7 Temples in Kumaon You Must Visit in 2024

When I think of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon, the first thing that comes to mind is its stunning natural beauty. But as I explored the area, I also discovered a rich spiritual heritage with some of the most fascinating and awe-inspiring temples I’ve ever seen.

I was lucky enough to visit 7 of them, and in this blog post, I want to share my experiences with you.

From ancient shrines to modern marvels, these temples are not only places of worship but also true architectural wonders. Each one has a unique story and a special energy that will inspire and uplift you.

Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or simply curious about the region’s culture and traditions, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

So if you’re planning a trip to Uttarakhand, include these seven must-visit temples in your itinerary. Trust me; they will be some of your journey’s most memorable and enriching experiences.

Katarmal temple

Location:

The Katarmal temple is located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, around 17 km from the town of Almora. It is situated at 2,116 meters above sea level in the Kumaon hills.

History and Significance:

The Katarmal temple is a group of several ancient Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex was built during the 9th or 10th century by the Katyuri dynasty.

The main temple in the complex is dedicated to Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

The temple complex is known for its exquisite architecture, with intricate carvings and designs that showcase the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans of that era.

The temple complex was originally larger, but many of its temples were destroyed by the earthquake in the 19th century.

How to Reach:

The Katarmal temple can be reached by road from Almora. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Almora. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 120 km from the temple, and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is around 90 km away.

Also Read: Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Nainital

Chitai Golu Temple

The Chitai Golu Temple in Almora is a famous spiritual spot you might want to check out if you’re in the area.

It’s dedicated to a deity called Golu or Goljyu Devta, a Lord Shiva form. People believe that this temple can grant your wishes if you ask for something with a good heart.

Also Read: The History of Kedarnath Dham

The Bells and Festivity of Chitai Golu Temple

This temple is quite special because of its reputation for being a wish-granting place. People come from all over to offer bells to the deity, making the temple festive and colourful.

You’ll notice the walls covered with these bells, which people call ghantas.

Old Charm and Natural Surroundings

The temple itself has an old and rustic look to it, which gives it a unique feel. It’s also surrounded by beautiful scenery, which makes it a great place to relax and meditate. 

If you’re into history, you might be interested to know that the temple has been around for centuries and has seen a lot of changes over the years.

Easy Access from Almora

If you’re interested in visiting this temple, getting to Almora is easy. You can take a taxi or bus to the temple, about 9 km away. The trip is worth it if you want a peaceful and spiritual experience.

Also Read: Mahasu Devta Temple In Hanol

Dol Ashram

Dol Ashram is a peaceful retreat amidst the lush greenery of the Himalayan forests. It was founded by Shri Parma Yogi Kalyan Das Ji in 1990, who dedicated his life to spiritual pursuits and meditation.

The ashram includes several temples, a meditation hall, and scenic gardens that create a tranquil atmosphere. 

In April 2018, the world’s largest Shri Yantra or Shri Chakra was installed in the ashram’s meditation center, adding to its spiritual significance.

History

Dol Ashram, founded in 1990, is the creation of the spiritual leader, Shri Parma Yogi Kalyan Das Ji, who was born in a small village in the Almora district of Uttarakhand.

His spiritual journey began at 12 when he devoted himself to his guru, Guru Paramhansa Baba Swaroopdasji. 

Also Read: उत्तराखंड और भू- क़ानून

For over 20 years, he practiced meditation and yoga, primarily in the Himalayas and Orissa, making it the centerpiece of his spiritual life.

Things to do in Dol Ashram

1. Attend yoga and meditation sessions led by experienced teachers.
2. Take a dip in the natural water pool at the ashram.
3. Explore the lush green gardens and breathe in the fresh mountain air.
4. Visit the temples within the ashram premises and participate in the daily prayers and rituals.
5. Attend satsangs and spiritual discourses by renowned speakers.
6. Take a walk in the nearby forests and enjoy the natural beauty of the Himalayas.
7. Participate in the various workshops and events organized by the ashram.
8. Experience the unique Shri Yantra meditation in the Shri Yantra Dhyana Peetham.

How to reach There

Dol Ashram is located in the village of Jageshwar, about 35 km from Almora. One can reach Almora by road from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Kathgodam. 

