PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Baleshwar
Nestled in Dungoli village under Garur tehsil of Bageshwar district, the Kot Bhramari temple is one of the most revered shrines of Uttarakhand worshipped by people from Kumaon and Garhwal regions with equal devotion. Known as the Gadh-Kumo Devi, the goddess here was once venerated as the kul devi of the Katyuri kings and continues to be a symbol of faith for thousands.
As per popular beliefs and folk tales, a demon called Arun once terrorised the Katyur valley. Protected by a boon that neither human nor god could kill him, his tyranny seemed unstoppable. To end the reign of terror unleashed by the demon, Mother Bhagwati assumed the form of a swarm of bees (bhramar) and vanquished the demon. Since then, she has been worshipped here as Maa Kot Bhramari.
The temple also carries connections with the Chand dynasty. As per the people’s belief, when the Chand rulers brought an idol of goddess Nanda from Garhwal, they halted at Dungoli but the idol could not be moved away from there the next morning, signifying the goddess’s wish to reside there. It was then consecrated at the spot, strengthening the temple’s spiritual importance.
Every year, the temple becomes the center of celebration during Nanda Ashtami. The three-day fair attracts a large number of people and features Devi Jagar, Kalash Yatra and cultural performances by children.
Beyond its spiritual significance, the fair boosts local tourism and opens up opportunities for livelihoods.
