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    Uttarakhand Information Centre

    Uttarakhand Information Centre


    Champawat

    76 km from Pithoragarh headquarters, Champawat is situated 1615 meters above sea level. Champawat was once the capital of the rulers of the Chand dynasty and is famous for its natural beauty and temples. The ancient fort now houses headquarters of the Tehsil office. A historical spot, Champawat has many well known temples of high artistic value.

    Baleshwar is the most artistic temple of the district. There is evidences that the group of temples dedicated to Baleshwar, Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga were built by the early kings of the Chand dynasty. The temple once had intricate structural features and a sanctuary with a mandap. The intricate carving still visible on the ceilings of these temples is an evidence of their ancient glory and artistic excellence

    The entire Kumaon region by virtue of its proximity with the Himalayas, has by tradition and legends been associated with numerous gods and goddesses. Champawat district has acquired the unique distinction of being the holy land of gods and therefore, temples of very large variety dedicated to diverse gods including local deities and demons of  restricted influence are spread over the whole expanse. Stone Carving At BaleshwarThese temples either   possess the architectural features of great interest to a scholar or provide sustenance to faith through setting local, associated legends or fantastic design formations. The urge to come back to them is irresistible in as much as they exercise an impact on human psyche that beats all scientific logic.

    At distance of 45 kms from Lohaghat, Devidhura is famous for its Barahi temples.

    A very unusual fair, which attracts people from Kumoan, Nepal, and even other places, is held every year at the temple of Barahi Devi on Raksha Bandhan day. During this festival, known as Bagwal, two groups of dancing and singing people throw stones at each other, while they try to protect themselves with the help of large wooden shields.

    The famous hunter, Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. Devidhura is situated amidst tall deodar and oak trees surrounded by beautiful native flora and fauna. This is a wonderful place for trekking and being one with the mountains.

    Abbot Mount

    In 1914 Mr. Abbot built a bungalow in a place , today known as Abbot Mount, which is situated amidst a thick forest of oak and deodar. From Abbot mount one gets a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks. Today there are number spectacular of bungalows built during the British Raj. Very close to the field which is situated at the Mount, various activities and games are held in order to encourage tourism. Close by is the bungalow which once belonged to the Abbots amidst the deodar trees that they had planted. One can drive or walk up to the mount, which is 3 Km from Marorakhan and 7 km from Lohaghat.

    Mayawati Ashgram

    22 km from Champawat and 9 km from Lohaghat, this ashram is situated at an altitude of 1940 meters. Mayawati shot into prominence after the Advait Ashram was established here. The ashram attracts spiritualists from India and abroad. Amid and old tea Estate, is the Advaita Ashram of Mayawati. During his third visit to Almora in 1898, Swami Vivekanand decided to shift the publication office of 'Prabuddh Bharat' from Madras to Mayawati, from where it is published since then. The only presence that has become a part of the peace and solitude of Mayawati, is that of the mighty Himalaya in all its splendor. On request the Ashram provides board and lodging to visitors. There is also a library and a small museum at Mayawati.

    Vanasur

    This is a fort at an elevation of 1859 mts., 7 kms. from Lohaghat and 20 kms. from Champawat (Lohaghat to Karnakarayat is 6 kms. by bus and Karnakarayat to Vanasur ka kila 1 km. by foot ) along the Bhowali road,  is  the  fort   of Vanasur which can be seen of all sides. The names of Shonitpur and Lohawati are linked with the myth about the assassination of Vanasur at this place. One has to walk about 2 kms. to get to the fort. The fort seems to be a construction belonging to the middle ages, but the story of Vanasur was probably associated with the spot even before the construction of the fort. Lohawati river originates near this place.

    Shyamlatal

    1500 m above sea level, Shyamlatal is 132 km from Pithoragarh and 56 km from Champawat. Swami Vivekanand Ashram is located here at the bank of the lake. The blue colored lake of Shyamlatal is spread over an area of about one and a half sq km. This place has some ruins dating back to the days of the early Chand rulers and others which were associated with the Pandavas. Shyamlatal is also famous for its Jhula fair. Different variety of roses also attract the travelers here.<

    Lohaghat

    At an elevation of 1706 >m, Lohaghatis 62 km. away from ithoragarh on way to Tanakpur and 14 km from Champawat district headquarters. Lohaghat which is situated on the bank of river class=SpellE>Lohawatiis a centre of historical and mythological importance. In 1841, so overcome was Pilgrim (Barron) by its beauty, that he had surprised why the Government of India was not developing it as its summer capital. In summer season Lohaghatis full of Burans flowers.

    Purnagiri

    At a height of 3000 m. above sea level, Purnagiri is 20 km from Tanakpur, 171 km from Pithoragarh and 92 km from Champawat. Purnagiri temple is visited throughout the year by  devotees from all parts of the country,  who come here in large numbers, particularly during Chaitra Navratri in the month of March  - April. The surrounding valleys echo with the holy chantings of the devotees climbing up to the top for darshan, creating an atmosphere of spirituality. From Purnagiri, also known as Punyagiri, the river Kali descends into the plains and is known as Sharda. For visiting this shrine one can go upto Thuligaarh by vehicle. From this place one has to trek (the road is under construction upto Tunyas ). After the ascent of Bans ki Charhai comes Awalakhan (the new name is Hanuman Chatti).The south - western part of 'Punya Parvat' can be seen from this place. Another ascent ends at the TRC of Tanki. The region of temporary shops and residential huts start from this place upto Tunyas. From the highest point (the temple) of Purnagiri hill the pilgrim can see the expanse of Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages. The old Buram Deo Mandi is very close to Purnagiri. From Tanakpur or Purnagiri it is possible to trek to Tamli and even to Jhulaghat along the Kali river.

    Meetha Reetha Saheb

    From Dhunaghat (on the Lohaghat -Devidhura road) one can visit Reetha Saheb or Meetha Reetha, located at a distance of 72 km from Champawat. Guru Nanak is said to have visited this place and have had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara was constructed in 1960 at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri. There are trees of sweet Reetha (Sapindus emarginatus) in the Gurudwara premises, adjoining it is the temple of Dhernath. Before the motor Road was build to Bhingrara, people use to come to this place on foot. A fair is held at the Gurudwara on Baisakhi Poornima.

    Pancheshwar

    40 km from Lohaghat at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu, Pancheshwar forms the borders with Nepal and is famous for the temple of Chaumu, its fair and a dip at the confluence is considered to be very sacred. The Jaat (jamaan) of Chaumu comes down from villages Sail, 5 km above the temple. Chaumu is worshipped as a protector of animals. Bells and milk are offered in the temple of Pancheshwar. Chaumu Jaat of Pancheshwar has its unique way of cultural expression. The temple at Pancheshwar is devoted to Lord Shiva.

    Sources

       

     

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    Uttarakhand Information Centre