Sureshwari Devi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sureshwari, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple is located in the town of Phatowali, which is around 20 km from the city of Almora.
The Sureshwari Devi Temple is an ancient temple with immense religious significance for the people of Uttarakhand. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and is said to have been constructed by the Katyuri Kings. The temple is built in the traditional Kumaoni architectural style, with intricate carvings and designs on its walls.
Beautiful natural surroundings surround the temple and offer stunning views of the valley below. The area around the temple is lush with greenery and provides an ideal location for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The temple attracts many devotees yearly, especially during the Navratri festival when special pujas and offerings are made to the goddess.
Legend has it that the Sureshwari Devi Temple was built to commemorate the victory of the Katyuri Kings over the demon Arunasur. According to local folklore, the monster was terrorizing the region's people and had to be defeated by the Katyuri Kings. It is believed that the goddess appeared before the Kings in a dream and instructed them to build a temple in her honour.
The temple also has Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, and Lord Ganesha idols. The temple has a peaceful and serene atmosphere and is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace.
Visitors to the Sureshwari Devi Temple can also explore nearby attractions like the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kasar Devi Temple, and Jageshwar Dham. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise and home to various wildlife species like the leopard, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer. Kasar Devi Temple is an ancient temple believed to have been visited by several prominent spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo. Jageshwar Dham is a group of more than 100 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sureshwari Devi Temple is a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
It is a beautiful waterfall located around 10 km away from the temple. The scenic beauty of the waterfall is mesmerizing, and the trek to the waterfall is also adventurous.
Located around 30 km from the temple, Rajaji National Park has diverse flora and fauna. One can witness tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and other animals here.
It is a famous shrine located around 40 km away from the temple. It is a sacred place for both Hindus and Muslims and is believed to fulfil the visitors' wishes.
Located in Haridwar, around 45 km from the temple, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.
Another popular temple in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple, is located around 45 km from the temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi and is believed to fulfil the wishes of the devotees.
It is a famous ghat in Haridwar, around 45 km from the temple. The ghat is considered one of India's most sacred places and is visited by millions of devotees every year.
Located around 60 km from the temple, Rishikesh is a popular destination among tourists and adventure enthusiasts. The town is known for its serene beauty, adventure sports, and ancient temples.
These are some of the places that you can visit near Sureshwari Devi Temple in Uttarakhand.