Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati in Uttarakhand
Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati in Uttarakhand
Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati
Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati : Champawat, a small yet culturally and spiritually significant district nestled in the lap of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, is known as the abode of Goddess Champavati. As per mythology, the district gets its name from Princess Champavati, the daughter of King Arjun Deo who ruled the region during historical times.
The beautiful land of Champawat, with its lush green valleys, dense forests and snow-clad mountains, is steeped in tradition and rich cultural heritage. It is home to ancient temples showcasing marvelous architecture and craftsmanship as well as many spiritual sites of pilgrimage. The place is also abundant in natural beauty with the rivers Lohawati and Sharda flowing through the district.
Background
Mythological Significance
As per Hindu scriptures, the place finds mention in the Mahabharata indicating its existence since mythological times. The Barahi temple of Devidhura, Sapteshwar temple of Sipti, Hidimba-Ghatotkach temple and Tarkeshwar temple of Champawat town are believed to date back to the Mahabharata era.
The district is also associated with gods and sages and is said to be the place of penance of many rishis. Legend has it that to save the Earth, Lord Vishnu in his second incarnation as Kurma (the tortoise) stood at a particular spot in the region for three years. The rock on which he stood came to be known as Kurmashila and the surrounding forest as Kurmavana. The name Kumaon is believed to have been derived from these terms.
Historical Significance
Historically, the region was ruled by the Chand dynasty in the medieval period. Raja Som Chand, who belonged to the Chandravanshi clan of Rajputs, built a fort named Rajbunga which later came to be known as Champawat. He is credited with laying the foundations of this town which went on to become the capital of the Chand kings.
The subsequent Chand rulers like Raja Atma Chand, Raja Puran Chand, Raja Indra Chand expanded and consolidated the boundaries of their kingdom. They built several temples showcasing splendid architecture as well as introduced sericulture in the region.
Eventually the British gained control over Champawat and the adjoining areas in 1815. It remained part of the district of Almora during most of the British rule. Later in 1972 it became part of Pithoragarh district and finally in 1997, Champawat was established as a separate district.
Formation of the District
Champawat was originally a part of the Almora district during the British rule. In 1960, it was transferred to the newly formed Pithoragarh district. After remaining a tehsil under Pithoragarh district for many years, it was finally granted the status of an independent district on 15th September 1997.
The total area of Champawat district is 1766 sq. kms nested between 29°10’ to 29°45’ North Latitude and 79°38’ to 80°08’ East Longitude. The maximum length from North to South is 65 kms while the maximum breadth from East to West is 33 kms.
It is bounded by Pithoragarh district in the North, Almora district in the North-West, Nainital district in the South-West and Udham Singh Nagar district in the South. On the Eastern side it shares an international boundary with Nepal.
Administratively, the district is divided into 4 tehsils – Champawat, Pati, Barakot and Lohaghat. There are 6 development blocks – Champawat, Pati, Barakot, Purnagiri, Lohaghat and Tanakpur.
The terrain of the district can be divided into three distinct geographical regions – the Shivalik range, the lower Himalayan range and the higher Himalayan range. It varies from about 350 meters in the South to 2,500 meters in the North showcasing diverse landscapes.
While the lower southern parts have sub-tropical climate, the higher northern mountainous region has a cool temperate climate with snowfall during winters. The major rivers flowing through the district are Sharda, Lohawati, Deoha, Ladhiya, Chalthi, Gori and Kali.
Significance of Champawat in Uttarakhand
Cultural Significance
Champawat holds great cultural importance as the origin place of art, music, literature and sculpture in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is home to various temples and heritage sites showcasing splendid architecture and craftsmanship of the bygone eras.
The Baleshwar Temple commissioned by the Chand kings in the 16th century is an excellent example of the Panchayatan style of architecture. The artistic stone carvings on the walls and pillars of this temple are its special highlight.
The temples of Banari Devi, Pataleshwar Mahadev, Kamaksha Devi, Anandeshwar and Ramchandra in and around Champawat town also showcase marvelous sculptural beauty. The ancient Sun Temple at Devidhura is another fine example of stone architectural craftsmanship.
