Purnagiri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri and is amongst the 51 `Shakti Peethas`. It is located about 92 km from Champawat district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This sacred pilgrimage spot is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters above mean sea level. Innumerable devotees pay a visit to Purnagiri Temple, particularly during `Chaitra Navaratri`, in March or April. During the occasion, they throng this temple and tie a thread to make a wish and they return to this spot, and untie the threads if their prayers are answered.
History of Purnagiri Temple
According to Hindu mythology, Parvati (Sati), the daughter of Dakha Prajapati married to Lord Shiva against the wishes of Dakha Prajapati. So to take revenge with Lord Shiva, Dakha Prajapati performed a Vrihaspati yagna where he invited all the deities except Lord Shiva & Sati. But knowing the fact that Sati was not invited, she expressed her desire in front of Lord Shiva to attend the yagna. Lord Shiva tried to stop her, but she didn"t understand anything, so Lord Shiva allowed her to attend the Yagna. Where, being an uninvited guest she was not given any respect. Sati"s father insulted Lord Shiva which was unbearable for her. So on discovering her father"s trick for humiliating her husband she jumped into the Yagna and committed suicide.
Seeing the burning body of Sati, Lord Shiva destroyed Dakha Prajapati"s Yagna. He carried the remains of her body with grief and started the dance of destruction through the Universe. The places where the parts of her body fell were recognized as Shakti Peeths. In Purnagiri the Naabhi (Naval) part of Sati fell where the present Purnagiri Temple is situated.
Visiting Places of Purnagiri Temple
People come here to worship the Devi in large numbers round the year. From the very spot of Purnagiri Temple, Kali River descends down into the plains called Sharda. From this temple, the south-western portion of `Punya Parvat` can be witnessed and Kali River`s spectacular beauty can also be observed from the topmost point of Purnagiri Temple.
Visiting Places near Purnagiri Temple
Awalakhan or Hanuman Chatti is located near to this temple, which can be visited easily right after crossing the "Bans Ki Charhai". One can also catch the sight of the town of Tanakpur and some Nepali villages. Close to this temple, Buram Deo Mandi is situated which is also quite popular among the tourists.
Visiting Information on Purnagiri Temple
Purnagiri Temple is located at a distance of nearly 171 km from Pithoragarh and 20 km from Tanakpur. Chakrapur railway station and Pantnagar airport are the nearest to this temple. National Highway 125 is the nearest way to reach the temple by road.
