THE BANGLES OF CHAMPA (1)

HISTORY OF KALI KUMAON-OUR PROUD HERITAGE

(Maa Purna Giri)

Within six months plus of regaining power,Humayun meets with a fatal accident near his Library at Delhi Fortress. This fact was concealed for 17 days until stable arrangements for succession were made.

Akbar was only 12 years old when he was crowned Mughal Emperor at Kalanaur.This was 1556.He was given the title of Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar.He ruled till 1605.

There ia a village Khuna in Champawat District.The Muslim inhabitants have their history connected to the Tajposhi of Akbar.

Champa was extremely fond of her bangles.She wore the   pairs only for one day.She never repeated them.There was no one who could manufacture these locally.

The 'bangles' occupy  the centre stage of this story;but a little bit about Champawat in the succeeding paragraphs.

Champa was the Queen of Kali Kumaon & adjoining areas. Champawat derives it's name from her.It was the capital of the Chand Dynasty.Besides its historical importance, it is   famous for it's  beautiful architecture and carvings on the temples - Baleshwar Temple being one of them. One finds breathtaking landscapes and terraced fields, which cover the Valley. A river meanders through these landscapes against a lush green backdrop.

This ancient capital of the Chand rulers is well known for its temples and natural beauty. This  historical town located 76 kms from Pithoragarh has an ancient fort, which is now headquarters of the Tehsil office.

The mythological legend has it  that Lord Vishnu appeared here as 'Kurma (Tortoise Awatar) Incarnation'. The story of Gollu Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat.

Jim Corbett, the famous hunter came to this region in the first decade of the 20th century to hunt  for man eating tigers. His first book, "Man Eaters of Kumaon" is related to Champawat.

Champawat was declared as a separate district on 15 Dec. 1997 .Then it was a part of UP. Prior to this, Champawat was only a Tehsil of Pithoragarh district.

  Champawat offers the tourists with virtually everything they expect from nature, ranging from pleasant climate to varied wildlife and good places to trek.

Champawat district nurtures many other places of historical, cultural and religious importance like Devidhura, Pancheshwar & Poornagiri.

Champawat is well connected by road with other parts of Kumaon.You can reach it either from Tanakpur or from Almora.

Places to Visit in Champawat

Baleshwar Temple : Baleshwar temple built by the Chand rulers is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  The temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving work. There isn't any historical manuscript that dates the Baleshwar temple;however it is believed to have been  built between 10 - 12 century A.D.

Nagnath Temple : It is another excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.

Ek Hathiya Ka Naula : It is 5 kms from Champawat and is believed to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.

Kranteshwar Mahadev : The sacred shrine atop a hill to the east of Champawat is also called as Kurmapad or Kandev.

Lohaghat : This historical town 14 kms from Champawat is situated on the banks of river Lohawati - noted for its natural beauty and mythological legends.

Mayawati Ashram (9 kms): Located  amidst scenic surroundings,it attracts large number spiritualists from all over the world. Swami Vivekanand decided to shift the publication office of 'Prabuddh Bharat' from Madras to Mayawati during his visit to Almora in 1898.

Abbot Mount (8 kms): This beautiful location offers a peaceful and secluded holiday. It affords breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.

Devidhura (45 kms): Known for the Varahi temple, where a unique tradition of Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two groups) is practiced on Raksha Bandhan. Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. It is also an excellent site for trekking. 

Pancheshwar (40 kms): It is located at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu on the Nepal border. Pancheshwar is famous for the Shiva temple of Pancheshwar, where Jaat of Chaumu is worshipped as protector of animals.

Vanasur-Ka-Kila (7 kms): This fort built during the medieval times is said to be associated with legendary Vanasur, who was assassinated here. The Lohawati river originates nearby.

Meetha Reetha Saheb : This important Sikh pilgrim centre is located about 72 kms from Champawat. It is said that Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs came here and had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara here stands at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri.

Purnagiri Temple : The sacred shrine atop the Poornagiri hill is located 20 kms from Tanakpur and 92 kms from Champawat. Large number of devotees visit the shrine from all over the country, especially during the Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. The temple affords awe-inspiring views of the vast expanse of river Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages.

Shyamlatal : It is located 56 kms from Champawat and is famous for the Swami Vivekanand Ashram on the banks of the beautiful Shyamlatal lake. The blue waters of the lake sprawl over an area of 1.5 sq. kms