Champawat District

essenceofkumaun

CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT STATS ~ essenceofkumaun

AREA: 1766 sq KM

FOREST AREA: 1224 sq KM

DISTRICT HQ: CHAMPAWAT

ALTITUDE: 1615 m

LANGUAGE: Kumaoni, Hindi

BEST SEASON: Oct- May

HISTORY OF CHAMPAWAT ~ essenceofkumaun

The Champawat district gets its name from princess Champawati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region in historic time and had capital in Champawat.

The region has also been known in different times by the names of Kiratamandala, Khasadesha, Kalindavishaya, Kurmachala and Kurmavana. In order to save the earth, Vishnu in his second incarnation assumed the form of the Kurma (Tortoise) and remained standing for three years at a particular spot in the district. The specific rock on which the God stood came to be known as Kurmashila, the entire hill as the Kurmanchal and the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. It is from these terms that the name Kumaon is supposed to have been derived.

For a long time the name, in the form of Kali Kumaon, that is Kumaon on the river Kali remained confined to the small tract round about the hill, now roughly covered by Champawat district, but during the medieval period, when the power of the Chand raja of Champawat expanded rapidly the name Kumaon gradually came to denote the entire region extending from the snow ranges in the north to the tarai in the south.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CHAMPAWAT DISTRICT

What is Champawat famous ?

Champawat is steeped in history and heritage and is best known for its temples, many of which date back to the times of Chand rulers. The architecture of the temples is noteworthy chief of these is the Nagnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The popular temple is one of the finest examples of Kumaon architecture. Another noteworthy temple is Baleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kranteshwar Mahadev is another spiritual site here, and one of the most revered in the region. Perched on the top of a hill to the east of Champawat, this temple of Lord Shiva is also known as Kurmapad or Kandev.

Mayawati Ashram

22 km from Champawat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 m. Mayawati shot into prominence after the Advait Ashram was established here.

Abott Mount

Panorama takes a new meaning as you treat yourself to views of peaks like Trishul, Nanda Kot, Nanda Ghunti and the Nanda Devi spanning in an arc in front of you across a valley.

Pancheshwar

Pancheshwar lies at confluence of Kali & Saryu. It's famous for Chaumu temple, where an annual fair is held and dip at confluence is considered to be sacred.

Gurdwara Reetha Sahib

Guru Nanak Dev had an encounter with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God’s Name.

Baleshwar Temple

Baleshwar temple was built by ruler of Chand Dynasty between 10th - 12th century. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. This is one of the most artistic temples of Kumaon, it showcases intricate stone carving.

Golu Devta Temple

It is dedicated to Golu Devta, a revered local deity in Kumaon and is also called Gwal Devta Temple. A large number of pilgrims come from all over the area to pay respects.

Purnagiri

Purnagiri Temple is 92 km from Champawat, and is visited by devotees throughout the year. Devotees come here in large number, particularly during Chaitra Navratri (March April)

Lohaghat

At an elevation of 1706 m, Lohaghat is 14 km from Champawat. Lohaghat is situated on bank of river Lohawati and is a centre of historical and mythological importance.