Sri Jwalpa Devi Temple

Sri Jwalpa Devi Temple

Jwalpa Devi Temple is a shrine dedicated to the goddess Jwalpa. It’s situated on the bank of Nawalika River,34 km from Pauri on the main Pauri-Kotdwar road in Uttarakhand.The temple is dedicated to Devi Parvati (an incarnation of Durga) who is the Adhistatri Devi of the Himalayas.

Jwalpa is derived from Sanskrit word Jwala which means gigantic flames of fire.

According to a legend Adi Shankaracharya visited this place and prayed here. Being satisfied his prayer the goddess appeared here.

There are two Idols of Goddess installed inside the temple. One is a centuries old black stone, showing Shiva and Parvati engraved, the other is eight armed granite Mahadurga. Idols of Ganesh and Bhairava are also seen inside the temple. There are 3 pindis (holy stone) of the goddess (Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati) underground with a Devi yantra installed. She is also known as Aadi Para Shakti Bhuvneshwari.

Legend

Skandpuran says the daughter of Demon King Pulom was Sachi, Sachi saw a handsome man passing by the heavens in his elephant chariot and wanted him to be her husband, the handsome man was lord Indra. She prayed on the banks of Nwalika river for centuries to the presiding Goddess of Himalayas, Goddess Parvati to get King of God’s, Devaraj Indra as her husband.

Goddess Parvati appeared in form of a Deeptimaan Jwaleshwari which means a great holy fire and got her wish fulfilled. Sachi got the title of Indrani and from then the goddess here is worshipped in form of Fire.

Every year two Navaratris are held, Chaitra and Shardiya ones. A fair is also held on Basant Panchami. The Anthwal family is caretaker of temple, a priest family lineage.