Kotdwara is located at the foothills of the Shivaliks at a distance of 101kms from Pauri. It is situated at a height of 395m above sea level. Kotdwara literally means gateway to Garhwal. Kotdwar is famous for its several temples like the Siddhbali temple which is located at a distance of 2kms from Kotdwar. Sidhbali temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is visited by hundreds of devotees all round the year. The Durga Devi temple is also located at a distance of 2kms from Kotdwar and is one of the most popular temples of the region. The Medanpuri temple is situated at a height of 1657m above sea level and is popularly known as the Medanpuri Devi temple. Medan literally means curd and it is believed that the Goddess showers blessings upon her devotees with curd and milk. The legend that does the round is that Goddess appeared in a curd-bowl in the fireplace of a family living in Marora village. It is to the family that she revealed that where she would appear and a temple in her honour was built on exactly that location.
During Navratras, special puja and offerings are made. Koteshwar Mahadev is thronged by devotees especially by childless couples. The temple is surrounded by the Himalayan ranges to the east, Haridwar to the west, and Sidha Peeth Medanpuri Devi Temple to the south. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said that if childless couple chant the Mahamritunjaya manta the while month with faith and devotion are blessed with a child.
Kotdwar is well connected by rail network to places like Lucknow, Delhi and Howrah. It also has an excellent road network. You can buy handicrafts and souvenirs from Malni market, and District Board Shopping Centre.
Places to See in Kotdwar
Siddhbali Temple: The residing deity of Sidhbali Temple is Lord Hanuman. Siddhbali temple holds enormous religious importance amongst the people of Uttarakhand and especially with the people living in Pauri Garhwal district. Siddhbali temple is situated on the edge of the mountain 2km from Kotdwara.
Durga Devi Temple: Durga Devi temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Durga Devi temple is situated 15kms from Kotdwara and a small seasonal stream is flowing from below the temple. The water level is very low in the river and you can spend some time there as the place is calm and quaint.
Kanvashram: Kanvashram is an ancient ashram of Karnav Rishi situated 12km from Kotdwar on the banks of Malini River. Shakuntala lost the ring given by King Dushyant at this place. This scene was written in the famous Abhijnana Shakuntalam by Kalidasa. Shakuntala was the daughter of Karnva Rishi.
