Jwalpa Devi Temple
A tale of Goddess Shakti's rarest incarnation
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Satpuli, Pauri Garhwal Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 5,600 ft
Best time to travel
Oct to April
Total Distance
Approx. 34 km from Pauri
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
The Jwalpa Devi temple is located on the banks of the Nawalika River (Nayar River) on the Pauri - Kotdwar highway between Satpuli and Pauri. It is around 34 km from Pauri and 20 km from Satpuli. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwalpa, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, revered for her fiery energy and protective blessings.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
The origins of the Jwalpa Devi Temple trace back to Skandpurana of ancient times. According to the local folklore, Shachi, the daughter of demon king Pulom in Satyuga, meditated and worshipped Goddess Parvati in this very location to fulfil her demand to marry The Kind of Gods - Indra. Pleased with Shachi's dedication and faith, Maa Parvati appears in front of her as Jwala (flame) and fulfils her wish. Hence, the temple was named The Jwalpa Devi, honouring one of the incarnations of Goddess Parvati.
It is believed that offering prayers and performing rituals at the temple can dispel negativity, overcome obstacles, and fulfil desires. For centuries, the Jwalpa Devi Temple has been revered as a place of divine blessings especially for young women (seeking good grooms) due to the temple's legend and its importance.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Jwalpa Devi Temple
Built in the traditional Garhwali style of architecture, there are around 100 stairs which take you to the temple from the temple entrance on the highway. The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred idol of Goddess Jwalpa and surrounding the main temple complex are smaller shrines dedicated to various deities.
Festivals and Rituals
Throughout the year, the Jwalpa Devi Temple is abuzz with religious fervour and festive celebrations. One of the most auspicious occasions is the Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. During Navratri, the temple resonates with the melodious chants of hymns, the rhythmic beats of drums, and the vibrant colours of traditional attire. Devotees offer special prayers, perform rituals, and participate in religious processions to honour the divine mother and seek her blessings for prosperity and protection.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
The Jwalpa Devi Temple is not just a religious institution but also a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Nearby villages along with the local temple committee play an integral role in the upkeep and maintenance of the temple, volunteering their time and resources to preserve its sacred legacy for future generations. Nearby villages donate resources like ghee and mustard oil to ensure that 'Akhand Jyoti or the immortal flame' never runs out of oil.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Jwalpa Devi Temple
Jwalpa Devi Temple can be reached via Satpuli from Kotdwar or via Pauri from Rishikesh. Pauri is the closest town (also the district headquarters) and has excellent road connections to important cities like Dehradun and Kotdwar.
Weather Conditions at Jwalpa Devi Temple
Summers are hot and dry but are the most visited time of the year. Monsoons bring heavy rain and winters are cold but nearby Pauri is a famous winter hill station.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Private Transport
You can directly reach Jwalpa Devi Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Rishikesh - Srinagar - Pauri - Jwalpa Devi Temple - Approx. 166 km
Delhi - Kotdwar - Satpuli - Jwalpa Devi Temple - Approx. 290 km
Public Transport
Reach either Kotdwar or Pauri from Delhi/Dehradun/Haridwar.
You can avail a bus or local taxi towards Satpuli from Pauri and stop or get down at the temple. After Darshan you can catch public transport for either Pauri or back to Kotdwar.
You can avail a bus towards Pauri from Kotdwar and stop at Jwalpa Devi temple after Satpuli.
Important note: The frequency of public transport between Kotdwar, Satpuli and Pauri is moderately high.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Kotdwar and Bus Station/Depot is in Pauri.
Distance between Satpuli & Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple: Approx. 20 Km
Distance between Pauri & Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple: Approx. 34 Km
Distance between Kotdwar & Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple: Approx. 74 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple: Approx. 166 Km
Distance between Delhi & Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple: Approx. 290 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kotdwar.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Dehradun Airport. You can reach the temple directly by hiring a local taxi from Dehradun airport or take a bus to Kotdwar after reaching Haridwar.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Sacred Flame: The temple is renowned for its sacred flame, which is said to have been burning continuously for centuries, symbolizing the eternal presence of the divine mother, Goddess Jwalpa.
Navratri Celebrations: Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great fervor and devotion at the Jwalpa Devi Temple.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Dehradun, Arrival in Pauri
Day 2: Maa Jwalpa Devi Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Dehradun