Champawat, a city with a rich past, combines architectural marvels from bygone eras with its evolving modern landscape while embracing the myths and legends of ancient folklore. Champawat is home to the ruins of temples, naulas, and forts that exhibit the exceptional skill and craftsmanship of the architects, artisans, and sculptors of the time period.
In addition to its architectural grandeur, Champawat's natural beauty enhances its allure. The city is surrounded by lush green hills, dense forests, and pristine rivers, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The tranquil environment offers the perfect setting for trekking, bird watching, and exploring the untouched landscapes of the Kumaon region. As you wander through its ancient ruins and serene surroundings, Champawat seamlessly bridges the gap between its storied past and its promising future, offering visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.
The Baleshwar group of temples in Champawat is a remarkable complex of Hindu temples. It was built during the 14th century during the reign of the Chand Dynasty, showcasing exquisite stone carvings and architectural designs of that period. The temple is designed in the South Indian architectural style and is comprised of several temples within its vicinity. While the main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva (Baleshwar), two additional temples on the site honor Lord Ratneshwar and Champawati Durga. The Archaeological Survey of India has protected Baleshwar Temples as a heritage site. The temples are adorned with intricate sculptures that illustrate various mythological tales. The Baleshwarhwar temple complex is a testament to Champawat's exceptional architectural talents and rich cultural heritage. The complex is a well-known pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva devotees, with Maha Shivratri drawing crowds of worshippers.
Kotwali Chabutra is a square-shaped stone pavilion located in the heart of Champawat. Known locally as Chaumra or Chabutra, the monument is 2.75 meters wide and 0.83 meters high and features elaborate carvings and decorations. Historians suggest that it was built in the 13th century under the Chand Dynasty's authority and was likely a part of a larger structure with a vast canopy. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protects the monument as an important example of early medieval architecture in the region. The use of the platform is unclear, but locals believe that it was once used for royal court sessions. Kotwali Chabutra is a significant cultural and historical relic in Champawat, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its stone construction and intricate design exemplify the region's rich architectural tradition.
Banasur Fort, also referred to as Vanasur Fort, is a historical stronghold positioned in the Lohaghat area of Champawat. The fort is named after Banasur, a mighty demon king from Hindu mythology who is thought to have erected the fortress. Located at an altitude of 6000 feet on a hilltop, the fort provides breathtaking views of the green Lohaghat terrain. It is only 7 km from Champawat, with a 2-kilometer hike. As per legend, Lord Krishna defeated Banasur. The fort is believed to have been constructed by Banasur himself, and it is said to be the site of the epic battle between Lord Krishna and Banasur, resulting in Banasur's death. Today, Banasur Fort is a well-known tourist destination that draws tourists from all over the world who are interested in history, mythology, and architecture.
Ek Hathiya Ka Naula, located approximately 5 km from Champawat, is a historic water source. This reservoir features intricate stone carvings that are a testament to the ancient architecture and engineering skills of the Kumaoni people. The Naula, made entirely of stone without mortar, is a unique example of Kumaoni architecture. The water source is famous for the legend of the one-handed man, who is said to have created the intricate carvings on the reservoir in a single night. The sculptures of deities like Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Surya, as well as other figures, can be found on the walls of the Naula. The detailed stone engravings and patterns are a delight for ancient architecture enthusiasts.
Meetha Reetha Sahib is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs in Champawat. The Gurdwara Sri Meetha Reetha Sahib is located 72 km from Champawat and was built around 1960 near the village of Deyuri. Sikh devotees believe that during Guru Nanak Dev Ji's visit here, he sat under a reetha tree that bore sweet reetha, which is usually bitter. This meetha (sweet) reetha is served as prasad at the gurdwara and is the reason for its distinct name, "Meetha Reetha Sahib." The annual Baisakhi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, attracting devotees from across the world. The main prayer hall of the complex has stunning wall paintings depicting Sikh history and culture, and there are lovely gardens and trees all around it. The kirtan is held daily, and langar is served to all visitors. Visitors include this holy shrine in their itinerary for a spiritually enriching experience.
