Legend and History of The Jhula Devi Temple
It is believed by the locals that goddess Durga is the protector of the people of the valley. The residents of that region Chaubatia were living under the terror of man-eating animals like Tigers and Leopards that romaed around in the dense forest surrounding it. The residents of that village prayed to Maa Durga for their protection from the dangerous wild animals that were attacking people and taking away their livestock.
According to the legend, in response to the prayers Maa Durga appeared in a shepherd’s dream asking him to dig up a particular place leading him to find an idol and was instructed to construct a temple at that site. A temple was constructed there immediately and the Deity was installed at that place. Thus the villagers were freed from the fear and terror of the animals. Maa Durga appeared again in the month of shravan asking for a Jhula (a swing) for herself in the same region. It was a playground for children who would play on swings. The Devotees then installed a wooden swing inside the temple sanctorum and placed the idol of the goddess on it. It is believed that till date, despite the presence of Leopards and Tigers still in this area, villagers and their cattle roam freely inside the forest even today.
Location and How To Reach
Jhula Devi temple is a place of attraction at Ranikhet hill Station. It is situated at a distance of 7 km from the town of Ranikhet near Chaubatia Gardens in Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand.
Nearest railway station is located at Kathgodam, some 74 kms away from Ranikhet. Closest airport is situated in Pantnagar, at a distance of 109 kms from Ranikhet. Taxis are available to Ranikhet, Haldwani, Nainital and Almora from Pantnagar Airport. Buses are available from Haldwani, Kathgodam and Nainital to Ranikhet. Pantnagar airport is connected to Delhi via four weekly flights. Ranikhet is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of Uttarakhand state and northern India.
Best Time to Visit Ranikhet
Winter
During the winter season, Uttarakhand looks most scenic as it snows at several places in the state. The temperature usually ranges between 0°C and 15°C. Additionally, October to March is considered as the month of winters in Uttarakhand. The weather during these months is chilly and snowfall is quite obvious.
Summer
The weather during summer season remains moderate in some places, whereas some towns and villages in the upper realm stay untouched from the heat of the sun. The temperature in summer in Uttarakhand ranges from 20°C to 40°C (in Terai Region of the state) and April to June are the months of summer. During this time, a lot of devotees also perform the pilgrimage. The season is also ideal for trekking
Monsoon
During the period of July to September, the monsoon season marks the state of Uttarakhand. The temperature of Uttarakhand in monsoon ranges between 15°C and 25°C and the place receives heavy rainfall during this time. Thus, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning a trip.
Navratri is the major festival celebrated in the Jhula Devi Temple.
Daily Timings of the Temple: Jhula Devi temple open at 06:00 AM to 05:30 PM
Temples Near Jhula Devi Temple
The Jhula Devi Temple of Goddess Durga is surrounded by the numerous temples situated in and around Ranikhet like Ghatghateshwari Temple, Ram mandir, Bhoomi devta mandir, Kanthi Mata Mandir, Hanuman mandir, Mankameshwar Mandir, Nanda Dei mandir, Harra devi temple, Neelkanth Mandir.
What is The Jhuka Devi Temple Famous For?
- Pilgrims come to Jhula Devi temple to ask for wishes and tie a bell. When their wish is fulfilled, they again come to the temple to express their thankfulness to the Goddess and again tie a bell.
- The place is calm, quiet and serene.
- The Jhula Devi temple is an excellent place for meditation and introspection.
- It is believed that till date, despite the presence of Leopards and Tigers still in this area, villagers and their cattle roam freely inside the forest even today.
Tourists Can Visit This Temple During Their Char Dham Yatra
Located in the district Almora, Ranikhet is a popular tourist hill station in Uttarakhand. With the beauty of nature and divine spiritual presence of many gods and goddess temples here it attracts a lot of people from around the country who wish to get a glimpse of serenity. While touring the char dham, pilgrims and tourists can make a visit to the other places of importance to the local people in many regions of the state. All these temples like the jhula devi mandir in ranikhet and many more offer a close insight of the many beliefs that make up this entire state called the Devbhoomi.
