Patal Devi Mandir is a 250-year-old heritage temple in the small village of Sahil in Almora district. This temple holds significant religious and spiritual value among the locals and devotees of Goddess Durga worldwide. This temple represents one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga: Patal Devi, the Goddess of hell. One can also see the intricate architecture and carvings of the temple, showcasing marvellous work from the Chand Dynasty. People come from around the world to seek blessings, divinity, and solace from Patal Devi, who they believe can cure any problems they face. Being an old Hindu pilgrim, Patal Devi Mandir attracts travellers worldwide every year to seek Patal Devi’s blessings and find peace within.
Spiritual Significance Of Patal Devi Mandir
Patal Devi Mandir is known as the result of Goddess Durga’s manifestation. Legends believe devotees seeking blessings here experience prosperity, protection, and desire fulfilment.
The temple is also known as one of the best places to attain solace through meditation, as its aura is pure and filled with positive energy. Many pilgrims walk barefoot to the main road, offering the utmost devotion and paying respect to the Patal Devi, the temple’s main deity.
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History Of Patal Devi Mandir
Archaeologists have claimed that Patal Devi Mandir was built by Sumer, a brave soldier and officer in the Chand Dynasty, between 1748 and 1777, which was later demolished. The present temple was built between 1790-1815 during the reign of Gorkhas. Today, the temple is around 250 years old and is significant among the locals and devotees worldwide.
Address: JM87+7W7 Shail, Village Bal Dhoti, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Location: Patal Devi Mandir is around 5 kms away from Almora, located in the small village of Shail.
Architecture Of Patal Devi Mandir
The architecture of Patal Devi temple is very well known among archaeologists as one of the best examples of Chand’s style of architecture. The temple was built through locally mined stones and showcases detailed carvings of religious scripts related to Goddess Durga. There are four natural water resources surrounding the temple, enhancing the peaceful environment of the temple. You can see a tiger at the top of the temple’s Gopura, which displays the ferocious yet protective aspect of Goddess Druga. At the ground level, you will be greeted by Nandi, who will protect the temple’s sanctity.
Patal Devi Mandir’s sanctum sanctorum contains a ‘Shaktipeeth,’ one of the body parts of the female incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple’s circumambulatory is surrounded by pillars, which have been protected by iron shields due to cracks that have occurred over time.
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Nearby Stay Options
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- Imperial Heights Binsar (2.7 kms away from Patal Devi Mandir)
Location: Kasar Devi, Almora-Bageshwar Road, Almora, Balt Bari, Uttarakhand 263601 - Mohan’s Binsar Retreat (3.8 kms away from the Mandir)
Location: Mohan’s Binsar Retreat, Kasar Devi, Road, Binsar, Uttarakhand 263601 - Club Mahindra Binsar Valley Almora Resort (10 kms away from the Mandir)
Location: Almora Bageshwar Road, Bhaisori, Village, Binsar, Uttarakhand 263601 - The Himalayan Woods (2.6 kms away from the Mandir)
Location: HJQV+M5P All India Radio, Almora Rd, Khatyari, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601 - Ayush Cottages By Opensky (2.1 kms away from the temple)
Location: MV6Q+X99, Gondhalpada, Varasoli, Alibag, Maharashtra 402201
Nearby Attractions Of Patal Devi Mandir
Here are the top places you must explore on your next trip to Patal Devi Mandir.
1. Chitai Golu Devta Temple
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Chitai Golu Devta temple is known for its bell-hanging ritual. If one’s wishes come true, one returns to this temple and hands one bell as a gratitude souvenir. The temple is devoted to one of Lord Shiva’s incarnations, Bhairav. The idol is also known as Lord of Justice, as he restored fairness in the village and nearby area of Kumaon Hills.
