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Maa Nanda Devi Temple

  • 4.7

    Location: HMX6+XC4, Unnamed Road, Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601, India

    Estimated visiting time: 2 hours approximately

    Website not available

    Among the holy places in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state is Maa Nanda Devi Temple, which has a particular religious value. One of Devi Durga’s avatars, Nanda Devi, predominates in the temple. This temple is located at an altitude of 7816 meters above sea level. Maa Nanda Devi Temple is dedicated to Nanda Devi, the Chand dynasty’s patron goddess. Nanda Devi is honored as the daughter of the Himalayas, which are all over India. She has been worshiped as ‘Adishakti’ since ancient times. In Ancient Literature and Folklore, Nanda Devi exists continuously. 

    For locals, Nanda Devi is the caretaker of the entire earth. She is the wife of Lord Shiva. There is a peak, a river, a town, and even a bus, which are also to the honors of Nanda Devi. 

     

    Attraction

    Maa Nanda Devi Temple is a holy place for the Hindu people. Goddess Nanda Devi is the temple’s main deity and attraction of this place. People from all over the world come to have a darshan of Mata Nanda Devi. A vast carnival is held during the Nanda Ashtami, which is really attractive. Raj Jat’s occasions are also exciting.
    Moreover, the temple’s location is impressive. It is surrounded by beautiful hills. The temple’s hilly area and fantastic color story are perfect for taking photos. One can also enjoy the beautiful scenery from the temple’s backyard.

    History

    Over the years, two significant storylines of Nanda Devi have been mixed into one. The first one is from Kumaon. The most common story is that Nanda and Sunanda were two sisters born into the royal family of Kumaon. Every year, the community celebrated the birth of twins, considering it a sign of good fortune, and they weaved a story of their lives into the festivities.
    Once, both sisters went somewhere through the forest, and a buffalo began chasing them. Both sisters hid behind a banana tree, but a goat came and ate the tree leaves. The bull killed both sisters. Now, when annual celebrations occur on Nanda Ashtami, the idols of Nanda and Sunanda are made of banana trees shaped like a mountain. And a buffalo and a goat are sacrificed. The government banned animal sacrifice a few years ago. This version of the story is not famous in Kumaon but in Nainital and in Almora, which is the cultural center of Kumaon.

    Other regions have their local versions and temples. But let’s visit story number two, which was brought to you from Garhwal. Garhwal’s stories mention Nanda differently, and they mention them a lot more than Kumaon. The most common version in Garhwal is that Nanda is Parwati, born in the hills, and married Shiva of Kailash. This story is famous in TV serials and shows. The place where Shiva was married to Parwati is Baijnath, written in Manaskhand (a scripture), and Badri Dutt Pandey in his famous book, history of Kumaon. People of Garhwal say that Triyaginarayan was the site. Parwati got disenchanted and bored with Kailash. So, every 12 years, she returns to her maternal home for a few weeks. The journey back to Kailash is re-enacted in a 180 km (174 miles) long pilgrimage recurring every 12 years, called Nanda Devi Raj Jat. It starts in a village called Nauti near Karnaprayag, and the route continues along the Pindar river to Nanda Kesari, where Nanda of Kumaon meets Raj Jat. The whole pilgrimage continues north to Homkund via Bedni bugyal and Roopkund.
    Nanda Devi must have had another story before this in Garhwal, which was merged with the story of Shiva and Parwati sometime later. Further down the road, the story of Nanda Sunanda of Kumaon must have been merged with it.

    Inside/Outside Views

    Maa Nanda Devi Temple at Almora in Uttarakhand is the home to Maa Nanda
    Devi. At present, there are three temples in the Nanda Devi Temple range. On the left is the ‘Parwatishwar,’ in the middle, ‘Udia Chandreshwar’ is where Nanda Devi exits, called the Maa Nanda Devi Temple .

    There are some stares from the main road to the temple yard. Though Maa Nanda Devi Temple is 1000 years old according to history, the front part of the temple could be more modern-looking. The back part looks ancient enough. Maha Kali, Maha Laxmi, and Maha Sati idols are inside the temple. They are worshiped every day.

    Opening Hours

    Everyday             6 AM – 10 PM

     

    Entry & Others Fees

    No entry will be needed to visit this temple. 

     

    How to Reach

    By air: You can reach Almora city by Pantnagar airport. You can book a taxi from the airport to Almora City. 

    By train: The nearest railway station, Kathgodam, is well connected to the major cities of India, such as Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From there, you can hire a taxi to reach Almora. 

    By road: Reach Almora by any Uttarakhand at regular intervals. Then, Maa Nanda Devi Temple is within walking distance of the bus stop. 

     

    Tips for Travellers

    • Colth modestly. 
    • Put on footwear before entering the temple. 
    • Don’t carry heavy luggage. 
    • Try to make a trip in the time of Nanda Ashtami (you will able to enjoy the carnival then) 

     

    FAQ

    Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

    Ans: Yes, This place is entirely safe to visit. 

    Que -02: Is photography allowed inside the temple? 

    Ans: Photography is allowed, but photography inside the temple may not be permitted. 

    Que -03: Which goddess is Nanda Devi? 

    Ans: Nanda Devi is the avatar of the goddess Durga. 

    Que -04: What is the “Arti” time of Maa Nanda devi Temple?

    Ans: “Arti” times in the Nanda Devi Temple are 6.00 AM and 7.00 PM.

     

    All the best for your journey. Happy traveling!!!

    We wish you all the best for your journey. Happy Travel!!!

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