas to be found in India, is at a distance of 36 kms. along the Almora-Pithoragarh road. Leaving the main road behind, one moves into the beautiful valley of Jataganga at Aartola and passes by the Dandeshwar temple along the way. Innumerable Deodar trees tower above the grand temple complex. The complex, consisting of 124 temples and hundreds of statues, is famous not merely for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its Swayambhu Linga names Nagesh and a visit by the Adi Shankaracharya. The main temples are dedicated to Maha Mrityunjaya, Mahisasur Mardini, Kedarnath, Baleshwar, Surya, Navagraha, Neel Kantheswar, Pawansut, Mahakali, Bhuvaneshwar, Nava Durga etc. 2 kms. to the south-west lies the temples of Briddha Jageshwar. This is the source of Jata Ganga, which starts amidst ancient trees. From Hiriya Shikhar (2,200 mts.) which is one and a half km away from here, one can get a beautiful glimpse of the Himalayas.

Chitai Temple: The sacred temple of Gollu Devta at Chitali is situated 6 kms. from Almora, along the road to Pithoragarh. The Kumaonis hava great faith in the presiding deity of this temple which is virtually haden with bells. Goats are sacrified as offerings in the temple. This temple was at one time, a virtual law court, for the deity receives many pleas from the distressed and opperessed.

Gananatj Temple: The Gananath Temple which is famous for its cave and Shiva temple is 47 kms. from Almora and near the Satrali village (Takula) at an altitude of 2,116 mts. A fair is held here at every Kartik Purnima and the whole place resounds with the echoes of folk songs, which are invariably accompanied by enchanting folk dances. The Kuri Master, Sahib Chandra Shekhar Lohani belonged to the nearby village of Pant Satrali. Takula is famous for its Holi celebrations. One can also reach Gananath via Ranman and Someshwar.

Katarmal Temple: The imposing Surya temple (Bara Aditya) of Katarmal situated at an altitude of 2,116 mts., is 17 kms. on the Almora-Ranikhet road, (3 kms. on foot), after the picnic spots of Hawalbagh and Matela, across the river Kosi. This is the only Sun Temple in this part of Kumaon. Many subsidiary shrines cluster around the main temple. From here one road goes to Ranikhet and another to Someshwar. There is a Shiv temple at Someshwar. on the Someshwar-Dwarahat road near the village of Dyari (4 kms. from Someshwar), there is an ancient Badrinath temple complex, which has many beautiful statues. On the route, there are Airydyo and Golla Temples (Udaypur) near Lod.

BAGESHWAR DISTRICT

Situated at the confluence of rivers Saryu, Gomti & the latent Bhagirathi, lies the holy township of Bageshwar; also revered as the pious land associated with Lord Sadashiva, the redeemer of all sins. As the puranas state, this undoubtedly is a place capable of liberating one from the eternal bondage of births & rebirths.

Bagnath Temple: Situated in the heart of the town lies the ancient Shiva temple. The temple is flooded with devotees on the annual occasion of Shivratri. This places has a cluster of temples. Prominent among these temples are the Bhairav temple, Dattatrey Maharaj, Ganga Mai temple, Hanuman temple, Durga temple, Kalika temple, Thingal Bhairav temple, Panchnam Junakhara & the Vaneshwar temple.

Chandika Temple: A beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Chandika stands at a distance of about half a kilometer from Bageshwar on the top of the mountain. Every year, the templebustles with activity as the devotees congregate here to offer pujas to the deity during the navratras.

Shri Haru Temple: Another important temple, the Shri Haru temple, is situated at a distance of about 5 kms. from Bageshwar. The devotees believe that prayers for wish fulfillment here never go in vain. Every year, a large fair is organised on the Vijaya Dashami day following the Navaratras.

Gauri Udiyar: This is situated 8 kms. from Bageshwar. A large cave, measuring 20*95 sq. mts. is situated here, which houses idols of lord Shiva.

Bhadrakali Temple: An ancient Bhadrakali temple stands very near to Kanda, a picturesque place is a treat for nature lovers and is situated at a distance of 25 kms. from Bageshwar.

Baij Nath: Situated at a distance of 26 kms. form Bageshwar, Baijnath stands on the banks of river Gomti many temples with idols of Shiva and Parvati can be visited.

OTHER TEMPLES NEAR BAGESHWAR

·                    Ram Ghat temple

·                    Agnikund temple

·                    Neeleshwar Mahadev

·                    Kukuda Mai temple

·                    Shitle-Devi temple

·                    Trijugi Narayan temple

·                    Hanuman temple

·                    Neeleshwar Dham

·                    Swarg Ashram

·                    Gopeshwar Dham

·                    Praktishwar Mahadev

·                    Ram ji temple

·                    Loknath Ashram

·                    Ashram of Amit ji

·                    Jwaladevi temple

·                    Veni Madhav temple

·                    Radha Krishna temple

·                    Bhileshwar Dham

·                    Suraj Kund

·                    Siddartha Dham

·                    Golu temple

CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT

Champawat is situated above 1615 mts. from sea level. Champawat, once the capital of the rulers of the Chand dynasty, is famous for natural beauty and well known temples.

Baleshwar Temple: Baleshwar is the most artistic temple of the district. There are evidences that the group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga were built by the early kings of the Chand dynasty. the temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a 'mandap'. the intricate carvings still visible on the ceilings of these temples are an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence.

