Trip To Maa Poornagiri

This was during my first visit to India after coming to US, back in December, '05. A trip to Poornagiri devi was our regular ritual while we were in Khatima. Thus me and my cousin brother, who still works there, started on a fine morning to the glorious temple where they say all your wishes come true :)

On our way, we stopped at the Chakrapur Temple and also the Bhoom Temple which stands by the bank of river Sharda. The overall trek, which once used to be 11 Km, is now only 5 Km, but still a challenge and yet a fulfilling experience.

About Maa Poornagiri temple : At a height of 3000 mts. above sea level, Purnagiri is 20 kms. from Tanakpur, 171 kms. from Pithoragarh and 92 kms. from Champawat. Purnagiri temple is visited throughout the year by devotees from all parts of the country, who come here in large numbers, particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. The surrounding valleys echo with the holy chantings of the devotees climbing up to the top for darshan, creating an atmosphere of spirituality. From Purnagiri, also known as Punyagiri, the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as Sharda. For visiting this shrine one can go upto Thuligaarh by vehicle. From this place one has to trek (the road is under construction upto Tunyas ). After the ascent of Bans ki Charhai comes Awalakhan (the new name is Hanuman Chatti).The south - western part of 'Punya Parvat' can be seen from this place. Another ascent ends at the TRC of Tanki. The region of temporary shops and residential huts start from this place upto Tunyas. From the highest point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can see the expanse of Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages. The old Buram Deo Mandi is very close to Purnagiri. From Tanakpur or Purnagiri it is possible to trek to Tamli and even to Jhulaghat along the Kali river.