Gorakhnath Dham is located in Talladesh, 40 km away from Champawat, and is renowned for its unique beliefs and customs. This holy site is named after Baba Gorakhnath Ji, a revered Hindu saint. As per legend, the Gorakh Panthis founded the Dhuni at this location while traveling through Nepal. The Dhuni (ever-burning sacred fire) has been continuously burning since the Satyug era. A bell that Chand Rajas offered about 400 years ago is present at the Dham, and devotees receive prasad made from the sacred Dhuni ash. The Nath sect's sadhus offer blessings and administer them to the devotees at Gorakhnath Dham. Gorakhnath Ji is also worshipped as the protector of livestock in the region, and locals offer their produce to the Dham first. Devotees believe that all their desires will be granted, and childless couples are blessed with offspring after spending a night in the temple.
The Golu Devta Temple located in Lohaghat, about 4 km from Champawat, is a highly significant religious site. This temple is dedicated to Golu Devta, who is revered as the supreme god of justice, especially in the Kumaon region. According to local legend, Golu Devta was a noble born in Champawat who was believed to be an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Shiva). Golu Devta was well-known for his unwavering commitment to ustice, and his court of justice, called the Golu Darbar, where he traveled on horseback throughout his kingdom to hear citizens' complaints and deliver swift justice. It is believed that anyone who does not receive justice elsewhere will receive immediate justice at the Golu Devta Temple. Devotees ring a bell at the temple when their desires are granted and receive prasad. The locals have great faith in his justice.
The Maneshwar Shiv Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the road to Lohaghat, 7 km from Champawat. Nirbhaychand, a king of the Chand Dynasty, built the temple. It is believed that the Pandavas erected a Shivling of Lord Shiva here during their exile after Arjuna fired an arrow from his Gandiva bow to produce a water stream for their father Pandu's Shrad ritual. A naula was created at the location where water burst out, and its water is considered just as holy as the holy Kailash Mansarovar water. An interesting fact about this temple is that it was a stop on the ancient Kailash Mansarovar Yatra until 1962. The temple's Gupt Naula (secret water source) still exists, and during the annual Ekadashi fair, thousands of devotees come to the temple to offer prayers.
The village of Chaukuni Bora is home to the breathtaking Panchayatan Shiv Temple, situated around 8 kilometers away from Champawat. The temple has a unique panchayatana design, with one main shrine and four smaller auxiliary shrines. The primary shrine, which the Uttarakhand government has designated as an archaeological heritage monument, contains a sacred shivling and has intricate stone carvings of Hindu gods, animals, and historical events on its walls.
Historical records show that the temple was constructed during the 12th century's Chand dynasty rule, with the dynasty taking credit for the temple's creation. The exquisite architecture and detailed carvings serve as a testament to the skilled workmanship of the architects and artisans of that era.
For individuals interested in exploring Champawat's cultural and historical heritage, the Panchayatan Shiv Temple is a must-see attraction.
The Nagnath Temple is a revered holy site and an architectural wonder in Champawat. Guru Gorakhnath founded this Shiva temple, which is the oldest in the area, in the 10th century. It boasts a unique stone structure and intricately carved Kumaoni-style wooden doorways from the 18th century. Unfortunately, Gorkha and Rohilla invaders partially destroyed the temple in the 18th century, but it has since undergone restoration and is now in better shape. Hindu devotees from far and wide visit the temple to offer their prayers. Legend has it that a Mahant of the Nath sect camped at the top of Champawat to protect the city when the Chand Rajas established their capital there. With the nearby Kalbhairav temple, the Nagnath Temple is an essential pilgrimage site for architecture, archaeology, and spirituality enthusiasts in Uttarakhand's Champawat district.
The Shiv-Aditya Temple, also known as the Aditya Temple, is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of Lord Sun and Shiva located in Ramak, Champawat, 75 km away from the city. It was built in the 16th century by the Chand dynasty and is one of the few Sun God temples in the region. According to the legend, the Pandavas constructed the sacred Shivalinga during their exile and worshipped Lord Shiva at this site. Two other well-known temples of God Adi and God Bhumia, situated under two imposing divine banj oak trees, flank the temple and surround it with breathtaking natural beauty, including towering hills and a diverse ecosystem. On the occasion of Surya Sasti, the temple holds a three-day fair every year in August or September that attracts visitors from all over.
