Dunagiri Temple, Alomra | History, Timing & best time to visit
Located in the Almora district in Dwarahat, Uttarakhand, Dunagiri Temple is a well-known shrine devoted to Maa Dunagiri or Maa Durga. This temple, also called Shakti Temple and Dunagiri Temple, is 8,000 feet above sea level. It is a significant holy location for the locals and provides both domestic and foreign visitors with a good view of the Himalayan peaks.
During the months of Ashwin and Chaitra in Navratri, a lot of people come to this temple. It is thought that a fragment of the mountain fell here when Lord Hanuman was carrying it with “Sanjeevani Buti” for Lord Laxman. Since then, it has been known as “Doonagiri,” where “Giri” means to fall. Visitors must up 365 steps to access the temple grounds, which the locals refer to as the Mangalikhan. One of the two Vaishnavi Shakti Peeths is the Dunagiri temple; the other is the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu & Kashmir. Located in the heart of the lush green forests of Dwarahat, one can have a great experience at this temple during any month except July when the rains make it difficult to enjoy the events here.
History of Dunagiri Temple, Alomra
The Pandavas are said to have sought refuge at this temple during their banishment. They spent a very long time seeking refuge in Pandukholi. According to another tale, this location is lucky because a chunk of the mountain fell while Lord Hanuman was carrying it with “Sanjeevani Buti.” Additionally, followers think that Tapasya, or pious austerity, was practiced here by the Pandavas Guru Dronacharya. The bronze plate that was installed within this temple is thought to have been there since 1181 AD. For Hindus in Uttarakhand, this temple is still regarded as one of the most illustrious and ancient places of worship.
Architecture of Dunagiri Temple, Alomra
One of the oldest temples in Uttarakhand is Dunagiri Temple, which is located about 8,000 feet above sea level. Perched atop the Kumaon Hills, it provides a stunning overview of the Gogas Valley and the Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba, Trishul, and numerous others. Visitors must ascend 500 stairs in total to view the entire temple, even if they must up 365 steps to enter the grounds. A bronze plate from 1181 AD can be found inside the temple.
Special Festivals Celebrated at Dunagiri Temple, Alomra
In this temple, several festivals are observed. First of all, a lot of pilgrims visit this location during Navratri, particularly in the months of Ashwin and Chaitra. Every night of Navratri is devoted to a different Maa Durga incarnation. Phooldei Chhamma Chhei is a popular custom during Chaitra month in which young women give the peasants jaggery, coconut, green leaves, etc. as a token of goodwill and receive gifts and money in return. at the month of Ashwin, children show light bonfires and multicoloured flags at Kahtarua. In addition to these holidays, other well-known celebrations held here include Maha Shivratri, Karthik Purnima, Ganga Dussehra, Makar Sankranti, and Basant Panchmi.
Furthermore, the most well-known event held here is the Nanda-Devi Mela, which begins on the day Devi visits her maiti, or her parents’, house and ends when she returns to her husband’s house. The focus on folk tunes is one element that all of the festivals held here have in common.
How To Reach Dunagiri Temple
Dwarahat is 14 km from Dunagiri Temple. After arriving in Dwarahat, tourists can travel to Dunagiri Temple in about 30 minutes by bus, taxi, or taxi. Kathgodam station (KGM), the nearest train station to this attraction, is around 122 kilometres distant and takes a little more than 4 hours to go there via NH109. As an alternative, the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), which is 156 kilometres away. Taking NH109 to Dunagiri Temple will take just over five hours. There are buses, taxis, and cabs from the train station and the airport.
Entry Timing Details
There is no entry fee for Dunagiri Temple and visitors can enter for free. The timings are as follows:
- Summer: 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Winter: 5:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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