Dunagiri Devi Temple

Dunagiri Devi Temple is an ancient Shaktipeeth dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated at an altitude of 8,000 feet in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Located approximately 14 kilometers from Dwarahat in Malla Surana village, this revered shrine requires climbing around 365-500 steps to reach. The temple holds significant spiritual importance as one of the primary Ugra Peeths in Kumaon and is associated with legends from the Ramayana involving Hanuman carrying Sanjivani Buti.

Visitors can expect a spiritually charged pilgrimage experience requiring a climb of approximately 365-500 covered steps through lush forest surroundings. The temple offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and Drona Mountain range. Devotees will encounter an ancient temple structure with naturally formed Siddha pinds, participate in daily aarti ceremonies conducted twice daily, and experience the serene atmosphere of this high-altitude sacred site surrounded by dense greenery.

The temple is believed to date back to 1181 AD and is mentioned in the Manas Khand of Skanda Purana. According to legend, during their exile, the Pandavas took shelter at Dunagiri. The site is also historically significant as the place where Yoga Guru Lahiri Mahasaya received Kriya Yoga teachings directly from Mahavatar Babaji, making it the birthplace of modern-day Kriya Yoga.

Dunagiri Devi Temple is recognized as one of the most ancient Sidh Shaktipeeths in Kumaon, classified as a primary Ugra Peeth. It holds great spiritual significance as a Vaishno Shaktipeeth where devotees believe Divine Mother reaches out to her children. The temple attracts large numbers of pilgrims during Chaitra and Ashwin months of Navratras. Local tradition holds that numerous Indian sages established ashrams in this region.