Uttarakhand isn’t known as the Land of the Gods for nothing. Every few miles, you’ll find temples dedicated to deities, each with its own unique beliefs. Today, we’re going to discuss one such temple: the Kandoliya Devta, worshipped as the god of justice. The Kandoliya Devta Temple is located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand, at the top of the city of Pauri. Every year, in June, a three-day Kandoliya Fair and a grand feast are held at this temple. Thousands of devotees, not only from local areas but also from other regions, come to worship and participate in the grand feast. Each year, this temple hosts a major religious event, with many renowned folk artists invited to perform.
It is believed that many years ago, a girl from Kumaon was married to a man from the Dungaria Negi caste in Pauri village. After the marriage, she brought her deity in a sacred pot (Kandi). After this, the deity came to be known as the Kandoliya deity, and its worship began in Pauri village as well. It is believed that the deity later appeared in the dream of a villager and ordered that his place be built at a higher place.
After this, the Kandoliya deity was installed on a hill overlooking the entire city. Since its establishment, the Kandoliya deity temple has become famous as the deity of justice. It is worth noting that the Kandoliya deity is essentially a form of Lord Shiva. Local people visit the temple periodically throughout the year to worship. It is also believed that the Kandoliya deity gives information or warning of any future harm or danger.