Garjiya Devi temple is an ancient temple located in Garjiya village, which is 12 km away from Ramnagar on Dhikala road in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India.

Garjiya Devi temple is situated on top of a huge rock in the middle of Kosi river. It is said that during flood in Kosi river, the rock came down, on which the famous temple is built. Thousands of  devotees from different places, visit the place during Kartik Poornima, which coincides with the Sikh festival – Guru Nanak Jayanti. 4.5 feet high idol of Garjiya Devi is worshipped in the temple along with the Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Devi Sarswati and Bhair. It is believed that Garjiya Devi was pleased with the true devotion of her devotees. Devotees offer the Kumkum, red clothes and coconut, while praying. After worshipping Devi Garjiya, devotees worship Bhairava to complete the prayer. It is very famous temple in Nainital district.

History

Katyuri, the rulers of Ramnagar, discovered the temple in 1840. It is said that when the idol of Goddess Parvati was found on mountains in Garjiya village, the temple was built. It is one of the famous Shakti Shrine. Till 1940, many people did not know about Garjiya Devi Temple. But in 1970, the temple was reconstructed and after that, the number of devotees all across the world visiting the place increased. The temple has steep steps.

Legend

This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is the daughter of Himalaya and wife of Lord Shankar. Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Girija Devi, which is called in local language as Garjiya Devi.

As per the mythology, during the flood, the rock on which this temple is built, came down from Himalaya in Kasi river. When Bhairav Devta watched the rock flooding in the Kasi river, he stopped this rock. It is believed that after this incident, Goddess lives there and gives blessings to the devotees who visit the temple.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Garjiya Devi Temple is mainly in the months of November and December during the celebrations of Kartik Poornima. The monsoon season is not suitable to visit the place because of high water level at Kosi river.

Places to Visit

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is located 51 km from Ramnagar in north direction. It is one of the oldest national park in India. The park is named after the hunter turned photographer and author, Jim Corbett, who contributed to set this park.

Sita Vani Temple

This temple is located 20 km from Ramnagar. It is dedicated to Sita Devi. Every year during Ramnavami, a fair is held and devotees visit the holy place.
Ranikhet and Nainital are the nearest hill stations.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport to Garjiya Devi Temple is Pantnagar airport, which is 50 km away from Pantnagar town. The nearest International airport is Indira Gandhi International, Delhi airport.

Rail

Ramnagar is the nearest railway station. Ramnagar railway station is 65 km from Nainital. Ramnagar is 252 away km from Delhi.

Road

Garjiya Devi temple is 12 km away from Ramnagar and 75 km from Nanital. You can travel by train or bus till Ramnagar. Ramnagar bus station is near to the railway station. To reach Garjiya Devi Temple, you can take a taxi from Ramnagar.

Festivals

Kartik Poornima

Kartik Poornima festival is celebrated in the month of Kartik that is during the months of November and December. Numerous devotees visit Garjiya temple during the festival. A big fair is organized on the day of Kartik Poornima.