THE TEMPLES in THE LAND OF GODS
The majestic Himalayas symbolise astounding grandeur of Mother Nature, eternal wisdom of humanity and a deep admiration of radiant joy and serenity. Embark on a journey to the temples of Kumaon Himalayas – the abode of tranquillity & peace, enlightenment and unwavering beliefs & traditions.
TEMPLES OF KUMAUN | UTTARAKHAND INDIA
Chitai Temple, Almora
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
- The famous temple of Gollu Devta at Chitali is one of the most popular temples of Kumaun Himalayas and is located 6 km. from Almora, along the road to Pithoragarh.
- It is dedicated to local deity Gollu, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.It was built during the 12th century and is characterised by numerous brass bells of all sizes hanging in the premises which are hung by the devotees as offering to make a wish or as thanksgiving.
- Gollu Devta is also believed to be the God of Justice and that's why, you can find the walls of the temple covered with court stamp papers by devotees who did not get justice in the court.
- A common ritual is that devotees make petitions to the God of Justice by using stamp papers to seek their desired decree in litigation.
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
- The Naina Devi temple at an elevation of 6837 ft. and is located near flatts, on the edge of the lake in Mallital area,Nainital. It’s 3 km/10 mins from Nainital bus stand.
- The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sati and is a popular Shakti Peethas of India.
- According to legend, Lord Shiva's consort Sati once burnt herself alive in Yagna to avenge an insult to Lord Shiva. The distraught Shiva picked her corpse and gyrated his horrified dance. Then Lord Vishnu unleashed his Chakra and cut the Sati's body into 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva's wrath. All the 51 places, where parts of Sati's body fell, became known as Shakti Peeths .It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the place where this temple is situated. Therefore, this temple is called Naina Devi. The word Naina is synonymous with Sati's eyes.
Jageshwar Temple, Almora
Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
Dunagiri Temple, Dwarahat
- Jageshwar Temple is at an elevation of 6140 ft. and 37 km from Almora, Uttarakhand-India, which is 100 km from Haldwani.
- Jageshwar, a cluster of large and small temples and one of the famous Swayambhu (Jyotir Linga) Lingas , named Nagesh, to be found in India. The complex, consisting of 124 temples and hundreds of statues, is famous for its exquisite craftsmanship and are dated between 7th and 12th century.
- 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 which is the source of Jata Ganga, which starts amidst ancient trees.
Dunagiri Temple, Dwarahat
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
Dunagiri Temple, Dwarahat
- Dunagiri Temple is at an elevation of 7900 feet, and is in Dwarahat block of Almora district in Uttarakhand. Dunagiri temple is 100 km from Almora. The temple is at 14 km/30 min form Dwarahat.
- The temple is located at a hilltop and is surrounded by forest, it is famous in Kumaun region for its Shakti (power) and is dedicated to Dunagiri Devi. It is believed that the Pandavas of Mahabharata took shelter at Dunagiri and Pandukholi is the place where they stayed for a period and Lord Hanuman of Ramayana dropped some part of sanjivni buti(Ayurvedic Medicine) when he was carrying a mountain to Lanka.
Baijnath Temple,Bageshwar
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
- The Baijnath Group of temples are stationed 16 km from Kausani on the banks of Gomti. These temples can be assigned to 9th to 12th century AD. and was built by Katyuri rulers.
- The temple is devoted to lord Shiva and holds a significant importance because as the mythology says that lord Shiva and Parvati were married on the conflux of River Gomti and Garur Ganga.
- One of the main attraction of the group is standing statue of Goddess Parvati made of grey schist ,tresses of 26 miniature images around it.
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
Garjiya Devi Temple,Ramnagar-Nainital
- Garjiya Devi Temple is a noted Devi temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is located near Ramnagar, Dist. Nainital, Uttarakhand, India, on the outskirts of the Corbett National Park. Girija Devi Temple is in Garjiya village at 14 km from Ramnagar. You can get to and from taxi services.
Photo Gallery