From Almora, taxis and buses are available. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam and Pantnagar is the nearst Airport, which is about 130 km from Jageshwar.

Also Read: 10 Best Adventurous Trekking Places in India

Soni Binsar Ranikhet

Location 

Binsar Mahadev Temple (Soni Binsar) is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarakhand, India. 

This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, among the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is situated at 2,480 meters, offering captivating views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain range.

History Of Temple

The Binsar Mahadev Temple has a rich history dating back to ancient times. According to legends, the Pandavas constructed the temple during their exile in the forest. It is said that they visited this place to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Later, the temple underwent a renovation under the reign of King Kalyan Chand from the Chand dynasty.

During the auspicious occasion of Shivratri, the temple attracts many devotees who come to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The atmosphere becomes vibrant and filled with holy enthusiasm, creating a unique spiritual experience.

Also Read: Tungnath Mahadev- The Highest Shiva Temple

How to Reach

The temple is approximately 22 kilometers from Almora and can be easily reached by road.

Advice to Visitors

To ensure a pleasant visit, carrying essentials like water, snacks, and appropriate footwear is advisable, as the terrain can be uneven in certain areas. 

It is also recommended to respect the temple’s sanctity and follow any guidelines or regulations.

Also Read: Neem Karoli Baba Ashram Nainital

Bageshwar’s Baijnath Temple

The main temple at Baijnath showcases a mesmerizing black stone idol of Parvati, exquisitely carved with intricate details. Access to the temple is through a stone staircase, built under the orders of a Katyuri queen, leading from the riverside. 

Along the way to the main temple, just below the residence of the Mahanta (temple priest), you’ll find the enchanting Bamani Temple.

Just outside the temple complex lies a lake full of fish, “Golden Mahseer”; fishing is strictly restricted.

Historical Tales of Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple is believed to have been constructed around 1150 A.D. by the Katyuri kings of Kumaon. It served as the capital of the Katyuri Kings during the 7th to 11th centuries A.D. when it was known as Kartikeyapura. 

Located in the heart of the picturesque Katyur Valley, Baijnath Temple is a testament to the region’s rich heritage.

Mythological Journey at Baijnath Temple, Bageshwar

According to Hindu mythology, the sacred union of Lord Shiva and Parvati took place at the confluence of River Gomati and Garur Ganga. Baijnath Temple complex is dedicated to Siva Vaidyanatha, the Lord of Physicians. 

The temple houses idols of various deities, including Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya, and Brahma, adding to its mystical charm.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Baijnath Temple is from September to May. During the summer months of March to May.

How to Reach

Bageshwar is well-connected by road networks, and regular bus services operate from major cities and towns in Uttarakhand. You can reach Bageshwar by state-run buses or private taxis.

From Bageshwar, Baijnath Temple is approximately 18 kilometers away, and you can hire a local taxi or take a shared jeep to reach the temple.

Also Read: Duryodhana Temple In Uttarakhand

Patal Bhuvaneshwar 

Patal Bhuvaneshwar, located in the Kumaon region, is an intriguing limestone cave temple nestled 14 km away from Gangolihat in Uttarakhand, India.

Patal Bhuvneshwar and Its Caves

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a fascinating cave city consisting of a network of caves. These caves, illuminated for easy exploration, stretch 160 meters long and go 90 feet deep from the entrance.

Stories from the Depths

According to ancient tales, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is believed to enshrine Lord Shiva and millions of other deities.

Legend states that King Rituparna of the Sun dynasty discovered the cave during the Treta Yuga. The Skanda Purana’s Manas Kanda, Chapter 103, speaks of the blessings those who visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar receive.

How to Reach

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is approximately 14 km from Gangolihat in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India. To reach Patal Bhuvaneshwar, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from major nearby cities like Almora or Pithoragarh to reach the destination.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Patal Bhuvaneshwar is during the summer and autumn seasons, from April to November. 

It is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season, as heavy rainfall can make the roads and trekking paths difficult to navigate.

Note:

Tourists are always recommended to check weather conditions and road accessibility before planning your visit to Patal Bhuvaneshwar, as they may vary depending on the time of year and prevailing circumstances.

Doonagiri Temple

In the Uttarakhand district, there are many mythological and revered Shakti Peethas. One of these Shakti Peethas is Doonagiri Vaishnavi Shakti Peeth.

