Purnagiri Temple

Purnagiri Temple (पूर्णगिरि मंदिर) is a Shakti Peetha in Champawat district, Uttarakhand.

Overview

The Purnagiri Temple atop Purnagiri Hill in Champawat district enshrines the goddess Purnagiri (a form of Annapurna) and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand.

History and Legend

According to tradition, the navel (nabhi) of Sati fell at this site. The temple’s antiquity is established by references in theas Khand of the Skanda Purana. The temple has been a major centre of Tantric worship for centuries.

Architecture and Features

The temple sits atop a hill at approximately 1,700 metres and is reached by a steep stairway of several hundred steps. The sanctum houses a stone image of the goddess. The temple offers panoramic views of the Kumaon Hills and the Sharda River valley.

Modern Status

The temple is managed by the Purnagiri Temple Committee and receives lakhs of pilgrims annually, especially during the Navaratri fair. The annual fair is one of the largest in Uttarakhand.

Verification Notes

• One of the 51 Shakti Peethas per traditional Shakta accounts; referenced in Skanda Purana.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).