Almora, August 1: Nestled in the enchanting valleys of Uttarakhand lies the ancient and renowned Shyahi Devi Temple, located near Sitlakhet in Almora district. This temple, surrounded by serene mountains, is believed to have been constructed in a single day.
According to local beliefs, the idol of the goddess in this temple changes its form three times a day. The temple was built during the Katyuri dynasty and is considered the family deity of the kings of Almora.
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, shared a special post about the temple on Saturday. He posted a video on the social media platform X, stating, “The Shyahi Devi Temple located in the Sitlakhet area of Almora district is dedicated to the Adishakti Goddess Bhagwati. This sacred temple was constructed during the Katyuri dynasty. The experience of witnessing the goddess in this picturesque mountainous setting provides a unique sense of spiritual energy. When you visit Almora district, make sure to visit this holy temple.”
It is said that the temple was built in just one night. According to local folklore, villagers prepared the bricks for the temple, and despite heavy rain, they found the bricks baked by the next morning. Instead of lime or cement, a mixture of vines and jaggery was used in the construction, which continues to astonish visitors today. Shyahi Devi is regarded as the patron goddess of 52 surrounding villages, and many families in Uttarakhand worship her as their family deity.
Before the temple was constructed, the original idol of Shyahi Devi was situated about half a kilometer away on another hill. The kings of Almora considered Shyahi Devi their family goddess, prompting them to build a new and larger temple at this location.
Once the temple was completed, descendants of Guru Gorakhnath from Nepal were brought in for daily worship and temple maintenance. Even today, the descendants of that lineage manage the temple’s rituals and upkeep. It is also said that the Katyuri kings were skilled artisans and craftsmen, but they conducted all their construction work only at night. This is why it is believed that this temple was also built in just one night.
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