Image Source: Umesh Sharma
About Gaura Devi Temple
Gaura Devi Temple, located in Devalgarh, Uttarakhand, is a renowned religious and historical site dedicated to Goddess Gaura (a form of Goddess Parvati). This ancient temple is not only a place of worship but also an architectural marvel that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
The Gaura Devi temple is a renowned religious and historical site located in Devalgarh, Uttarakhand. Goddess Gaura is a form of Goddess Paravati. The temple was built in the 15th century by King Ajay Pal, who made Devalgarh his capital.
It features Katyuri-style architecture and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Uttarkhand. Devalgarh is home to several ancient temples, including the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and the Gaura Devi Temple, making it an important religious hub in the region.
Gaura Devi Temple is located in Devalgarh. If you are travelling from Srinagar to Rudraprayag, then the temple is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from Srinagar.
History of Garura Devi Temple
In the history of Garhwal, Devalgarh holds an important place because it was the capital of the king of Garhwal. According to local folklore, during Satyug, Devalgarh was ruled by King Dewal, who was the son of Satyayug King Sashibindu. Later, the name of the region was established as the Devalgarh that we call today. Before Gaura Devi Temple was established, it was believed that Baishav, who was a son of Kubera, used to worship a god named Raj Rajeshwari Devi. After getting blessings from Raj Rajeshwari Devi, he constructed the Gaura Devi temple. The temple of Rajeshwari Devi is situated in the vicinity of the Devalgarh road.
Architecture of Garura Devi Temple
A prime example of the architecture of Garhwal, the Garura Devi Temple is beautifully carved and reflects old tradition. Near the temple, a huge boulder named Som-Ki-Danda lies. A script in Pali written on a boulder says how old the temple is. Pali was used during the Ramanuj period. He was a great devotee who had travelled to North India to spread Vaishnavism.
Deval Garh Significance
Deval Garh was the capital of Garhwal before it was shifted to Srinagar. The presence of a large number of temples reflects the region’s historical importance.
Preservation
Efforts are ongoing to preserve its heritage. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recognised the temple as a protected site due to its historical and architectural value.
Best Time to Visit
- The ideal time to visit the Gaura Devi Temple is during the spring and autumn months (March to May and September to November), when the weather is pleasant.
- The monsoon season should be avoided due to heavy rains and potential landslides in the region.
How to Reach Gaura Devi Temple
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, around 125 km away.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 100 km from Devalgarh.
- By Road: Devalgarh is well-connected by road and can be reached via a short detour from the NH-58. Local buses and taxis are available from nearby towns like Pauri and Srinagar.
Map and Location of Gaura Devi Temple
Gaura Devi Temple is located in Devalgarh. If you are travelling from Srinagar to Rudraprayag, then the temple is located at a distance of 18 kilometres from Srinagar.