One of the 108 Shakti Peeths, Perched on the Annpurna Range Above the Sharda River
Purnagiri Temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peeths of India and one of the most revered goddess shrines in Uttarakhand. It is situated on the Annpurna Range at an altitude of approximately 3000 metres, about 20 km from Tanakpur in Champawat district. According to Hindu mythology, it is the site where the navel of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Vishnu dismembered her body with his Sudarshana Chakra to release Shiva from his grief. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Purnagiri (a form of Shakti) and attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year.
The trek to the temple begins from Thul village (after crossing the Sharda river from Tanakpur) and involves a climb through dense forests. The route passes through several smaller temples and rest stops. The main temple is a small cave-shrine set dramatically on a cliff edge with breathtaking views of the Sharda River below and the Himalayan peaks beyond. The pilgrimage season runs from Chaitra Navratri (March–April) to June, when the temple is packed with devotees. A ropeway (cable car) facilitates the ascent for those unable to trek.
Chaitra Navratri (March–April) is the peak pilgrimage season. April to June for pleasant weather. The temple remains open year-round but heavy snow may restrict access in winter (December–February).
Nearest railway: Tanakpur (20 km from temple base). Trek or ropeway from Thul.
Bus to Tanakpur; local taxi to Thul base camp (20 km); trek/ropeway to temple.
20 km from Tanakpur to Thul; 44 km from Abbott Mount; 92 km from Pithoragarh.