Nanda Devi Sidhpeeth Kurud

Important information

Address: Nanda dham, Kurud, Chamoli district, Uttarakhand 246435.
Nearest Railway Station : Rishikesh Railway Station at a distance of nearly 210 kilometres from Nanda Devi Sidhpeeth Kurud.
Nearest Airport : Dehradun Airport - Jolly grant, Airport at a distance of nearly 226 kilometres from Nanda Devi Sidhpeeth Kurud.

Nanda Devi Siddhapeeth Kurud of Chamoli is a temple dedicated to Bhagwati Nanda (Parvati). It is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state. The word Nanda means Jagat Janani Bhagwati and is known as Nanda Dham. This temple is considered to be Nanda's maternal home and the Kailash Yatra, Nanda Devi Rajjat festival is famous here. In this festival, Nanda Devi's palanquin and Latu Devta's palanquin travel from their maternal home to their in-laws' house seated in decorated chariots.

Shri Nanda Devi Raj Rajeshwari is worshipped in the entire universe by many names and has been the main goddess of various castes. About 1000 years ago, people of Kirat caste used to worship Nanda Devi in the foothills of Bhadreshwar mountain. Since medieval times, this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is also celebrated in many Nanda Devi temples of Uttarakhand.

The chief priest of this temple is Kanyakubjiya Gaud Brahmin. Nanda ki Doli of Dasholi area remains here throughout the year, while Nanda ki Doli of Badhan area is established in Devrada temple of Tharali after Nanda Devi Jaat in Bhadrapada and comes back to Kurud temple on Makar Sankranti.

The temple originated in the seventh century. It was renovated from time to time and in 1210, Garhwal ruler Sonpal got it renovated. In 1432, Garhwal King Ajay Pal offered a gold umbrella. Presently the temple is located at a place called Devsari.

Nanda Devi is the main goddess of this temple. The ancient stone idol of Nanda Bhagwati is installed on a stone platform in the sanctum sanctorum. According to history, these idols have been worshipped even before the construction of the temple. It is possible that it was also worshipped by ancient tribes. Here the stone idol of Mother Bhagwati is installed in Chaturbhuj form and exists in the form of a Linga. Every day after the puja, local traditional dishes "Poove" (dumplings made of flour and jaggery) are offered to Mother Nanda. This is the Prasad of Mother Nanda Devi.