Location: Chitai, SH 37, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Distance from Kasar Devi Temple: 15 kms away from the temple
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2. Nanda Devi Temple (3.3 kms Away From Patal Devi Mandir)
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Nanda Devi temple is located in Almora district of Uttarakhand and is known as the destroyer of evil. The temple is devoted to one of the nine avatars of Goddess Parvati, which has resulted in various temples of Nanda Devi all around the Himalayan range. The Nanda Devi Temple, Almora, is also the patron idol of the Kumaon region.
Location: HMX6+XC4, Unnamed Road, Dharanaula, Almora, Uttarakhand 263601
Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Distance from Kasar Devi Temple: 3.3 kms Away From the temple
3. Kasar Devi Temple
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Kasar Devi Temple is one of the world’s most popular and unique temples. Its cosmic energy matches that of Stonehenge in the UK and Machu Picchu in Peru, making it more popular among foreigners. The place was also a crucial spot in India during the 1960s for the hippie movement.
Location: JMR6+PP7, Binsar Rd, Kasardevi, Uttarakhand 263601
Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm
Distance from Kasar Devi Temple: 6.6 kms Away From the temple
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4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Uttarakhand and is known as one of the most famous sanctuaries. If you are a bird lover, bird watching here will be a treat for your eyes. Various hilly region animals on the verge of extinction are being protected here.
Location: PQ43+6H4, Binsar, Regariya, Uttarakhand 263628
Timings: 9:00 am to 7:30 pm
Distance from Kasar Devi Temple: 20 kms Away From the temple
5. Jageshwar
Image Credit: Varun Shiv Kapur for Wikimedia Commons
Jageshwar is a beautiful temple and one of the dhams added to the Chardham yatra for Hindu pilgrims. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is a significant spot for Hindus. Around 100 small stone temples are located here, surrounding the main sanctum of the temple. Hence, it is also known as the “Valley of Gods”.
Location: Uttarakhand 263623
Timings: open 24 hours a day
Distance from Kasar Devi Temple: 33.9 kms Away From the temple
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How To Reach Patal Devi Mandir
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By Road: The Patal Devi Mandir is around 5 kms away from Almora and takes around 30 minutes to reach via car. There are local buses that can be taken from the Almora bus stand to Shail village, and from there, you can either walk or take a rickshaw to the temple.
By Rail: The closest railway station to Patal Devi Mandir is Kathgodam, 87 kms away from the temple. Once you reach the railway station, you can take a cab or taxi directly to the temple.
By Air: The closest airport to the divine Mandir is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 120 kms away from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the temple directly.
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The Patal Devi Mandir contains the essence of Uttarakhand’s religious heritage. One gets the opportunity to connect with the divine persona of Patal Devi, attaining solace and inner peace. Being around 250 years old, the temple tells stories which are 100 years old through its architecture and rituals. Explore the natural beauty of the Shail village as you walk towards the temple and admire the lush greenery of Uttarakhand. The temple showcases humankind’s historical and religious evolution, making it one of the must-visit places to add to your trip to Uttarakhand.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Patal Devi Mandir
Which deity is worshipped at Patal Devi Mandir?
Patal Devi Mandir is devoted to one of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, known as Patal Devi. This idol is known as the guard of hell, where humans have to bear the consequences of their evil acts.
How many natural water sources are there at Patal Devi Mandir?
There are four natural water sources surrounding the Patal Devi Mandir, which offers a peaceful and solace environment, providing a space to practise meditation and find inner self. There was also one water body beneath the temple, which is dry now.
How far is Patal Devi Mandir from Almora?
The Patal Devi Mandir is around 5 kms away from Almora, which makes it easy to access via road.
What is the best time to visit Patal Devi Mandir?
The best time to visit Patal Devi Mandir is all year round, except monsoon, as the path to reach the temple has many potholes. During the day, the best time to reach the temple is the morning, during which you can attend the morning aarti, which is known to bring positive vibes to you.
How old is Patal Devi Mandir?
The Patal Devi Mandir is around 250 years old and is located in Almora district.
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