India is a land of diverse cultures and religions. It is a place where people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate life and pay their respects to the divine. One such place is the Purnagiri Temple in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. This temple is an important pilgrimage destination for people of the Hindu faith, and is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, making it a significant spiritual site.  

Introduction to Purnagiri Temple  

The Purnagiri Temple is situated in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, on the banks of the River Kali. The temple is perched on a hilltop and can only be accessed by foot. It is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva resided during ancient times. The temple is also known as the Punyagiri Temple and is considered to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, which are important shrines dedicated to the goddess Shakti.  

History of Purnagiri Temple  

The history of the Purnagiri Temple dates back to ancient times. It is believed that the temple was built by the Chand kings of Kumaon in the 14th century. According to legends, the temple was visited by Lord Rama during his exile, and it was here that he met Hanuman for the first time. The temple has undergone several renovations over the years, and the current structure was built in the 19th century.  

Significance of Purnagiri Temple  

The Purnagiri Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for people of the Hindu faith, and is considered to be one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Purnagiri, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple attracts a large number of pilgrims every year, who come to seek the blessings of the goddess.  

Architecture of Purnagiri Temple  

The Purnagiri Temple is a magnificent structure that showcases the architectural brilliance of ancient India. The temple is built in the North Indian style of architecture and is made of stone and wood. The temple has a large courtyard, which is surrounded by several smaller shrines dedicated to different deities. The main sanctum of the temple houses the idol of the goddess Purnagiri, which is adorned with beautiful jewelry and clothes.  

Festivals Celebrated at Purnagiri Temple  

The Purnagiri Temple is the venue for several important festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show. The most significant festival celebrated at the temple is Navratri, which is a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Shakti. During Navratri, the temple is beautifully decorated, and devotees come from far and wide to offer their prayers to the goddess.  

How to Reach Purnagiri Temple  

The Purnagiri Temple is located in Tanakpur, which is well-connected to the rest of India by road and rail. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 130 kilometers from the temple. From Pantnagar, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Tanakpur. Tanakpur is also well-connected by rail, and there are several trains that run between Tanakpur and major cities in India.  

Accommodation near Purnagiri Temple  

There are several options for accommodation near the Purnagiri Temple. One can find several budget hotels and guesthouses in Tanakpur, which offer basic amenities at reasonable prices. There are also several ashrams and dharamshalas near the temple, where one can apartment-style rooms or dormitory-style accommodation at affordable prices. For those looking for more luxurious options, there are several resorts and hotels located a little further away from the temple.  

Best Time to Visit Purnagiri Temple  

The best time to visit the Purnagiri Temple is during the months of March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temple is not too crowded. The monsoon season, which falls between June to August, should be avoided as the region receives heavy rainfall, which makes the trek to the temple difficult.  

Tips for Visitors  

If you are planning to visit the Purnagiri Temple, here are a few tips to keep in mind:  

• Wear comfortable shoes as the trek to the temple can be quite steep and strenuous.  
• Carry a small backpack with essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.  
• Make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple.  
• Avoid visiting the temple during the monsoon season as the region receives heavy rainfall, which can make the trek difficult.  

Hidden facts about Purnagiri Temple, Tanakpur:-

Purnagiri Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Tanakpur, Uttarakhand, India. Here are some lesser-known facts about this temple:

Historical Significance: Purnagiri Temple is considered to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, where the limbs of Sati's body are believed to have fallen after Lord Shiva's Tandav dance. The temple is also associated with the story of Lord Rama, who is believed to have visited this place during his exile.

Location and Accessibility: Purnagiri Temple is situated at an altitude of 3,300 feet above sea level, on the banks of river Kali. It is located about 20 km from Tanakpur town and can be reached via road or rail. The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport, which is approximately 151 km away.

Unique Rituals: One of the unique rituals performed at Purnagiri Temple is the "Kanya Pujan," where nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Another interesting ritual is the "Jhaar Foonk," where devotees throw a handful of dry rice towards the deity and the rice comes back as flowers, indicating the fulfillment of their wishes.

Festivals: The most important festival celebrated at Purnagiri Temple is Navratri, which attracts a large number of devotees from across the country. The temple also celebrates other festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, and Holi with great enthusiasm.

Scenic Beauty: Purnagiri Temple is surrounded by scenic beauty and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. The temple complex is also home to several other small temples and ashrams, making it a popular tourist destination.

Legends: According to legend, Purnagiri Temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile. Another legend states that the temple was built by a king named Kalyan Chand, who had a dream in which the goddess instructed him to build a temple at this location.

Renovation: The temple has undergone several renovations over the years, with the latest being in 2013-14, where the temple complex was expanded and modernized. The renovation work was carried out by the Uttarakhand government, with the aim of improving the facilities for devotees.

Purnagiri Temple is an important pilgrimage site in India, steeped in mythology and history, and attracting thousands of devotees every year.

How to reach Purnagiri Temple, Tanakpur by road and nearest bus stand?  

Closure  

The Purnagiri Temple is a serene pilgrimage destination in India that is steeped in history and culture. This magnificent temple is dedicated to the goddess Purnagiri and is considered to be one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India. The temple's stunning architecture, picturesque location, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a spiritual experience.  

FAQs  

What is the history of the Purnagiri Temple?   

The Purnagiri Temple dates back to ancient times and is believed to have been built by the Chand kings of Kumaon in the 14th century.  

What is the significance of the Purnagiri Temple?   

The Purnagiri Temple is considered to be one of the 108 Shakti Peethas and is dedicated to the goddess Purnagiri, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees.  

How can I reach the Purnagiri Temple?   

The Purnagiri Temple is located in Tanakpur, which is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 130 kilometers from the temple.  

When is the best time to visit the Purnagiri Temple?   

The best time to visit the Purnagiri Temple is during the months of March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is not too crowded.  

Are there accommodation options near the Purnagiri Temple?   

Yes, there are several budget hotels, guesthouses, ashrams, and resorts located near the Purnagiri Temple that offer a range of accommodation options at different prices.