Discover the Dunagiri Temple Dwarahat in Uttarakhand Built by Pnadava

Dunagiri Temple is located 20  km from Dwarahat in Uttarakhand. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga. According to legend, when Hanuman was carrying the mountain with ‘Sanjivani Buti’ for Laxman, a piece of it fell here. Since then, this place has been known as ‘Doonagiri’ (with ‘Giri’ meaning ‘Fell’).

Location of Dunagiri Mata Madir

Dunagiri Temple is nestled in the serene surroundings of Malla Surana, Dwarahat. This beautiful temple is located right in the middle of a lush green forest, offering a peaceful retreat for visitors. To reach the temple, you’ll need to climb 365 steps, which adds a sense of adventure to the journey!

How to Reach Dunagiri Temple

Dunagiri Temple is around 400 km away from Delhi and about 100 km from Nainital. If you’re planning to travel by train, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is 140 km from the temple. For those flying, the nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. There’s a direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar, and the journey takes just about an hour. From Pantnagar, you can continue your journey to Dunagiri by road.

Opening Timings of Maa Dunagiri Temple in Uttarakhand for Devotees:

Location: Malla Surana, Dwarahat (Temple is located in the heart of a lush green forest in Dwarahat. One needs to climb 365 steps to reach the temple premises.)

Distance/Travel Time: 13.7 km / 30 mins (From Dwarahat Taxi Service, Dwarahat)

Entry Type / Exploration Time: Free Entry / 30 mins

• In Summer: 5 am to 6 pm
• In Winter: 5 am to 4 pm

Mahabharata Period

The Dunagiri Temple indeed holds a rich tapestry of ancient legends and history. According to the lore, it was believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during their exile from Hastinapur, making it steeped in millennia-old myths. This sacred site not only stands as a place of worship but also as a testament to the enduring cultural and spiritual heritage of Uttarakhand.

Ramayana Period

The Dunagiri Temple’s significance in the Dronanchal range dates back to the Ramayana. Legend says that during Lord Hanuman’s journey to bring the healing herb Sanjivani Buti to Lanka for Lord Laxman, a piece fell here, naming the place Dunagiri. This event made it sacred, becoming a revered site over generations. Today, it stands as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

Fair and Festival

Pilgrims flock to Dunagiri Temple, especially during the Chaitra and Ashwin months of Navratras, highlighting its spiritual prominence. Located amidst lush green forests in Malla Surana, Dwarahat, reaching the temple involves ascending 365 steps, offering a serene and spiritual journey.

Location & How to Reach Dunagiri Temple:

• Distance: 400 km from Delhi, 100 km from Nainital.
• Nearest Railhead: Kathgodam (140 km away).
• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, with direct flights from Delhi, making it accessible in just one hour.

Suggested Read: Mahavatar Babaji Cave India: Birthplace of Kriya Yoga

How to reach Dunagiri Temple Uttarakhand

Reaching Dunagiri Temple is a scenic journey through Uttarakhand’s beautiful landscape. Here are the ways to get there:

By Road:

• From Dwarahat: The temple is about 20 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus, which takes around 30-40 minutes.
• From Ranikhet: It’s approximately 55 km. You can hire a taxi or take a bus, enjoying mountain and valley views along the way.

By Train:

• The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam, well-connected to cities like Nainital, Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. From Kathgodam, take a taxi or bus to Dwarahat, then to Dunagiri Temple.

By Air:

• • The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 120 km away. Then take a taxi or bus to Dwarahat, then to Dunagiri Temple.
  • Alternatively, fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 300 km away. From Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

Besides the Dunagiri Temple itself, Dwarahat in Uttarakhand offers several fascinating attractions:

• Mahavatar Babaji’s Presence: The area is spiritually significant, believed to be graced by Mahavatar Babaji.
• Dwarahat Town: Explore this historical town known for ancient temples and local culture.
• Pandukholi Caves: Just 3 km from Dwarahat, these caves are linked to the Pandavas’ exile in the Mahabharata.
• Bagnath Temple: Located in Bageshwar, known for its architecture and as a pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva.
• Baijnath Temple: About 25 km away, renowned for its ancient idols and inscriptions.
• Kausani: A scenic hill station 50 km from Dwarahat, offering stunning views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks.
• Rudradhari Falls and Caves: 17 km away, these include a waterfall and ancient caves with historical significance.
• Patal Bhuvaneshwar: just 70 km away, it’s an underground cave temple of Lord Shiva, famous for its intricate formations and legends.