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Purnagiri Temple

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About

Purnagiri Temple is one of the revered shrines in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri, a manifestation of Durga and Mahakali, the Purnagiri Temple is situated in a small town of Tanakpur in the Champawat District. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, where the navel of Goddess Sati has fallen. Devotees with a deep faith in the goddess visit the shrine throughout the year.

Purnagiri Dham

The Purnagiri Dham is just 22 km away from the Tanakpur Bus Stand and can be reached by shared taxi. To reach the main shrine, devotees must cover a trek of 3 km, which is well-paved. Situated at a height of more than 3,000 meters, the temple offers a scenic view of the surrounding landscape.

In the main complex, the idol of Maa Purnagiri is enshrined at the centre, along with idols of other deities. After seeking the blessing of Maa Purnagiri, pilgrims traditionally visit the Bhairav Baba Temple, situated at the entrance.

Purnagiri Fair

Purnagiri Dham in the Kumaon region celebrates Navratri with great zeal and enthusiasm, especially the Chaitra Navratri (March-April). During this time, a 40-day-long Purnagiri fair is being organised by the committee, when thousands of devotees flock to the temple to seek the Goddess's blessings.

Baba Siddhanath

It is believed that, after receiving the blessings of Maa Purnagiri, devotees should also visit the Baba Siddhanath Temple to complete their pilgrimage. Also known as the Brahmadev Temple, it is located just one km away from the Tanakpur Bus Stand, at Mahendar Nagar in Nepal.

Opening and Closing Time

Purnagiri Temple remains open for devotees throughout the year. During this time, pilgrims can visit the shrine to offer prayers and seek blessings. During Navratri and on other occasions, the temple remains open for the devotees round the clock. The duration when the temple remains closed for darshan at night is announced by the temple committee. For 2025, the Purnagiri Dham will remain closed at night from October 2 to December 30, 2025.

History

Being one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, the history of Purnagiri Dham is similar to other Shakti Peeths linked with the legend of Sati. According to the mythology, King Prajapti once organised a yagna, and he deliberately chose not to invite his son-in-law, Lord Shiva, to humiliate him. Deeply hurt by this, his daughter Sati jumped into the sacrificial fire to end her life. After knowing this, enraged Shiva destroyed Daksha's yagna and carried Sati's charred body across the universe. During this, her body parts fell at different places, which later came to be known as Siddh Peeths. Purnagiri is one such place where her navel fell.

Location and Accessibility

Purnagiri Temple is situated in the Champawat District of the Uttarakhand Kumaon region. From Chamapawat, the Purnagiri Temple is 92 km and 120 km from Haldwani. It can be accessed easily up to Tanakpur bus stand by bus and shared taxi. After reaching Tanakpur bus stand, you can continue your journey by shared taxi to reach the temple entrance.

Accommodation

For an overnight stay, accommodation facilities are available at Tanakpur, where visitors can book hotels and homestays ranging between Rs 1,000 - Rs 2,000. Alternatively, visitors can also stay at the Dharmashala in the Temple premises free of cost.

Hotel Reyansh
Hotel Siddharth
Hotel Bhagirathi Inn
Hotel J.B
Hotel Neelkanth
Anand Ashram Dhramshala
Kannauj Dharamshala
Pandey Pooja Bhandar Kasganj Dharmshala
Badayun Dharmshala
Kumaun Dharmshala
Bhairav Mandir Dharmshala

Important Tips for Travellers

Book an overnight stay at Tankapur if you arrive late in the evening.
Dharamshala facilities are also available at the Temple for overnight stay.
Expect heavy crowds during Chaitra Navratri.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will need to climb more than 1,000 stairs.
Prasad stalls are available along the temple trek route.
Do not forget to seek the blessing of Bhairav Nath at the temple entrance.
Bring an Aadhaar Card if visiting Baba Siddhanath Mandir in Nepal.

Nearby Attraction

You can also explore some other popular places, such as: -

Baba Siddhanath Temple
Shyamlatal
Banbasa Range.
Sharda Ghat

How to Reach

Purnagiri Dham, located in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, is just 22 km away from the Tankapur bus stand. It is easily accessible by shared taxis available from both the railway station and the bus stands. The temple itself is situated around 3 km away from the entrance point, which must be covered on foot.

By Road: - Shri Maa Purnagiri Temple is situated approximately 23 km away from the Tanakpur city bus stand. Tanakpur is well-connected with major nearby cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, providing direct bus connectivity from their respective bus stands. From Tanakpur bus stand, shared taxis are easily available to access the temple entrance point, whose fare costs between Rs 60 - Rs 100 per person.

By Rail: - Tanakpur Railway Station is closest to the temple, approximately 22 km away. It has limited connectivity with Delhi and Haridwar. From the station, visitors can take a shared taxi to reach the temple entrance.

By Air: - The closest airport to the temple is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 118 km away. From there, one can either take a bus or a shared taxi to reach the Tanakpur. Alternatively, they can also hire a taxi to reach the temple directly.

Best Time to Visit

Purnagiri Temple in Kumaun remains open for the devotees round the year. However, the best time to visit the temple is considered from September to May, when the weather is pleasant for the journey. Apart from this, you can also visit the shrine during Chaitra Navratri (March-April), though the temple is extremely crowded at that time.