Shri Maa Purnagiri Temple - Tanakpur

Shri Maa Purnagiri Temple - Tanakpur. Dedicated to Maa Purnagiri (Goddess Sati). Located in Tanakpur.

Primary Deity

Maa Purnagiri (Goddess Sati)

Architecture

Traditional North Indian temple architecture, with a simple Garbhagriha and Mandapa. The focus is on the natural setting and the sanctity of the site rather than elaborate architectural structures.

Built

Unknown, believed to be ancient

Builder

Unknown

Entry Fee

No entry fee.

Best Season

Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-November)

Darshan Time

1-2 hours, depending on the crowd.

Dress Code

Traditional and Formal clothing

Address

Available soon.

History

According to Hindu belief, this site is a Shaktipeeth where the navel of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Shiva carried her body following the yagya incident. It is situated on the Annapurna peak at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters and is recognized as one of the 108 Siddhapeeths.

Spiritual Significance

It is a highly revered Shaktipeeth where devotees believe their wishes are fulfilled, making it a major site for pilgrimage in the Champawat district.

Spiritual Practices

Devotees engage in deep meditation, chanting of mantras, and circumambulation (parikrama) of the temple. Many undertake arduous treks to reach the shrine, considering the journey itself a form of spiritual penance.

Spiritual Experience

तीर्थयात्री अक्सर इस स्थान पर एक गहरी शांति, दिव्यता और माँ के सान्निध्य का अनुभव करते हैं। ऊँचे पहाड़ों और प्राकृतिक सुंदरता के बीच स्थित यह मंदिर एक अलौकिक अनुभव प्रदान करता है। माँ की कृपा का अनुभव करने वाले भक्त यहाँ से नई ऊर्जा और प्रेरणा लेकर जाते हैं।

Darshan Timings

• 03:00 PM - 09:00 PM
• 06:00 AM - 01:00 PM
• Timings may vary during festivals and special occasions. The temple remains open throughout the year.

How to Reach

• Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), approximately 120 km away. From there, hire a taxi or take a bus to Tanakpur.
• Tanakpur Railway Station (TPU) is the nearest major railway station, well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Bareilly.
• Tanakpur is well-connected by road. Buses are available from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Nainital, and Bareilly. The temple is about 20 km from Tanakpur town.

• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (PGH) - approx. 120 km
• Nearest Railway: Tanakpur Railway Station (TPU) - approx. 20 km
• Nearest City: Tanakpur (20 km)

Major Festivals

• Diwali
• Holi
• Navratri
• Chaitra Navratri

Sacred Mantras

• Usage: Chanted for protection and strength.
  Mantra: ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं ऐं महाकाल्यै नमः
  Meaning: A powerful mantra invoking Goddess Kali, a form of Durga.
• Usage: Chanted for blessings and well-being.
  Mantra: ॐ सर्वमंगल मांगल्ये शिवे सर्वार्थसाधिके शरण्ये त्र्यंबके गौरि नारायणि नमोस्तुते
  Meaning: A universal prayer to the Goddess for auspiciousness and fulfillment.

Special Puja

Special pujas and Havan are performed during Navratri and other auspicious occasions. 'Maha Mrityunjaya Puja' is also performed for longevity and well-being.

Unique Rituals

• Name: ध्वजा चढ़ाना (Flag Offering)
  Timing: During auspicious days and personal vows.
  Description: भक्त मंदिर के शिखर पर लाल ध्वजा चढ़ाते हैं, जो माँ के प्रति उनकी श्रद्धा और समर्पण का प्रतीक है।
• Name: नारियल चढ़ाना (Coconut Offering)
  Timing: Daily during puja.
  Description: माँ पूर्णगिरि को नारियल चढ़ाना एक महत्वपूर्ण अनुष्ठान है, जो सौभाग्य और समृद्धि का प्रतीक माना जाता है।

Associated Legends

• Title: Sati's Sacrifice
  Narrative: पौराणिक कथाओं के अनुसार, जब देवी सती ने अपने पिता दक्ष प्रजापति के यज्ञ में आत्मदाह किया था, तब भगवान शिव ने उनके पार्थिव शरीर को कंधे पर उठाकर तांडव नृत्य किया था। इस दौरान देवी सती का नाभि (नाभि) भाग इस स्थान पर गिरा था, जिससे यह स्थान पूर्णगिरि शक्तिपीठ के रूप में विख्यात हुआ।
• Title: Pandavas' Penance
  Narrative: कहा जाता है कि पांडवों ने अपने वनवास काल के दौरान इस स्थान पर देवी माँ की आराधना की थी और यहाँ तपस्या की थी।

What Devotees Pray For

• Problem: इच्छा पूर्ति
  Practice: भक्त अपनी मनोकामनाओं की पूर्ति के लिए माँ पूर्णगिरि से प्रार्थना करते हैं।
• Problem: संकट निवारण
  Practice: जीवन के कष्टों और बाधाओं को दूर करने के लिए माँ का आशीर्वाद लेने आते हैं।
• Problem: स्वास्थ्य लाभ
  Practice: बीमारियों से मुक्ति और अच्छे स्वास्थ्य के लिए प्रार्थना करते हैं।

Miracles

Numerous anecdotal accounts of devotees experiencing divine intervention, sudden recovery from illnesses, and fulfillment of long-cherished desires are reported by pilgrims.

Mysteries

The exact location of the navel falling is not precisely marked, but the entire area is considered sacred. The continuous flow of pilgrims despite the challenging terrain is also seen as a testament to the divine power of the Goddess.

Scriptural References

• Text: Devi Bhagvata Purana
  Context: Mentioned as a significant Shakti Peetha.
• Text: Shakti Peetha Stotram
  Context: Lists Purnagiri as one of the major Shakti Peethas.

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