A 700–800 year old Hindu temple in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand dedicated to Goddess Durga, famous for tens of thousands of brass bells tied by devotees as prayer vows. Also known as Ghanti Wala Mandir (Temple of Bells). Located 7 km from Ranikhet town on Chaubatia Road — free entry, open daily 6 AM to 8 PM. Visit as part of your Ranikhet tour package with Tour Venture India.
Jhula Devi Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site in Ranikhet, Almora district, Uttarakhand, situated 7 km from the town centre on the Ranikhet–Chaubatia road. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her locally venerated form as Jhula Devi — meaning "the swinging goddess." It is also referred to as Ghanti Wala Mandir (Temple of Bells) and Bells Temple Ranikhet owing to the large number of brass bells that cover its walls, pillars, and ceiling.
The temple is estimated to be between 700 and 800 years old, placing it among the older shrines in the Kumaon Himalayan region. It draws both Hindu pilgrims and tourists who visit Ranikhet as part of Ranikhet tour packages. Adjacent to the main Jhula Devi shrine is a Ram Mandir complex. The temple is maintained by a local trust and is open to all visitors free of charge.
The history of Jhula Devi Temple stretches back approximately 700 to 800 years. According to local tradition, the idol of Jhula Devi was discovered by a local shepherd who had a divine vision of Goddess Durga instructing him to find her idol buried in the earth near a dense oak forest. The idol was unearthed at the current location, and a small shrine was built over it.
Over the centuries, the temple grew in prominence as stories of the goddess granting wishes spread across the Kumaon hills. Soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment, whose cantonment is based in Ranikhet, have long been devoted to Jhula Devi. Many of them visit the temple before deployment and return to offer bells in gratitude — a tradition that has significantly contributed to the tens of thousands of bells now adorning the temple.
The name "Jhula Devi" literally means "swinging goddess," believed to refer to the way the deity's idol was said to gently move during rituals. The temple underwent renovations during the 20th century while preserving the sanctity and original idol at its core.
The defining feature of Jhula Devi Temple is its extraordinary collection of bells. The practice of tying bells here is a deeply personal act of faith. When a devotee has a prayer — be it for good health, a child, success in exams, safety of a family member in the army, or any heartfelt wish — they purchase a brass bell from the shops near the temple entrance and tie it to the temple walls, pillars, or ceiling while making their vow to the goddess.
The vow is simple but sincere: "When my wish is fulfilled, I will return and untie this bell." When the wish comes true, the devotee returns, locates their bell, unties it, and offers it back to the temple priests as a token of gratitude. Over generations, uncountable bells have accumulated — large and small, old and new — covering every wall, pillar, and ceiling of the shrine. The combined sound of thousands of bells in the mountain breeze creates a continuous resonance audible from some distance outside the temple.
Jhula Devi Temple (also known as Ghanti Wala Mandir or Bells Temple) is a Hindu temple in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Durga. Located 7 km from Ranikhet town on Chaubatia Road, the temple is approximately 700–800 years old and is known for tens of thousands of brass bells tied by devotees as prayer vows. It is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and has free entry.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chaubatia Road, 7 km from Ranikhet, Almora district, Uttarakhand |
| Deity | Goddess Durga (Jhula Devi form) |
| Also Known As | Ghanti Wala Mandir, Bells Temple Ranikhet |
| Estimated Age | Approximately 700–800 years |
| Temple Timings | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM, open all 7 days including public holidays |
| Entry Fee | Free for all visitors |
| Nearest Railway Station | Kathgodam (80 km, ~2.5 hrs) |
| Nearest Airport | Pantnagar (110 km, ~3 hrs) |
| Distance from Nainital | 58 km (~2 hours by road) |
| Distance from Delhi | 340 km (~9–10 hours via Moradabad) |
| Adjacent Temple | Ram Mandir complex |
| Parking | Available near temple entrance (fills quickly during Navratri) |
The temple is accessible year-round. The following table summarises seasonal conditions for visitors:
| Season / Month | Weather | Visitor Experience |
|---|---|---|
| March – April (Chaitra Navratri) | 10–20°C, mild | Peak festival period; special pujas, mela, large crowds |
| April – June (Summer) | 15–28°C, pleasant | Good conditions for sightseeing; combine with Chaubatia Garden |
| July – August (Monsoon) | 18–25°C, heavy rain | Temple open; road conditions may be affected; fewer tourists |
| Sep – Oct (Shardiya Navratri) | 12–22°C, clear | Second peak festival; clear Himalayan views; recommended |
| November | 5–18°C, clear | Post-monsoon clarity; good for photography and trekking |
| December – February (Winter) | 0–12°C, possible snow | Temple open; snowfall may affect road access; fewer visitors |
| From | Distance | Travel Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranikhet Town | 7 km | 15–20 min | Taxi / Auto (₹50–80) |
| Kathgodam (Railway) | 80 km | 2.5 hrs | Taxi |
| Nainital | 58 km | ~2 hrs | Road via Bhowali |
| Pantnagar (Airport) | 110 km | ~3 hrs | Taxi |
| Delhi | 340 km | 9–10 hrs | Road via Moradabad |
| Almora | 50 km | ~1.5 hrs | Road |
Nearest airport: Pantnagar (110 km). Taxi available from Pantnagar to Ranikhet in about 3 hours.
Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (80 km from Ranikhet). Regular trains from Delhi and Lucknow arrive at Kathgodam; taxis available to Ranikhet.
UTTARAKHAND Roadways buses from Delhi (Anand Vihar), Nainital, Almora, and Haldwani reach Ranikhet. From Ranikhet bus stand, take a local taxi or auto to the temple (7 km).
From Delhi: NH9 via Moradabad–Rampur–Haldwani–Kathgodam–Ranikhet (approx. 340 km, 9–10 hrs). From Nainital: 58 km, 2 hours via Bhowali.
Auto-rickshaws and shared taxis run frequently between Ranikhet town and Chaubatia area, passing Jhula Devi Temple. Fare approx. ₹50–80 per person.
The temple is at its most vibrant during the nine nights of Navratri, celebrated twice a year. During Chaitra Navratri (March–April) and Shardiya Navratri (September–October), devotees pour in from across the Kumaon region and beyond. Special elaborate pujas are performed morning and evening, bhajan groups sing through the night, and a lively mela sets up near the temple with local food stalls and handicrafts.
Other important festivals include Maha Ashtami (8th day of Navratri), when a grand havan and prasad distribution are organised, and Dussehra, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm at nearby Ranikhet town and Jhula Devi.