About Maa Barahi Devi Temple
The Maa Barahi Devi Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Varahi, located in Devidhura village of Champawat district, Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,850 meters, the temple is renowned for its unique Bagwal festival held annually on Raksha Bandhan. The site holds significant mythological importance and attracts pilgrims from Kumaon and neighboring regions.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a serene hilltop temple environment surrounded by dense oak and deodar forests. The temple complex features a cave shrine dedicated to Goddess Barahi. During the annual Bagwal festival, visitors witness the traditional ritual involving four clans. The location offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
Key highlights
- 01
Ancient cave temple dedicated to Goddess Varahi
- 02
Annual Bagwal festival on Raksha Bandhan
- 03
Mythological association with the Pandavas
- 04
Scenic location at 1,850 meters altitude
- 05
Traditional stone-pelting ritual (now with fruits and flowers)
History of Maa Barahi Devi Temple
The temple is associated with local legends involving the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who are believed to have used large stones at the site during their exile. The temple has been a center of faith for centuries in the Kumaon region.
Culture & Context
The temple is an important Shakti shrine dedicated to Goddess Varahi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is famous for the Bagwal fair, a centuries-old tradition where four rival clans participate in a ritualistic event on Raksha Bandhan.
Route
| By air | Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 180 km away. |
|---|---|
| By train |