Gwal Devta: A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. it is believed that when approached, Gwal devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric princ of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had him thrown into a river, locked up in an iron cage. Held in high esteem as a symbol of justice, a temple was dedicated to him at Gwarail Chaurah in Champawat and ever since he has grown into a deity of great influence attracting innumerable pilgrims around him.

Kranteshwar Mahadev: To the east of Champawat, the temple dedicated to Kranteshwar Mahadev is situated on the top of a Kranteshwar Mahadev is situated on the top of a lofty hill. it isj also called Kurmapad and Kandev.

Devidhura: At a distance of 45 kms. from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temple where the traditional Bagwal (fair) is held once every year on the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Mayawati Ashram: 22 kms. from Champawat and 9 kms. from Lohaghat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 mts. Mayawati shot into prominence after Advait Ashram was established here. The ashram attracts spiritualists. from India and abroad.

Meetha Reetha Sahib: It is located at a distance of 72 kms. from Champawat. Guru Nanak is said to have visited this place and had spiritual discussions with Gorakhanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1960 at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers near village Deyuri Tnere are trees of Meetha Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises adjoining it is the temple of Dhernath. A fair is held at the Gurudwara on Baisakhi Poornima.

Purnagiri Temple: At a height of 831 mts., purnagiri is 20 kms . from Tanakpur, 171 kms. from Pithoragarh  & 92 kms. from Champawat. Purnagiri temple is visited throughout the year by devotees from all parts of the country, who come here in large numbers, particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March. The surrounding valleys echo with thej holy chantings of the devotees climbing up to the top for darshan, creating an atmosphere of spirituality.

NAINITAL DISTRICT

Nainital at a height of 1,938 mts. is situated around a blue lake which is shaped like an eye or crescent.

Naina Devi Temple: The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. A temple dedicated to the deity stand here.

Sita Bani Temple: About 20 kms. from Ram Nagar is a place called Sita Bani. Ligend has it that Devi Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had entered into the lap of Mother Earht here. A fair is held here during Ram Navmi.

Garjiya Devi Temple: 10 kms. from Ram Nagar on the way to Dhikhala, is a huge rock in the midst of river kosi. This place has been named Garjiya Devi after the deity. A large fair is held here on Kartik Poornima. The deity is highly revered in the region.

Haira Khan Temple: At a distance of about 20 kms. from Kathgodam on a motorable roak lies the village Syuni. 2 kms. from here lies the famed heritage of Haira Khan Baba. A large fair is held here on Shivratri.

PITHORAGARH DISTRICT

Pithoragarh, which lies in the arms of the heavenly Himalayas, is the ideal choice for the religious minded tourist and one who seeks beauty and adventure.The Mansarovar Yatra route is a delight for trekkers and adventure seekers.

Thal Kedar: 16 kms. from Pithoragarh, Thal Kedar is an important religious centre and also noted for its natural beauty. A large fair is held on the occasion of Shivratri.

Dhwaj Temple: 10 kms. by bus and 4 kms. on foot, this place commands a panoramic view of the majestic snow peaks of the north. it is also well known for a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Maa Jayanti. Dhwaj is at an elevation of 2100 mts. above sea level.

Patal Bhuwaneshwar: 14 kms. to the north of Gangolihat and 91 kms. from Pithoragarh, Patal Bhuwaneshwar is at an elevation of 1350 mts. The way to the temple is through a narrow tunnel shaped cave. The main passage opens into several small caves which have in them the stone carvings of many traditional Gods and Goddesses and is highly revered by the religious persons. The cave temple of Patal Bhuwaneshwar is traditionally believed to be the abode of thousands of deities of the Hindu pantheon.

Mahakali Shaktipeeth: 78 kms. from Pithoragarh is Gangolihat, a cultural centre rich in folk culture, music, and religious traditions and had been chosen by Shankaracharya for the installation of Mahakali shaktipeeth. Amidst the cluster of pine trees, Shakti temple of Goddess kali is the main attraction. Here Goddess Kali is represented in her fierce form. conquering the demon.

Narayana Ashram: 129 kms. from Pithoragarh Narayan Ashram is situated at an elevation of 2734 mts. This hermitage was established by Narayan Swami in 1936. The Ashram is a spiritual cum socio-educational centre.

UDHAM SINGH NAGAR DISTRICT

The district of Udham Singh Nagar was named in memory of Late Shri Udham Singh who was a great freedom fighter and who killed General Dyre after the brutal Jaliyanwala Bagh massacre.

Atriya Temple: At a distance of 2 kms. from the bus stand and half a kilometre away from the Rudrapur - Haldwani motor route, is situated the famous temple of Atariya. Every year during the occasion of 'Navratras' a large fair is held here and thousands of devotees come to seek the blessings of Goddess Atariya. The fair is held for 10 days.

Chaiti Temple: At a distance of 2.5 kms. from Kashipur bus stand on the Kashipur-Bajpur route, is situated the widely known temple of Chaiti Devi. Every year in the mont of March during 'Navaratras' a grand fair is held here and lakhs of pilgrims come here to worship the Goddess from various places.

Nanak Matta: Situated at a distance of 52 kms. from Rudrapur on Rudrapur-Tanakpur motor route, Nanakmatta is a great pilgrimage centre of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak visited this place. Thousands of pilgrims come here throughout the year. A tourist rest house and Gurudwara are available for night stay.

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