Purnagiri Temple: A Divine Pilgrimage Destination In Uttarakhand

Goddess Shakti is being worshipped at Purnagiri Temple in Champawat, Uttarakhand.

Mata Purnagiri Temple is located around 20 kilometres from Tanakpur in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India’s Northern Himalayan state. This temple is highly visited during the festival of Chaitra Navratri which occurs in the days of March to April. The temple sees huge crowds coming from borders and beyond. Devotees are often seen seeking blessings for fortune and health at Purnagiri Temple. The site is revered as an utmost holy place and promises a unique experience.

Location

River Sharda is visible from the Purnagiri Temple which is 3000 feet above sea level.

Photo: Umais82 / Wikimedia Commons

The temple is located in Purnagiri, which is 3000 feet above sea level, is 20 kilometres from Tanakpur. Devotees from all over the nation arrive in great numbers at the temple throughout the year, especially during Chaitra Navratri in March and April. The river Kali, also called Sharda, flows into the plains from Purnagiri, also called Punyagiri. From this location, the southwestern portion of “Punya Parvat” is visible.

How To Reach

An image of Pantnagar Airport which is one of the ways to reach the Purnagiri temple.

Photo: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The closest airport to Purnagiri is Pantnagar Airport, which is located 160 kilometres away in Uttarakhand state’s Nainital district. From the Pantnagar Airport, taxis are accessible to Purnagiri. There are four round-trip flights per week between Pantnagar and Delhi.

By Train: Champawat is located 60 kilometers away from Purnagiri. Between Tanakpur Railway Station and Purnagiri, taxis and buses are readily available. Tanakpur has excellent connections to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Purnagiri and Tanakpur are well connected by motorable roads, and trains frequently stop at Tanakpur Railway Station.

By Road: Motorable highways provide Purnagiri with excellent access to key northern Indian and Uttarakhand state sites. There are buses from ISBT Anand Vihar to Tanakpur, Lohaghat, and numerous more locations, from which you may conveniently take a local taxi or bus.

Places To Visit In And Around Purnagiri Temple

Here is a list of places to visit around the Purnagiri temple.

1. Purnagiri Temple Mela

Devotees enjoying the fair in the premises of Purnagiri Temple in the Champawat district.

Photo: Nishta Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to this well-known Purnargiri Mela. This is held every year during the holy month of Chaitra Navratri next to the temple. This festival takes place throughout the course of the two months of March and April. Additionally, the temple’s own trust provides funding for it. Large crowds assemble to honour the goddess Shakti and to enjoy this fair in order to see the unique fusion of folk culture. They also witness the beauty of the mountain range.

Distance From The Temple: Inside the temple

2. Dandeshwar Temple

A religious visit to Dandeshwar Temple which is located in the Jageshwar Valley, India.

Photo: Harsh7284 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Located in the Jageshwar Valley in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India, Dandeshwar Temple is an important historical and religious monument. It is one of the 124 great and minor stone temples that make up the Jageshwar Temples Group, which dates from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Dandeshwar Temple is regarded as the largest temple in the complex and is located just upstream from the main Jageshwar Temple location. With its distinctive curvilinear tower, the temple construction demonstrates the old Nagara style.

Distance From The Temple: 21km

3. Ralam Glacier

Captivating natural beauty of Ralam Glacier during a trip to Purnagiri Temple in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Amar Adestiempo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A secluded yet captivating natural beauty, Ralam Glacier is located in Uttarakhand, India’s charming Pithoragarh district. The Ralam River draws heavily from this vast glacier, which is tucked away in the Kumaon Himalayas. The Ralam Glacier is surrounded by beautiful peaks and boasts breathtaking scenery, making it an enthralling setting for hikers and nature lovers. The region surrounding the glacier is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, lovely meadows, and charming villages that all contribute to the allure of the Himalayan scenery.

Distance From The Temple: 22km

4. Arjuneswar Temple

It is believed that Arjuna found Arjuneswar Temple during his exile in the town of Pithoragarh.

