Goddess Durga's Abode In The Woods: Dolidana Temple Of Uttarakhand Beckons Devotees On Navratri

Devotees flock from far and wide to visit 'Maa Jagdamba Siddha Peeth' in Almora

Almora: This cultural and religious city in Uttarakhand is home to several Durga temples, with devotees flocking in thousands during the Navratri festival. One of the famous Durga temples is Dolidana, also known as the 'Maa Jagdamba Siddha Peeth', which wore a festive look on the occasion of Shardiya Navratri 2024 and attracted devotees from across the country.

Located two kilometres away from Almora city, the temple is surrounded by dense forests, and one has to travel through lush green trees to reach the holy place.

Devotees come here from faraway places to worship and seek their wishes.

This is also a favourite place for trekkers, who come from far away and explore the hills around the temple.

In 1961, the Dolidana Temple was renovated by the Dogra Regiment.

Crowd Of Devotees During Navratri

The priest of the temple, Ram Singh Panwar, said that when the wishes of people are fulfilled, they offer prasad to the goddess.

He said the temple was originally inhabited by Mahant Purnanand Maharaj and was later renovated in 1961 by the then Dogra Regiment.

“It is believed that the goddess fulfils the wish of any devotee who comes with a true heart. For this, the devotees tie a thread in the temple, and after their wish is fulfilled, they come to the temple to open it after taking prasad,” Panwar said.

Every Wish Of Devotees Fulfilled

A devotee Uma Devi told ETV Bharat that special prayers are being offered at the temple on Ashtami and Navami in Navratri.

“On Ashtami, gram and halwa are offered to the goddess, and on Navami, khichdi is offered,” she said, adding that her wishes were fulfilled after coming here.

Vicky Binwal, another devotee, said that he had a deep devotion to the temple after hearing many stories from people.

“I came to visit the goddess for the first time during Navratri. I felt peace in this temple located in the middle of the forest,” he said.

He said that he has also come with a wish, and he is hopeful that his wish will be fulfilled.

Read More