Archaeological sites in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand, unfold the ancient cultural heritage of the region. A number of old temples grace the place revealing the cultural beliefs and magnificent architecture that prevailed in the bygone era. Rock inscriptions have also been found at the temples which further reveal several historical facts. Apart from these, numerous ruins and mounds have also been discovered in this region. These archaeological sites also form a popular tourist sites and attract a number of tourists from far off regions to explore the ancient history of Pauri Garhwal district.
Develgarh
Develgarh is situated near the town of Srinagar. The place was founded by the King of Kangra, known as Devel. The major attractions of Develgarh include Rajrajeshwari temple, Gauri Devi temple and Laxmi Narayan temple. A number of inscriptions have been found on the stones of the temples. The Laxmi-Narayan temple houses `Sthanaka` (standing) Vishnu sculpture. The decorative motifs and the artistry of the temple suggest that they belong to 9th-10th century A.D.
Shankar Math
Shankar Math is located at a distance of about 3 kilometres from the town of Srinagar. Adi Guru Shankaracharya is believed to have established this temple. The architectural beauty of Shankar Math is immensely admirable. Stone idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are found in the Garbhagriha or the sanctum of the temple. The artistic features of the temple signify that its origin is enrooted in 17th century.
Keshori Math
Keshori Math is another important archaeological site known for its exquisite architecture. Huge stones form the structure of this temple. On the stone of the main entrance, inscriptions belonging to 1682 A.D. have been found which say that the temple was erected by a person named `Keshorai`.
Binsar Mahadev
Binsar Mahadev is another ancient temple which stands at an altitude of 2480 metres. The temple was built in the honour of Lord Shiva and holds much archaeological significance. The Garbhagriha or the sanctum houses idols of Maheshmardini, Har Gauri and Lord Ganesha. Inscriptions in `Nagri lipi` have been found engraved in the idol of Maheshmardini which suggests that it belongs to 9th century.
Kanda
The temples of Kanda are located near Delchauri village, at a distance of about 44 kilometres from the district headquarters of Pauri Garhwal. Bhagwati temple stands in this place, the sanctum of which hosts idols of Vishnu (12th - 13th century), Surya (10th- 11tt century), Uma-Mahesh (11th-12thcentury) and Lakshmi-Narayan (12th century). Apart from these, many other images of other deities have also been discovered which makes the place archaeologically important.
Deval
Deval group of temples are located in Sitansu Patti of Pauri tehsil. It is also known as Vashnav temples. Twelve temples constitute this group which are categorized into two groups on the basis of time period. The first group of temples comprise of Shiva and Lakshman temples of 18th to 19th century. The other group is more ancient than the first group and belong to 11th to 15th century.
Laldhang
Laldhang is located in Kotdwar tehsil of Pauri Garhwal district. In the main market a Shiva temple stands. In the sanctum of this temple an idol of Panchyatan Shivling is installed which was brought from Panduwala. Surrounding the Panchyatan Shivlig images of Uma-Mahesh, Surya, Vishnu and Bramha are engraved. The main idol belongs to 9th century. Apart from this, ruins of temples and ponds along with remains of pre and post medieval era earthenware have also been found.