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In India’s Kumaon area of Uttarakhand, the Arjuneswar Temple is situated atop a hill close to the charming town of Pithoragarh. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, combines devotion with the splendor of nature. According to legend, Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded the temple while they were living in exile. Enjoy expansive views of the verdant surroundings and the breathtaking snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the backdrop when visiting this hallowed location.

Distance From The Temple: 21km

5. Dhwaj Temple

The holy site known as Dhwaj Temple is situated in Uttarakhand, India's Pithoragarh district.

Photo: Photographer Praveen Singh Bisht / Wikimedia Commons

The holy site known as Dhwaj Temple is situated in Uttarakhand, India’s Pithoragarh district. This holy location is tucked away at a height of around 2100 meters above sea level and provides sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Jayanti, the temple is regarded as the pinnacle of peace and devotion. With its dense forests and verdant surroundings, this location is also a well-liked trekking destination.

Distance From The Temple: 21km

Where To Stay

A view of a hotel room, one of the accommodations near the temple in Uttarakhand.

Photo: Kurt Kaiser / Wikimedia Commons

Finding the ideal place to stay close to Shri Mata Purnagiri Temple is simple. The following are a few hotels close to Mata Purnagiri Temple: Tanakpur is home to Hotel Reyansh. This three-star hotel has a tour desk and room service. Free WiFi and private parking are available to visitors, and there is a terrace. The Shyamlatal Hilltop Homestay in Tanakpur provides three-star lodging with a terrace and garden.

Where To Eat

Savoring delicious Jhangora Ki Kheer at a restaurant near the temple in Uttarakhand.

Photo: stu spivack / Wikimedia Commons

The indigenous cuisines of Uttarakhand had a strong influence on the culinary history of the area around Mata Purnagiri Temple. In terms of cuisine, it’s a combination of flavors that are straightforward but filling, distinguished by the heavy reliance on regional grains, lentils, and veggies. A few of the recommended restaurants are Hotel Reyansh, Mittal Restaurant, Khalsa Hotel and Joshi Restaurants. Some famous dishes are: Kafuli, Bhatwani, Aloo ke Gutke, Phaanu and Jhangora Ki Kheer.

Best Time To Visit

View of Purnagiri Hills from the temple in Uttarakhand showcasing serenity and nature.

Photo: TheOfficialHARSH / Wikimedia Commons

The annual Purnagiri Fair, which occurs in the month of Chaitra, is the ideal time of year to visit the temple. This fair commemorates the approximately 40-day Chaitra Navratri festival, with the final 10 days being the most auspicious and drawing thousands of devotees. With the change from winter to spring, the weather is good during this time, which makes it easy for pilgrims to travel and pray at the temple.

Other Factors To Consider

Carry suitable clothes and follow the travel tips while visiting the sacred Purnagiri Temple.

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Tips For Travellers

  • Make reservations in advance if you want to spend the night during the festival season.
  • Be ready for the physical strain and bring water and food. It’s also crucial to have a first aid kit on hand.
  • Also, when visiting temples and other places of worship, you should dress modestly and show respect for the local traditions.

Hindu followers place a high value on the Purnagiri temple. Thus, Navratri is when the majority of visitors come here. With constant chanting and devotional songs devoted to the goddess, the atmosphere is full of devotion. In addition to Purnagiri, you can visit other well-known Uttarakhand holy sites, such as Panch Badri, Gopeshwar Dham, and Naina Devi. Plan a trip with TripXL and learn more about the temple and its surroundings.

Cover Photo: Tejj / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

There is a paved road to Thulligad that is accessible by car. The pilgrimage begins there and is just roughly 3–4 km long. Depending on your strength and endurance, that should only take two to three hours.
Hindu holy traditions state that the Navel of Mata Sati descended into this mountain range, transforming it into a hallowed and revered location. It is a Shakti Peetha
The Sharda River is not far from Purnagiri Temple. Devotees ascend 480 steps to get to the temple.
Because the Purnagiri Temple is thought to be the location where the goddess Sati's navel fell, making it a Shakti Peeth, pilgrims attach great spiritual value to it. Visitors can get divinity and blessings from the temple.
It is believed that the navel of Goddess Sati fell at this place. The site is of utmost religious importance.

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