Discover Devalgarh Uttarakhand: The most Ancient Temple of Shiva

Devalgarh Fort and Temple are in Devalgarh town, which is a hill town in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Devalgarh is a spiritual city. Uttarakhand is famous for its rich culture, civilization, and history. Today, Devalgarh Uttarakhand is known for its temples that were built with old, ancient architecture.

Deogarh got its name from Raja Deval. It is believed that Devalgarh Uttarakhand was founded by Raja Deval of Kangra in the 14th century. The place was named after him. According to another story, there was an ashram of a sage named Deval here, and later the followers of Guru Gorakhnath set up Satya Nath in this area.

History of Devalgarh Fort

The history of Devalgarh Uttarakhand is linked to the Panwar kings. In the 16th century, there was a kingdom of the Panwar dynasty in Garhwal. During this time, King Raja Ajay Pal of the Panwar dynasty moved his capital from Chandpur to Devalgarh because of the invasion by the Kumaon kings.

It is said that the royal family would spend their summers in Devalgarh and winters in Srinagar. King Ajay Pal is also believed to have formed the state of Garhwal by uniting 52 small strongholds, from where he ruled over all of Garhwal.

Devalgarh is located on a high hill, allowing King Ajay Pal to keep an eye on all 52 bastions and easily monitor any enemies. However, he only made Devalgarh his capital for 5 years. After facing some issues, he moved the capital to Srinagar. One of the major problems in Devalgarh was the water shortage, which led to King Ajay Pal relocating his capital.

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Devalgarh Temple and Fort

Today, the remains of Devalgarh Fort are no longer present, but there are several temples that were built in the area. The main temples include the Raj Rajeshwari Devi Temple, Gaura Devi Temple, and Lakshmi Narayan Temple.

These temples are made of stone, with archaeological inscriptions found on them. The Raj Rajeshwari Temple is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is dedicated to Goddess Rajeshwari, the local deity of the Garhwal kings.

The temples display clear examples of Garhwali architecture, especially the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, which is a beautiful ancient structure that enhances the city’s charm. Devalgarh Uttarakhand is well-known for this group of ancient temples. The Raj Rajeshwari Temple, built during the medieval period, holds great religious and archaeological importance.

Along with the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, the Gaura Devi Temple is also famous. This temple, dedicated to Mother Parvati, is considered a Jagrut Shaktipeeth, meaning it has significant religious importance. According to legends, this temple was built by Lord Kuber himself.

Devalgarh Nagpanthi & Satyanath Samadhi

It is believed that King Ajay Pal himself built the Raj Rajeshwari Temple and also established Shri Satyanath Bhairav and Raj Rajeshwari Yantra there.

This place also holds the seat of the famous Satya Nath ji of the Nath sect. In ancient times, Devalgarh was an important pilgrimage site for Nathpanthi Yogis, and it is home to the Samadhi of many Nagpanthi Mahants, with Satyanath Samadhi being the most famous.

When King Ajay Pal made Devalgarh his capital, he built a temple-like structure using stones from damaged temples and placed all the deities inside it.

However, when he later shifted his capital to Srinagar, he handed over the building to the temple. Ajay Pal chose Srinagar due to its strategic and commercial importance at the time.

The natural scenery around Devalgarh is breathtaking, with many platforms and rooms built on them. These are believed to have been constructed for soldiers to protect the palace from all sides.

Religious Importance of Devalgarh Temple

The Raj Rajeshwari Temple is known for the worship of the Shree Yantra, which is considered an advanced form and is said to be the only one of its kind in Uttarakhand.

The Raj Rajeshwari Temple is situated at a height from the other temples and is famous for its tradition of Akhand Jyoti, an unbroken flame that keeps burning, making it a Jagrut Shaktipeeth. Raj Rajeshwari Devi is believed to be the local goddess of the Garhwal kings.

A fair is held every year in April at the Raj Rajeshwari Temple, attracting a large number of devotees from all around.

A Trio of Temples: Devalgarh’s Spiritual Heart

1. Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple

• In the historical town of Devalgarh, the Maa Raj Rajeshwari Temple is dedicated to Maa Raj Rajeshwari, the Goddess of wealth, yoga, splendour, and salvation. The temple has been revered for its spiritual significance since ancient times and continues to attract many devotees, including those from overseas.
• The temple was built after King Ajay Pal made Devalgarh the capital of the Garhwal region. The temple sits on a plateau with three large sections, each four floors high. These sections are adorned with overhanging eaves and aesthetic bases. The windows of the temple are carved directly into the exterior rock wall, with no wood used in the construction.
• The temple follows a havan (sacred fire ritual) tradition every day, and it becomes even more vibrant during the Navratri month when the Devi is worshipped for nine days. The temple’s significance is so widespread that the ashes from the Havan-Yajna are even sent abroad to places like Australia, Saudi Arabia, London, and the UK.

2. Gauri Devi Temple

• Another important temple in Devalgarh is the Gauri Devi Mandir, the oldest temple in the region, built in the 7th century. According to legends, the temple was constructed by Kuber, and it showcases the architectural style of the Katyuri-Chand dynasty.
• The Gauri Devi Temple complex also houses two smaller temples: Shri Styanath Temple and Shri Kamal Nath Bhairav Temple. The main sanctum of the temple features idols of Bhagwati Gauri and Singh Vahini Devi, adding to the temple’s religious significance.
• Behind the Gauri Devi Temple, there is a cave that is now closed. According to legend, the cave was once home to Deval Rishi, who had an ashram there. Later, it was established as a Satyanath by Guru Mata. In Hinduism, a Satyanath is a sacred place where people recite Mantras.
• Every year, during the harvest season, a large fair is organized in the town. At this fair, locals offer chapatis made of wheat as an offering to the goddess.

3. Laxmi Narayan Temple

• Dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi, this temple exudes serenity. Its elegant architecture and peaceful ambiance make it a haven for spiritual seekers, offering a calm retreat in the midst of nature’s beauty.

Other Structures in Devalgarh

In addition to the historic temples, Devalgarh is home to two other notable structures: Murli Manohar Mandir and Som ka Manda.

The Murli Manohar Temple is a small rectangular stone structure that was originally dedicated to Lord Krishna. Today, the temple is abandoned, but it remains a popular spot for travelers who come to enjoy the serene views of the surrounding green hills.

The temple is built on an elevated platform and is supported by pillars on all sides. These pillars are beautifully engraved with intricate designs and symbols. The temple features a central gate that provides a glimpse into the inner sanctum, though it is not accessible due to its low ceiling height.

Next to the Murli Manohar Temple is a rectangular structure called Som ka Manda, which is situated on an elevated rectangular platform.

According to locals, this structure was once used as a courtroom by the king to pass judgments. It features a pillar in the center, providing structural support to the building. The pillar, along with the interior of the structure, is adorned with several intricate designs and symbols.

Devalgarh Fair

The Devalgarh Fair is a three-day event held in the village to offer prayers to Raj Rajeshwari Maa and Gaura Devi. During the fair, the idols of Goddess Raj Rajeshwari are taken out of the temple for the people to offer their prayers and offerings.

This fair is one of the most important events in the town, drawing hundreds of devotees from all across India. It is a key occasion that helps preserve the religious and historical significance of the place for future generations.

Best Time to Visit Devalgarh Fort and Temple

The best time to visit Devalgarh is from October to December during winter, and from March to April during summer.

How to Reach Devalgarh Fort

Another popular tourist destination near Devalgarh is Khirsu, which is about 15 kilometers away. To reach Devalgarh from Khirsu, take the road turning towards Devalgarh Uttarakhand from Badrinath National Highway 58.

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