The temple of Mother Doonagiri, located 15 km ahead of the Dwarahat area in the Almora district of Uttarakhand state, is a center of immense faith and devotion.

In 1318 AD, King Sudhardev of the Katyuri dynasty constructed the temple and established the idol of Durga. Not only that, the temple also houses the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

The legend about the Doonagiri temple

According to the legend, during the Treta Yuga, when Meghnad’s weapon hit Lakshmana, Sushen Vaidya requested Hanuman to bring the Sanjeevani herb from the Dronagiri mountain. While lifting the entire mountain, a small piece of the mountain fell at this spot, and after that, the temple of Doonagiri was built.

This mountain is also known as Dronagiri because of the penance performed by Guru Dronacharya, the teacher of the Pandavas. The Puranas, Upanishads, and historical texts have described Doonagiri as Maya-Maheshwari or Prakriti-Purusha and in the form of Durga Kalika.

According to the Himalayan Gazetteer’s ETT Edition, there is evidence of the temple’s existence in inscriptions dating back to 1181. 

Beliefs about the Doonagiri temple

In the temple located in Dwarahat, there is a constant queue of devotees throughout the year. However, during the Navratri festival, many devotees come from far and wide to seek blessings from Goddess Durga at Doonagiri. 

The temple worships “Mother Doonagiri ” in the form of Vaishnavi. It is believed that for any woman who lights an eternal lamp here and performs prayers for progeny, Mother Vaishnavi blesses her with the joy of children. When their wishes are fulfilled, devotees offer gold and silver umbrellas, bells, and conch shells in the temple. The thousands of bells hanging in the temple symbolize the devotees’ love, faith, and devotion towards Mother Doonagiri.

Unique Features of Doonagiri Temple:

The Doonagiri Temple is known for its natural beauty and serene ambience. It is unique because it does not have any idols inside. Instead, natural rock formations resembling the forms of the Goddess are worshiped. 

The temple also features the continuous burning of an Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame), a distinctive characteristic.

Why Visit Doonagiri Temple?

Visiting Doonagiri Temple offers devotees peace, spirituality, and connection with the divine. The temple’s surroundings, with panoramic views of the Himalayan range, add to the overall spiritual experience. The thousands of bells hanging in the temple represent the devotees’ love, faith, and devotion towards Goddess Durga.

Things to Do:

1. Temple Visit: The main attraction is, of course, the Doonagiri Temple itself. Explore the temple complex, admire the natural rock formations representing the deities, and pray to Goddess Durga.
2. Spiritual Retreat: Doonagiri Temple is a peaceful and serene place. Spend time in meditation, connect with your inner self, and experience the spiritual ambience of the temple.
3. Nature Walks: Surrounding Doonagiri Temple are breathtaking natural landscapes. Take leisurely walks, enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayan mountains, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.
4. Explore Almora: Almora, the nearby town, offers various attractions. Visit other temples, such as Chitai Golu Devta and Kasar Devi. Explore local markets, try traditional cuisine, and experience the local culture.
5. Trekking and Adventure: If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can plan trekking expeditions nearby. The region offers beautiful trekking trails that allow you to witness the stunning beauty of the Himalayas.

I hope you found this blog post interesting and easy to understand. It’s all about the amazing temples in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. These temples are not only beautiful but also have a special meaning and spiritual significance.

One of the temples we talked about is called Katarmal. It’s really old and has lots of detailed carvings on it. Another temple, Chitai Golu Temple, is known for granting wishes to people who visit. It’s like a magical place!

Dol Ashram is a peaceful retreat where you can relax and find inner peace. Binsar Mahadev Temple is a big and grand temple that will leave you in awe.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a mysterious cave temple with lots of secrets hidden inside. And Doonagiri Temple has a special aura and is considered a holy place.

If you ever plan a trip to Uttarakhand, make sure to visit these temples. They are not just beautiful buildings, but they also have a special spiritual energy.

You can learn about their stories, enjoy the amazing views, and even take part in the rituals.

I really hope you get to visit these temples and experience the beauty of Uttarakhand. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and family so they can also learn about these amazing places.

Let’s celebrate the spiritual and cultural heritage of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region together!

Have a safe and wonderful journey filled with peace, knowledge, and unforgettable memories!

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