Girija Devi Temple
Garjiya Devi Temple
Garjia Devi Temple is one of the prominent temples in Garjiya Village, Ramnagar Uttarakhand. It is located on the outer reaches of Jim Corbett National Park. This temple is very unique in itself as it is located on the top of a giant rock situated by the Kosi River. The temple attracts 1000s of devotees yearly because of the widespread divinity this place offers. The time when most of the crowd can be seen here falls during the time of Karthik Poornima.
Garjiya or Girija Devi Temple is located at a distance of 34 kilometers approx from the Seven Corbett resort situated in Jim Corbett National Park in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. You can book your stay with this resort in Jim Corbett, whenever visiting here. They can help you plan a full-fledged trip combined with adventure and spirituality.
History of Garjiya Devi Temple
Garjiya Devi is believed to be the incarnation of Adishakti Goddess Parvati and the history of this temple travels back several decades ago. The temple has great significance, especially among the locals and pilgrims that visit here.
According to local folklore, the temple is believed to have been originally located at a different spot on the banks of the Kosi River. Due to the river’s frequent floods and erosion, the temple was relocated to its current location on a large rock in the middle of the river. The temple’s unique setting on a rock in the riverbed adds to its charm and attracts many devotees and tourists throughout the year. The Garjiya Devi Temple celebrates several festivals with great enthusiasm, with the Navratri festival being the most prominent. During Navratri, devotees from various parts of the region and beyond come to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess.
The temple’s serene and picturesque location amidst the lush greenery of the Jim Corbett National Park and the Kosi River makes it a popular destination for both religious and nature-loving tourists.
The story behind the Girijia Devi Temple
The Garjiya Devi Temple, with its main shrine dedicated to Goddess Garjiya, stands proudly amidst the serene village of Garjiya near Ramnagar in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district. This sacred place of worship not only venerates Goddess Garjiya but also pays homage to Seeta Bani, Anasooya Devi, and other revered goddesses. Nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of the Kosi River, the temple draws devotees from all corners of India, be it the north, south, east, or west. Visitors flock to this divine destination, especially while visiting the famous Jim Corbett National Park.
The legend of the temple goes back to ancient times when a mighty demon named Garjna terrorized the region. He was a menacing figure who spread fear and destruction among the people. His tyranny reached such heights that even the gods were worried about his unchecked rampage. To put an end to Garjna’s reign of terror, Lord Vishnu took the form of a divine light and impregnated a huge rock with his energy. This energy transformed into the powerful Goddess Garjiya, who is a fierce and brave incarnation of the divine mother. Goddess Garjiya confronted the demon in a fierce battle that lasted for days. She ultimately defeated Garjna, restoring peace and safety to the land. The locals constructed a temple on the spot where the divine battle had taken place, honoring Goddess Garjiya as their savior.