This temple is believed to be almost 1,000 years old and was dedicated to Goddess Nanda by the kings of the Chand dynasty. Situated in the premises of a Shiva temple, the Nanda Devi Temple features a magnificent monument decorated with a stone amalaka or crown.
This temple is believed to be almost 1,000 years old and was dedicated to Goddess Nanda by the kings of the Chand dynasty. Situated in the premises of a Shiva temple, the Nanda Devi Temple features a magnificent monument decorated with a stone amalaka or crown.
Nanda Devi temple dates back to 11th century and is built in Kumaoni-style architecture within the premises of a Shiva temple. The idol of the goddess Nanda is a huge monument with a stone crown encircled by a wooden roof. The surrounding walls are graced by intricate stone carvings of several life size statues.
Nanda Devi temple is quite famous not just in Kumauni people but whole of Uttarakhand. There are numerous temples of Nanda Devi in Kumaon hills and the hills of far-western Nepal dedicated to goddess Parvati as the daughter of Himalayas. The temple is most famous for the Nanda Devi Fair that is hosted every year in the month of September. Tourists from different parts of the country travel to Almora to participate in this 5 day festival, which is accompanied with drum beats and energetic dances.
Two images of Nanda and Sunanda are made with banana trunk. The fair starts on Nag Panchami according to Hindu Calendar, on Sasthi the priests mark Kadli trees and then a red and white cloth is tied around it, on the Saptami midst the sound of different instruments they are cut, prior to which a goat is slaughtered for the Bali. On Ashtami the two idols are revered and the Bali is performed before them, on Navami a procession is taken out in and around Almora. The day is marked with several cultural activities taking place.
This holy shrine is located in the heart of Almora city. Many Hindu pilgrims religiously visit this temple as Nanda Devi is considered to be the "Destroyer of Evil" and the saviour of the denizens of Kumaon as well as other regions of Uttarakhand.
