Champawat: The sacred shrine of Maa Purnagiri, located on the Annapurna peak near Tanakpur in Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, is witnessing a grand fair during Chaitra Navratri. This temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, and according to legend, it marks the holy site where the navel of Goddess Sati fell.
Devotees believe that worshipping Maa Purnagiri fulfills wishes and brings prosperity. The temple is especially crowded during Chaitra Navratri, when pilgrims from across India and Nepal arrive to seek blessings.
#WATCH | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the program organized on the occasion of the inauguration of Shri Purnagiri Mela- 2025 in Thuligad, Tanakpur.
During this, the Chief Minister also offered prayers at Mata Purnagiri Temple pic.twitter.com/3SZbgyMw9n
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 15, 2025
Religious Importance
Maa Purnagiri Dham holds deep spiritual significance for devotees. As per mythology, when Goddess Sati sacrificed herself, Lord Shiva carried her body across the universe. To calm him, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into pieces, which fell at different places, forming the Shaktipeeths. The Annapurna peak became sacred as the navel of Mata Sati fell here, making Purnagiri one of the most revered shrines.
The Grand Fair
The famous Purnagiri Fair, inaugurated on 16 March 2026 by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, will continue for three months. Thousands of devotees are visiting daily, creating a vibrant atmosphere of devotion and celebration. The fair is not only a religious gathering but also a cultural event, with stalls, rituals, and traditional practices.
Safety Measures
In the past, heavy rains have caused accidents during the pilgrimage. In June 2025, over 5,000 pilgrims were trapped in the Batanagad drain but were rescued safely. Learning from these incidents, the administration has made strict security arrangements this year. The pilgrimage route is being closely monitored, and rescue teams are on alert to ensure safety.
Symbol of faith, tradition, and divine power
Maa Purnagiri Dham is not just a temple but a symbol of faith, tradition, and divine power. As Chaitra Navratri unfolds, the shrine becomes a center of devotion, reminding society of the enduring legends of Goddess Sati and the spiritual strength of Shaktipeeths. With improved safety measures and a grand fair, the pilgrimage this year promises to be both secure and spiritually enriching.
Temple Details
The shrine is located about 20 km from Tanakpur, on the Annapurna peak. The temple remains open from 6 am to 9 pm daily, though the sanctum sanctorum is closed between 1 am and 3 am at night.
How to Reach
By Train: The nearest railway station is Tanakpur.
By Road: From Tanakpur, devotees can travel by taxis or buses up to Thuligad. From there, the journey continues on foot with a trek to the temple.