Dwarhat temple is located on the top of Drona mountain which is closest to Dwarahat, around 14 km away, which also makes it one of the most famous Dwarahat temples. The temple is associated with various myths and legends from different eras of Hindu mythologies. The temple is mentioned in stories associated with both Ramayana and Mahabharata, two of India’s most famous Hindu mythologies. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is the second Vaishno Shakti Peeth in India after Vaisho Devi in Jammu & Kashmir. All your desires and wishes come true here if you visit the temple with a pure mind and kind heart. This Dwarahat temple is famous among devotees all around the world who believe in Hindu religion and spirituality.
Mythologies Attached To Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple
Legends say that during the Ramayana, when Hanuman ji was carrying the mountain with Sanjivani, one of the leaves was dropped on the Drona mountain, at which the temple was later built. To date, various herbs can be found around the area, which somewhat supports this myth.
Another legend says that the Pandavas built the temple during their exile. It is said that Draupadi worshipped here for the Pandavas’ victory. Dunagiri temple is also mentioned in Manas Khand of Skanda Purana as Mahamaya Harpriya, enhancing its significance in various areas of India.
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History Of Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple
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Dunagiri’s famous Dwarahat temple was built by Karturi, the Dharmadev ruler, in 1318 AD. According to Himalaya Gazeterian ET Edkikshan, this temple was mentioned in 1181 inscriptions in different parts of India. Karturi installed the idol of Goddess Durga along with Lord Hanuman, the temple of Shri Ganesh, and Bhairav ji in front of the idol during the establishment of the temple.
The temple is home to one of the mythologically approved Shaktipeeth, second after Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. The temple is also known as Dronagiri, which is known after the name of Pandavas guru, Dronacharya.
Religious Significance
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The temple is famous because it is said that one of the two Vaishno Shakti peeth is located here. To this day, there is no idol in this temple, as the Siddha Pinds is the form that devotees worship in this Dwarahat temple. There are around 365 stairs you have to climb to reach the temple, which is protected with iron railings on both sides.
One can see various bells hanging on the stairs’ sides, symbolising people’s faith in the Goddess. It is a ritual that when one’s desire or wish comes true, they return and tie a bell as a gesture of gratitude. People also offer silver, gold or anything valuable at the temple. The most common problem which has been solved here is childbirth, where you perform one ritual under a moonlight lamp, and the Goddess will give you happiness. This Dwarahat temple does not accept any sacrifice to such an extent that you can not even break a coconut here.
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How To Reach 
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By Road: Dwarahat is well connected to all the major cities of Uttarakhand and Northern India. You can easily get local buses from Kathgodam, Nainital, Almora, and even Delhi, which will take you directly to Dwarahat. You can also hire a cab or taxi that will take you directly to the starting point of Dunagiri Dwarahat temple.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Dwarahat is Kathgodam, around 108 kms away. After reaching Kathgodam, you can take a private cab or taxi to reach Dwarahat, which takes around 4-5 hours of drive.
By Air: The nearest airport to Dwarahat is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 142 kms away from the destination. Being a domestic airport, there are limited flights available for Pantnagar. From the airport, you can take a cab or taxi to reach Dwarahat which will take around 5-6 hours.
Places To Visit Nearby
Whether it is the Pandukholi Temple or the Rudrahari Waterfall and Caves, here are some fantastic places to visit near Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple that you must visit.
1. Pandukholi Temple (7.7 kms away from Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple)
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Pandukholi is a temple which literally translates as ‘Pandavs Shelter’. It is believed that pandas stayed here during their 14 years of exile. The place offers some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayan range, where you can meditate and release stress.
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2. Lakhanpur Temple (37.7 km away from Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple)
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Lakhanpur temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site where you can seek blessings and solace. The temple has great religious significance and holds an annual three-day fair in October and November. Various devotees from around the world attend this fair, increasing the place’s cultural value.
3. Mahavatar Babaji Cave (7.7 km away from Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple)
Mahavatar Babaji Cave is known as the place where Kriya Yoga was born. Considered the most spiritual cave in the Himalayan region, this temple is believed to be where Mahavatar Baba Ji himself taught Kriya Yoga to Yoga Guru Lahiri Mahasaya. Even today, many Kriya yogis visit this place to seek blessings from the creator himself.
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4. Rudradhari Waterfall and Caves (54 km away from Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple)
Located in Kausani, the Rudradhari Waterfall and Caves is a beautiful tourist attraction not related to religious segments but rather a more natural aspect of Uttarakhand. You can take a shower under this beautiful, clear and natural waterfall surrounded by the lush greenery of the Kausani area. There are also various explored caves around the waterfall.
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Dunagiri is indeed the most famous Dwarahat temple, offering blessings, solace, natural views and significance to various eras of Hindu mythologies. Known as one of the two Vaishno Shakti peeth, this Dwarahat temple adds more significance among other Hindu temples of India. It is the best religious place to add to your next trip to Uttarakhand, especially during the time of Navaratri. Learn about the Hindu mythologies, the concept of faith and the power of positive aura, while admiring the mesmerising Himalayan range of Uttarakhand.
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Cover Image Credit: Ms Sarah Welch for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple
How many steps are there at Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple?
There are 365 stairs at Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple which is located on the hilltop of the Drona Mountain.
What is the story behind Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple?
There are various mythologies situated within this temple, but one of the main ones is the story of Hanumanji and Sanjivini. It is said that when Hanumanji was taking the sanjivani with him one drop of it was dropped at the mountain and the temple was built around it.
What is the best time to visit Dunagiri Dwarahat Temple?
The best time to visit Dunagiri Dwarahat temple is during the festival of Navaratri when the Vaishno Shakti peeth is celebrated by devotees. It is believed that whatever you desire or wish during this time is highly likely to get granted by the idol.
How far is dwarahat from Ranikhet?
Dwarahat is located just 37 km from Ranikhet and is easily reachable through cabs or personal vehicles.
Is Dunagiri a shakti peeth?
Among all the shakti temples, Dunagiri is counted among the most ancient 'Sidh Shaktipeeth'.
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