Girija Devi Temple — Attraction in Uttarakhand

Girija Devi Temple. Trip Advisor requires you to give a rating before you can start writing the review.I am afraid my rating in the case of Girija Devi Temple is totally misleading and no one should form an opinion based on this resting of "Average". The reason for this will become clear to you by the time end of the review is reached.Having made many trips, the taxi drivers know ley points from where the Girija Devi Temple is visible miles before reaching the temple. Our driver was no exception and we had a wonderful glimpse of the temple through the trees.After turning off from the highway, as we were getting closer the crowds and the parked vehicles kept increasing. I have no idea if 13 April 22, a Wednesday had any significance in the religious calendar, but we found it difficult to find a place to park our taxi. Proceeding towards the temple we traversed through the lane which is very typical of a lane anywhere in the world which leads to a place of worship. Like all those lanes this was also lined on both sides by shops selling puja material and the shopkeepers pleading for you to buy the same.The place was hot and quite crowded. For the last couple of years, we were consciously avoiding crowded places therefore in this place we were overwhelmed by crowds. The narrowness of the lane made matters worse. Yet we persisted and reached the bridge which led to the Girija Devi Temple. Temple is situated on a hill almost 100 odd feet high and is reached by a covered staircase which looked steep and narrow. After seeing the covered staircase to reach the 100-foot high temple, our resolve to brave the crowds simply gave way. We looked at and admired the temple from far. It is undeniable that the temple is located in a very scenic place. Hundreds of people taking baths in the Kosi River seemed to be hugely enjoying themselves. Knew it was not possible yet felt like joining them in the river.Google translation of a descriptive board in Hindi about Girija Devi Temple is Given below.All living and non-living things move through energy (energy). Shri Girija Devi Temple is situated on a hill 100 feet high in the middle of Kaushiki River (Kosi). Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Uttarakhand's famous temple of Mother Girija Devi, situated on the forehead of Ramnagar district Nainital, in the middle of the swift stream of Kaushiki river, is a wonderful miracle from time immemorial. Since time immemorial, the temple being situated in the water stream is believed to be the effect of divine power. It is a pilgrimage site only for pious people. Not only this, it remains the focal point of attraction for tourists from India and abroad. This holy place stands motionless with the Mata Girija Temple on its head, even after suffering the constant blows of the river for centuries. This place is believed to be of Mahabharata period. Here, Maharaja Virat has worshiped Mother Girija (Shakti) and at this place, Goddess Girija has also been worshiped by Kaushiki Rishi, hence the name of this river is called Kaushiki River in Puranas. At this place, the idol of ancient Shri Lakshminarayan ji is established in the eighth century before the Katyuri dynasty. Visitors here consider themselves blessed by having darshan.Pt. Ramkrishna Pandey, resident of Ranikhet (Bithhad), came to this place in the year 1935 and started performing worship and worship. Since then his son Purn Chandra Pandey along with is parents and family continues to function as pujari of...

Garjiya Devi Temple, also known as Girija Devi Temple, is a revered Hindu shrine situated in Garjiya village near Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. Perched atop a large rock in the Kosi River, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Garjiya, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. 

Location and Accessibility: The temple is located approximately 14 kilometers from Ramnagar, on the outskirts of Jim Corbett National Park. Its unique position atop a 60-foot high rock in the middle of the river makes it a notable landmark. 

Religious Significance: Garjiya Devi Temple is considered a sacred Shakti shrine, attracting thousands of devotees, especially during Kartik Purnima (a full moon day in November or December). During this festival, the temple is adorned with colorful lights and diyas, creating a vibrant atmosphere. 

Temple Structure: The temple houses a 4.5-foot high idol of Goddess Garjiya, along with idols of Devi Saraswati, Lord Ganesha, and Bhairav Nath. Notably, there is also a black granite statue of Lakshmi-Narayan dating back to the 9th century. 

Visiting Experience: Visitors reach the temple by crossing a bridge over the Kosi River, followed by ascending a series of steep steps leading to the sanctum. The panoramic views of the surrounding river and lush greenery enhance the spiritual experience. Many devotees also take a holy dip in the Kosi River near the temple. 

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Garjiya Devi Temple is between October and May, coinciding with the safari season of Corbett National Park. This period also includes major festivals celebrated at the temple, offering a culturally rich experience. 

Cultural Significance: The temple holds historical importance, with the region’s sanctity dating back around 3000 years during the times of the Kuru and Katyuri dynasties. Local legends and stories contribute to its cultural and religious significance among devotees and tourists alike. 

Garjiya Devi Temple’s unique location, historical significance, and spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit destination for those traveling to...

The temple is situated 12kms from Ramnagar over a large rock in the Kosi River and is one of the most famous temples of the Nainital district Upon entering the temple that is naturally surrounded by the Kosi River, all you will see around are shops selling flowers and other essentials for worshiping the gods, and a lot of locals as well as tourists, queued up on the narrow stairs waiting for their turn to climb up to the temple. The story behind temple is one night before a flood that hit this area a saint saw a dream that something along with water will come flowing in this region and he has to stop it. The next day, the area was hit with the flood and the saint saw a big mountain of clay and mud that was constantly getting collected in one place with the flow of water. He then meditated to stop the mountain on that place itself. Since then, the mountain is standing there at 100 metre tall, where people established effigies of idols – that later came to be known as the Garjiya temple

Another myth is that in order to control the over flooded river Kosi, Bhairav Dev the devotee of Lord Shiva asked Garjiya his sister to marry Kosi and reside there itself to control the angriness of the river. Obeying his order, his sister Girjya married Kosi and start residing in the rock located in the Kosi river. Girjya, being one of the avatar of Goddess parvati, blessed the entire place divine with her presence and it is believed that after Garjiya Devi resided at the rock, river Kosi never flooded again. Kartik Poornima is the festival of lights. The Garjiya temple fully decorated with diyas lit by devotees and worshipers during the time of festival gives a wonderful panoramic view over the Kosi River, which surely demands for a visit to this divine Devi temple at least once in...