Purnagiri Temple

Purnagiri Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Uttarakhand and holds a very special place among the Shakti Peeths of India. It is situated in the Champawat district, near Tanakpur town. This holy shrine is dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri, who is worshipped as a powerful form of Goddess Shakti. According to Hindu beliefs, this is the place where the navel (nabhi) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Vishnu cut her body into pieces to end Lord Shiva’s grief after Sati’s self-sacrifice. Because of this, the temple is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeths and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

The temple is not just a religious site but also a place of natural beauty. Located on top of a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Sharda River, Kali River, and the surrounding Himalayan valleys. The environment is filled with peace, spiritual energy, and devotion, making it an important pilgrimage destination.

Purnagiri is also known as the Mahakali Peeth, where the Goddess is worshipped in her fierce and protective form. Devotees believe that a visit to this temple fulfils their wishes and brings prosperity, good health, and happiness. Every year during the Navratri festival, lakhs of devotees from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and even Nepal come here to seek blessings.

The temple complex is simple but powerful in aura. It has a natural rock formation where Goddess Purnagiri is worshipped, and devotees offer flowers, red cloth, and coconuts to the Goddess. The chants of “Jai Maa Purnagiri” echo in the valley, creating an atmosphere of strong faith and devotion.

Where is the Purnagiri Temple Located and Its Significance?

Purnagiri Temple is located about 20 kilometres from Tanakpur in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand. It is built on a hilltop at an altitude of around 5500 feet. The temple stands beautifully above the Sharda River, which flows at the base of the hill.

The significance of Purnagiri Temple comes from its association with the legend of Shakti Peeths. It is believed that the nabhi (navel) of Goddess Sati fell here, and since then, the place has been considered extremely powerful and sacred. People have immense faith in the Goddess, and many pilgrims undertake the tough climb to the temple to show their devotion.

Apart from its mythological value, the temple is also important because of its location. It lies close to the India–Nepal border, and many pilgrims from Nepal visit this shrine too. The temple is also considered an important Siddha Peeth, where wishes are granted when prayed with a pure heart.

Pilgrims believe that Goddess Purnagiri protects her devotees from all troubles and negative forces. The temple is also linked with fertility and prosperity, and many childless couples come here to pray for a child.

Nearby Attractions

• Tanakpur Town
• Sharda Barrage
• Kali River (Sharda River)
• Champawat Town
• Baleshwar Temple, Champawat
• Abbott Mount
• Mayawati Ashram
• Lohaghat
• Naini Saini
• Pancheshwar Mahadev Temple

How to Reach Purnagiri Temple?

Reaching Purnagiri Temple involves a mix of road and trek. The temple is located on a hill, so after reaching the base, devotees have to climb around 3–5 kilometres on foot. The climb is steep but rewarding, and along the way, you will find shops, resting points, and views of the valleys and rivers.

• By Road: The nearest big town is Tanakpur, which is well connected by road to major cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh. Regular buses and taxis are available from Delhi, Bareilly, Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Champawat to Tanakpur. From Tanakpur, shared jeeps and taxis are available up to Thulligad, which is the base point of the trek. From here, pilgrims trek uphill to reach the temple.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is Tanakpur Railway Station, which is about 20 km from the temple. It has direct train connections from Delhi, Bareilly, and Lucknow. From the station, one can hire a taxi or take local transport to reach the temple base.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, located about 130 km away. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to Tanakpur. Another option is Bareilly Airport (about 180 km), which also connects to Tanakpur by road.
• Trek Route: From the base camp (Thulligad), devotees trek around 3–5 km uphill. The path is paved in many stretches, and there are small stalls selling food, water, and offerings for the Goddess. The trek usually takes 2–3 hours depending on one’s speed and stamina.

Best Time to Visit Purnagiri Temple

The best time to visit Purnagiri Temple is during Navratri (March–April) when a grand fair, known as the Purnagiri Mela, is organised. This period attracts lakhs of devotees, and the whole area becomes lively with religious activities, stalls, and celebrations.

Apart from Navratri, the temple can be visited throughout the year, but the weather plays a key role:

• Summer (March to June): Pleasant weather, best for trekking and temple visits. Navratri is the peak time.
• Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall can make the path slippery and risky. It is not recommended for travel.
• Autumn (October to November): Another good season to visit as the weather is clear and comfortable.
• Winter (December to February): Cold climate, but devotees still visit. Carry warm clothes if visiting in winter.

For the best experience, plan your visit in the spring or early summer, when the temple is at its most vibrant with devotees and the surroundings are full of natural beauty.

Purnagiri Temple in Champawat is not only a Shakti Peeth but also a symbol of deep devotion, faith, and cultural importance. With its powerful spiritual energy, scenic beauty, and rich history, it is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Whether you are a religious devotee seeking blessings or a traveller exploring Himalayan spirituality, a visit to Purnagiri Temple will leave you with peace, positivity, and unforgettable memories.