Temples In India

Uttaranchal Garjiya Devi Temple

Location	Near Ramnagar, India
Built by
Also known as
Primary deity	Garjiya Devi
Important Festivals
Attraction

Garjiya Devi Temple is based in a village called Girjiya which is located near Ramnagar as one of the sacred Shakti Peeths. Garjiya Devi is the presiding deity of this temple which is located over a giant rock in River Kosi. The temple is visited by flock of crowds who visit many other temples in Nainital district during the Kartik Poornima. This festival is also acknowledged as the festival of lights dedicated to Gods. The Kartik Poornima festival even coincides with the prominent Sikh festival – Guru Nanak Jayanti.
This temple is a prominent Hindu temple which holds immense religious importance for the Hindu people.

History

It is believed as per legends that Ramnagar is based near Dhikuli which is an ancient rural region. Before the Katyuri rulers came and ruled the Ramnagar region, it was the rulers of Kuru royal families that ruled this place. They lived under the influence of ancient Indraprastha. It is said that the history of this Dhikuli region dates back to 3000 years where different Katyuri, Chandra, Gorkha and English rulers ruled for years. This temple was constructed in the year 1940 however now this temple has been re-constructed and made much better in infrastructure than what it was few years ago.

It is said that a river flowed very fast touching the temple premises, and at that time, Bhairav Dev asked her sister Garjiya to stop and reside with him there only. Since then Goddess Girjiya resides here making this place divine.

Discovery of Temple

The temple was discovered in 1840, by the rulers of Ramnagar, Katyuri. This temple houses an idol of Girjiya Goddess.

How To Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is 50 kms away from the town of Pantnagar. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearby international airport located in Delhi.

By Rail

Ramnagar has a railway station which falls under the administration of Izzatnagar division. This station is located nearly 65 kms from Nainital. This station has direct railway links to Varanasi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Rae Barelli, Moradabad, and Kashipur.

By Road

Ramnagar bus station is based near the Railway Station. There are local regular buses that operate from Ramnagar for Kashipur and Nainital. The national highway 121 is mainly linked which starts from Kashipur while ends at Bubakhal, from where one can pass through Uttrakhand and reach Ramnagar.

Important Shrines

The main shrine is the Garjiya Devi Temple which has immense significance. People from different parts of the country come and visit this temple. The other is the Seeta Bani Temple.

Significance Of The Temple

It is said that before 1840, this region was full of thick and dense forest. But when the administration of forest and people realized that there were idols of God and Goddess at different places on the small rocks near the river, they realized the religious importance of this place. They felt that Mata Garjiya Devi has strong presence here. Even though an individual needs to travel all through the dense forest, experiencing the tall and wild plantations, climbing up the rock, listening terrifying voices of wild animals, still there are many people who come and visit this temple with utmost devotion.

It is said that the vehicle of Durga Mata, tiger is seen many times taking rounds around the rock on which this temple is based.

Weather And Time To Visit

Ramnagar has a pleasant climate all through the year however it is advised to visit the place during winter season as the weather is chill and perfect for climbing the rock and pay homage to the temple. Summers are generally avoided as they are warm and it might be somewhat difficult to climb the hill rock and visit the temple. Monsoon must be avoided for sure as there are chances of landslides or slippery rock which might injure the individuals who desire paying homage to the temple during monsoon season.

Accomodation

There are numerous hotels located near Ramnagar. There are Dharamshalas and yatri Niwas also which provide stay at economical prices. Apart from these there are government approved private hotels also which range from luxurious to cheap budget hotels. Individuals must make advance bookings for the hotels so that there is no last minute rush.

Tips For Devotees

Devotees visiting the temple must make sure of their physique and must have strong stamina and healthy fit and fine body to climb the hill rock. They must be ready mentally to hear strange wild animal voices and be prepared to face difficulties with respect to the dense forest which is full of wild flora and fauna. It is wise to carry torch and sufficient batteries along with you.

Rules And Rituals Of The Temple

• There are no particular rules and rituals of this temple.
• One must visit the temple during appropriate aarti timings to pay homage to the deity while dress up decently.

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