Temples Near Champawat

POORNAGIRI TEMPLE:-One of the 108 Siddha Peeths, this Devi Temple is 21 kms from Tanakpur, Tunyas is 17 kms and from there 3 km trek leads to Purnagiri Temple. Tanakpur is linked by direct bus service with Lucknow, Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Kanpur and other Districts.

According to an ancient legend, Daksha Prajapati organised a sacrificial ceremony, for which he invited everybody except Lord Shiva. Parvati on discovering that it was her father's trick to humiliate her husband immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. While her husband carried her body, the places where the parts of her body fell were recognized as Shakti Peeth. The Shakti Peeth holds the prime position among Malikagiri, Kalikagiri, and Himlagiri Peeths.

During Navratras, in the Chaitra month of the Indian calendar, devotees in large number come here to have their wishes fulfilled. After worshipping Mata Purnagiri, people also pay their tributes to her loyal devotee Bada Sidth Nath at Brahmadev and Mahendra Nagar in Nepal.

BALESHWARE TEMPLE

Baleshwar is the most artistic temple of the district. There are evidences to the effect that the group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga had been built by the early kings of the Chand dynasty. The temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a 'mandap'. The intricate carvings still visible on the ceilings of these temples are an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence.

GWAL DEVTA TEMPLE

A deity of widespread faith and influence, Gwal Devta also known as Goril or Goll, is considered to be the presiding deity of justice. It is believed that when approached, Gwal Devta dispenses justice to a helpless victim of injustice and cruelty. Historically, Goril a Katyuric prince of Champawat, known for his unwavering justice and fair play, was himself a victim of planned conspiracy hatched up by his step mother, who had him thrown into a river, locked up in an iron cage. Held in high esteem as a symbol of justice, a temple was constructed in his honour after his demise at Golchaurh in Champawat. Ever since, he has grown into a deity of great influence. The temples attracts innumerable pilgrims round the year.

DEVIDHURA

At a distance of 45 kms. from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temple where the traditional Bagwal (fair) is held once every year on the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

KRANTESHWAR MAHADEV:-.

To the east of Champawat, the temple dedicated to Kranteshwar Mahadev is situated on the top of a lofty hill. It is also called Kurmapad and Kandev