Garjiya Devi Temple | History, Legend, Timings and Address

The ancient Temple of Garjiya Devi Temple had located on the outskirts of Garjiya village near Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. Garjiya Devi Temple is also known as Girja maata Mandir. Garjiya Devi Temple timings are from 7 am – 6 pm.

Garjiya Devi Temple

About the Garjiya Devi Temple:

It is a holy Shakti Kshetra where Goddess Garjiya had worshipped as the presiding deity. The Temple is situated on a large rock in the river Kosi and is one of the most famous temples in the Nainital district, visited by thousands of devotees. 

The Temple also houses an idol of Lakshmi Narayan dating back to the 9th century. Devotees climb steep steps to reach the Temple and offer saffron, red cloths and coconuts. After worshipping Devi Garji, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Bhairava to complete the prayer. 

Garjiya Devi Temple History:

Garijiya Devi Temple had built in 1940. Originally this Temple was discovered in 1840 by the Katyuri rulers of Ramnagar. This Temple had been saved and restored several times by the temple administrators.

Today, it offers an excellent infrastructure. You can also find a 4.5 feet tall Girija Devi idol along with idols of Goddess Saraswati, Ganesh and Bhairav. An idol of Goddess Parvati had believed to have been found in the mountains in Garzia village. 

The infrastructure of Garjiya Devi Temple:

Origin and Garjiya Devi Temple was located 12 km from Ramnagar and built as a temple structure in 1940. First discovered in 1840 by the Katuri rulers of Ramnagar, the Temple has been sheltered and rebuilt several times by the temple authority. Garjiya Devi is the main sanctum and idol of the Temple, and Sita Bani, Anasuya Devi and other deities had worshipped there.

Legend of Garjiya Devi Temple: 

There are various stories about the origin of the Temple. Girija is another name for Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, the king of mountains. The Devi idol in Garjiya Temple is a peaceful incarnation of Goddess Parvati. 

Another legend is that to control the flooded river Kosi, Bhairava asked his sister Garjiya to live there to control the river’s fury. Garjya agreed and started living on a rock in the river Kosi. Garjaya blessed the entire region with her presence, and it had believed that after Garjaya Devi lived at the rock, the river Kosi never flooded again. 

Festivals at Temple:

Festivals had celebrated with devotion. The Garjiya temple had beautifully decorated with lamps lit by devotees during festivals.

  • Kartika Purnima
  • Dussehra
  • Diwali

Best Time to Visit Garjia Devi Temple:

The best time to visit Garjia Devi Temple is between September to May. Travelling here is the best and most enjoyable during these months. 

The climate here is cold in winter. Temperatures here drop drastically due to the cold in winter. It isn’t easy to go here as it rains abundantly during the monsoon season.

Garjia Devi Temple Timings:

Here are the Garjiya Devi Temple timings:

DayTimings
Monday 7 am – 6 pm
Tuesday 7 am – 6 pm
Wednesday 7 am – 6 pm
Thursday 7 am – 6 pm
Friday 7 am – 6 pm
Saturday 7 am – 6 pm
Sunday 7 am – 6 pm

Nearby places to visit around Garjiya Devi Temple:

Corbett Falls: 

It is 28.41 km from Girija Devi Temple. Cascading down from 60 feet in the dense teak forest, Corbett Falls offers a respite from a tiring safari session. The area around the waterfall is perfect for enjoying a picnic. 

Dorothy Seat – Tiffin Top: 

Dorothy Seat Tiffin Top is 32.37 KM from Girija Devi Temple. A popular picnic area in Nainital, Tiffin Top (also known as Dorothy’s Seat), had located on Ayerpatta hill, which offers a spectacular 360-degree view of Nainital town and the surrounding hills of the Kumaon region. 

Besides being a picnic spot amid the calm and serene environment, Tiffin Top is a photographer’s delight.

Jhula Devi Temple:

 32.38 km from Girija Devi Temple, Jhula Devi Temple dates back to the 8th century and is situated in the Chaubatia Gardens and is 7 km from the city centre. Located in the Kumaon Himalayan range of Uttarakhand, the Jhula Devi temple is revered by devotees worldwide.

Sri Ma Naina Devi Temple:

Located 32.49 km from Girija Devi Temple is a popular Hindu shrine in Nainital. According to legend, the Naina Devi temple came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying Sati Devi’s corpse, and her eyes fell on the ground where the Temple currently stands.

Gangotri Temple:

Gangotri Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This Temple had located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. It had situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters in the Himalayan Range on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.

Badrinath Temple

This Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand. Alaknanda river flows next to the Temple. Devotees believe that the idol of Lord Vishnu is Swayambhu in nature.

Kedarnath Temple:

Kedarnath Temple had Located in the Garhwal Himalayan field in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. The Kedarnath Temple is one of the most prestigious and sacred Hindu temples, as it is part of the Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

Hemkund Sahib:

Hemkund Sahib (formerly Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji) is a Sikh worship area in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It had also called Hemkunt Sahib. This place is devoted to the tenth Guru of Sikhism, Sri Guru Gobind Singh.

Lakhamandal Temple:

Lakhamandal Temple had dedicated to Lord Shiva. It had located in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. The name of the complex has roots in words ‘lakha’ meaning ‘many’ and ‘mandal’ meaning ‘temples or lingam’. 

Hotels near Garjiya Devi Temple:

These are the hotels near Garjiya Devi Temple.

  • The Riverview Retreat – Corbett Resort by Leisure Hotels Group
  • Taj Corbett Resort & Spa
  • Club Mahindra Corbett
  • Corbett Aamod Resort & Spa
  • Riverside by Aahma
  • Hotel Holiday Highlights By Howard
  • Safari Park Resort
  • Krishna Corbett Resort

Garjiya Devi Temple Address:

National Highway 12, Ramnagar Range, Garjiya, Uttarakhand 244715

How to reach Garjiya Devi Temple? 

By Air: 

The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 50 km from the Temple. 

By Rail: 

Ramnagar railway station is about 65 km from Nainital. 

By Road:

Ramnagar Bus Station is near the Railway Station. Local buses and taxis are available to reach the Temple.

FAQs:

How many steps are there in Girja Devi temple? 

72 steps.

Where is the shrine of Girija Mata? 

Garjia Devi Temple, or ‘Girija Devi Temple’, is located in Sundarkhal village in Uttarakhand. 

Who is Girija Mata? 

Devi Girijiya is the daughter of Himalaya and consort of Lord Shiva. The Temple was very small till 1940, but in recent years the number of devotees has increased to lakhs.

Who is the famous Thumri singer Girija Devi related to? 

Girija Devi belongs to Senia and Banaras gharanas. She learned different classical forms like Khayal, Thumri and Tappa. She helped elevate Thumri’s profile in Indian classical music.

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