Purnagiri Temple
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| Purnagiri Temple | |
|---|---|
पूर्णागिरि मन्दिर | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Champawat district |
| Deity | Goddess Purnagiri (Durga) |
| Festivals | Navratri |
| Location | |
| Location | Tanakpur |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Country | India |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Hindu temple architecture |
| Completed | Ancient |
| Elevation | 910 m (2,986 ft) |
| Website | |
| https://www.purnagiritemple.com/index.php | |
Maa Purnagiri Temple is a Hindu temple, located near Tanakpur town in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated at a height of 910 meters (3000 feet) above sea level, approximately 20 kilometers from Tanakpur. The temple can be accessed by road from Tanakpur to Thulligad, and then a 3-kilometer trek through stairs leads to the temple.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is believed to be the site where the naval (Naabhi) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her body after her self-immolation. Sati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, was humiliated by her father during a yagna (ritual sacrifice) because she married Lord Shiva against his wishes. In retaliation for the insult towards her husband, Sati jumped into the fire, ending her life. In a fit of rage, Lord Shiva destroyed Daksha's yagna and carried Sati's burning body across the universe, performing the 'tandav', the dance of cosmic destruction. The places where parts of her body fell are now known as Shakti Peeths, and Purnagiri is one of these sacred spots, with her naval being the part that fell here.[1]
Pilgrimage and festivals
Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple, especially during the Chaitra Navratri in the months of March and April, to offer prayers and fulfill their wishes. Pilgrims trek the steep 3 km path to reach the temple, which is surrounded by lush forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Devotees also believe that visiting the Sidha Baba Temple after worshiping Maa Purnagiri is essential for the success of their pilgrimage.[2][3]
Accessibility
Tanakpur is well connected by road and rail to major cities in India. The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, which is 95 kilometers away from Tanakpur. The journey from Delhi to Tanakpur by road takes approximately 8–9 hours (330 km).