In addition, Champawat has been the center for the growth of music, art, literature and drama in Kumaon division. The musical tradition of Thadya NRITYA that originated in Champawat is recognized as part of the intangible cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.
Many eminent poets, writers and artists hail from Champawat underscoring the district’s contribution in enriching the cultural fabric of Uttarakhand.
Spiritual Significance
Champawat holds great spiritual importance owing to its ancient temples and places of pilgrimage nestled amidst natural splendor. Prominent among them are Banari Devi Temple, Pataleshwar Mahadev Temple, Anandeshwar Temple, Baleshwar Temple, Rurki Temple, and so on.
The ancient Sun Temple situated at Devidhura near Champawat is an important spiritual center. The unique thing about this temple is that it was built in a way that the first rays of the Sun fall on the idol during solar equinox.
The Adishakti Peeth of Ma Kamakhya Devi Temple at Aser is another significant shrine which attracts devotees from far and wide. The ancient temple of Naag Devta near Patal Bhuvaneshwar cave is also known for its mystical powers.
The holy place of Pancheshwar revered by both Hindus and Buddhists also lies in Champawat district. Pilgrims take a holy dip in the confluence of Sharda and Kali rivers at Pancheshwar. It is believed that a dip here absolves one of all sins.
The natural beauty, tranquility and spiritual ambience of all these temples and pilgrimage sites make them sought-after destinations for religious tourism.
Ecological Significance
Champawat district is ecologically significant owing to its rich biodiversity nurtured by the forests nestled in the lap of Himalayas. More than 60% of the total area in the district is under forest cover.
These forests are home to varied flora and fauna including many rare and endangered species. Prominent among them are Musk deer, Monal pheasant, Koklas pheasant, White crested Kalij pheasant, cheer pheasant and many others.
A portion of the Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary also falls within Champawat district. The sanctuary is home to endangered species like Leopards, Black bear, Serow and Ghoral.
Some high altitude wetlands also lie in parts of Champawat district like Sukha-Tal and Sipu-Tal. These serve as breeding ground for many migratory birds and help maintain ecological balance.
Several species of medicinal plants as well as herbs and shrubs used for aromatic oils also grow in abundance in the forests of Champawat. Thus the district holds ecological significance from the point of view of biodiversity conservation.
Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati : Tourism Potential
Champawat, with its salubrious climate, natural splendor of mountains and valleys, along with ancient temples showcases immense potential for development of tourism.
The magnificent Pancheshwar valley situated at the confluence of Sharda and Kali rivers offers scenic views of mountain peaks and is fit for adventure tourism. The untouched beauty, tranquility and serenity of the place is simply breathtaking.
In addition, several ancient temples nestled amidst Deodar forests lend themselves perfectly for spiritual or religious tourism. The Sun temple at Devidhura, Banari Devi temple, Anandeshwar temple, Baleshwar temple are important pilgrimage centers.
Eco-tourism focused on experiencing wildlife and natural beauty also has immense scope in Champawat. The rich biodiversity nurtured in the forests and wetlands promises abundant flora and fauna for nature lovers.
Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy trekking to several mountain peaks like Bhutkot (2210m), Devidhura (2250m), Pancheshwar (2250m) and Maiktoli (2580m) which offer stunning views. Mountaineering, rock climbing, river rafting are other activities possible.
Thus Champawat awaits tapping of its tourism potential via development of infrastructure and amenities to unlock its natural bounty for visitors.
Conclusion to Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati
Champawat The Abode of Goddess Champavati, Champawat holds great significance in Uttarakhand from the perspective of cultural heritage, spiritual legacy and ecological diversity. Home to ancient temples, heritage sites, places of pilgrimage and lush green forests, it is appropriately called Dev-Bhoomi, the Land of Gods.
The beautiful valleys, snow-clad mountains, gushing rivers, endemic flora and fauna showcase the district’s natural splendor. Its bracing climate, tranquil environs and abundant tourism possibilities including adventure sports promise memorable sojourns.
Champawat’s rich history reflected in stone architectural marvels combined with spiritual eminence and ecological wealth make it a destination worth exploring for culture aficionados, nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
