Purnagiri Devi Temple

Purnagiri Devi Temple, also known as Punyagiri, is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga located near Tanakpur in the Champawat district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is perched atop a hill at an altitude of 3,000 meters (approx. 9,800 feet) and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas—the divine places where parts of Sati’s body are believed to have fallen.

ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे॥
Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche – A powerful Shakti mantra
दुर्गा स्तोत्रम् (Durga Stotram)
या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥

― Purnagiri Devi Temple

It is one of the most important Shakti shrines in North India and attracts lakhs of pilgrims, especially during Navratri.

Mythological Significance & History

The temple’s origins are rooted in the Shakti Peetha legend, where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell to Earth during Lord Shiva’s grief-stricken dance (Tandava) after her self-immolation.
At Purnagiri, it is believed that Sati’s navel (nabhi) fell, sanctifying the site as a powerful Shakti Peeth.
References to this site are found in ancient scriptures including the Devi Bhagavata Purana and Tantra texts.
The temple has been a center of Tantric and Shakta worship for centuries, drawing sages, yogis, and devotees from across the Himalayas and the plains.

Significance of the Temple

Purnagiri is also known as “Punya Giri”—the hill of virtue.
Devotees believe that offering prayers here fulfills wishes, especially for health, wealth, and children.
Considered a powerful center for Shakti sadhana, especially during Chaitra Navratri (March–April).
Thousands of pilgrims undertake a steep trek to reach the temple and offer red chunari, coconuts, and sindoor.
The Kaali River (Sharda) flowing below is considered sacred and pilgrims bathe in it before ascending.