Purnagiri Devi Temple

Introduction to Purnagiri Devi Temple

Purnagiri Devi Temple is located 21 km from Tanakpur, Uttarakhand. The temple lies at a height of 3000 feet above sea level. The beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges surround the temple. It is a famous pilgrimage site for devotees. Purnagiri Devi Temple is one of the main Shakti Peeth temples of Uttarakhand. It is also known as Mahakali Peeth. Maa Purnagiri, believed to be the incarnation of Shakti, is the temple's main deity. It invites devotees and explorers to have a unique experience amidst the serene ambiance.

Legend of Purnagiri Devi Temple

The legend of the Purnagiri Devi Temple is interesting. Sati (Parvati) was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati in Satya Yuga. She showed interest in marrying Shiva. But her father was against her wish as he was a King and Shiva was a Yogi. However, Sati married Shiva against her father's wish. So, her father wanted to insult Shiva, his son-in-law, and he conducted a Yagna. Daksha invited all except Shiva and his Ganas.

Sati came to know about it. She asked her father to apologize to Shiva. But, her father insulted her before all his guests. Eventually, Sati immolated herself in the Yoga Agni. Shiva came to know about it. He ordered Veerabhadra to destroy the Yagna and kill Daksha. Veerabhadra, accompanied by Kali and Shiva Ganas, destroyed the Yagna and beheaded Daksha.

Overcome by grief, Shiva carried the burnt corpse of his consort and began to dance the Tandava (dance of destruction). To stop it, Vishnu sent his Sudarshana chakra, which severed Sati's body into many pieces, which fell down on earth. The places where the parts fell are now recognized as Shakti Peeths. Sati's navel is believed to have fallen in Purnagiri, where the present Purnagiri Devi Temple is situated.

The Architecture of Purnagiri Devi Temple

The Purnagiri Devi Temple is an ancient temple. It stands on a hilltop. Its architecture reflects the traditional style of the Kumaoni region. The temple’s main entrance faces the east direction. Two stone elephants welcome the devotees at the entrance. The temple is built using stone and wood. The slate tiles that cover the temple's roof protect it from snow and rain. Intricate carvings and paintings adorn the walls of the temple. Murals that depict scenes from Hindu mythology decorate the interior of the temple.

There are three main areas in the Purnagiri Devi Temple. They are the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha), the Antarala, and the main hall (Mandap). The square-shaped sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Maa Purnagiri. The Antarala is the area between the sanctum sanctorum and the Mandap. It is believed to be the place where the devotees receive the deity's blessings. In the main hall (Mandap), rituals and ceremonies are performed.

The idol of Maa Purnagiri is made of black stone. It is 3 feet in height. The idol is adorned with precious gold and silver jewels. People believe that she is a very powerful deity. The Purnagiri Devi Temple also houses the idols of other Hindu deities, including Ganesha, Hanuman, Shiva, and Kali. A scenic landscape adds to the temple's charm. The panoramic views from the temple attract tourists as well as pilgrims.

Festivals in Purnagiri Devi Temple

The Purnagiri Devi Temple celebrates all Hindu festivals grandly. During Durga Pooja and Navaratri, it organizes special Poojas. The entire temple glitters like a bejeweled bride. Devotees gather at the temple in lakhs to celebrate the Purnagiri Mela fair every year, starting with Chaitra Navratri and continuing till June. Navratri Mela, Vishwat Sankranti, and Kumaon are other famous temple fairs at the Purnagiri Devi Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at Purnagiri Devi Temple

During Navratri, devotees pray to the deity and tie a thread to fulfill their wishes. Once their wish gets fulfilled, they visit the Purnagiri Devi Temple to untie the threads. People believe that their children will have a long and healthy life if they undergo the Mundan ceremony (first tonsure) at the temple.