History of चम्पावत

On the name of King Arjun Deo daughter's Champawati, the district named as Champawat. The district of Champawat came on existence at 15th Sep 1997, earlier it was a part of Almora district as Champawat Tehsil. In 1972 the Chmpawat tehsil was transferred from Almora district to Pithoragarh. However, the place has its existence from the ancient time as it was the origin of Naga, Kinnar and Khas Raja’s. The place is also defined in the Holy book Mahabharata as Tarkeshwar Mandir, Baleshwar Mandir, Vanasur Fort, Sapteshwar Mandir of Sipti, Barahi Temple and Ghatotkasha temples are beleived from the Mahabharata period.

Another part of history of Champawat is related to Katiyur dynsty. The history said that there were two contemporary kings Brahma Deo and Arjun Deo had their capitals at Suie and Daman Kot respectively. King Arjun Deo had a daughter who had got married with Sam Deo. With the relationship Chandra dynasty entered in the region. Around 1970, Chandra dynasty came to its end when Gorkhas attacked and established their rule on that region. In 1814, Gorkhas had to released the region after the defeat from British.

Beauty of the World**CHAMPAWAT

Champawat is a small village of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India set at an altitude of 1610 mts above sea level. The RamGanga River cuts between this district and Pithoragarh District in the north whereas the Pannar and Jabgura Rivers cuts between Udham-Singh Nagar and Almora Districts in the south and west. This District and Nainital District are separated by a long stretch of the South-western Mountain ranges that forms an excellent defence line due to the fact that it nears the International borders and even the Kosi River forms a forceful border between India and Nepal towards the east.


76 km from Pithoragarh headquarters, Champawat is situated 1615 m above sea level. The district of Champawat constituted in the year 1997 is situated between 29 degree 5 minutes and 29 degree 30 minutes in northern altitude and 79 degree 59 minutes and 80 degree 3 minutes at the center of eastern longitude. The Ram Ganga River acts as a border between Champawat and Pithoragarh in north while Jabgura and Pannar rivers in south and west act as a border between Champawat, Udham Singh Nagar and Almora districts simultaneously. The long chain of mountain in southwestern region acts as a border between the district Champawat and Nainital district. It is important from the defence point of view as in the east Kali river acts the international border between Nepal and India. The district owes its name to King Arjun Deos daughter Champawati. Earlier this district was a part of district Almora. In 1972 the Champawat Tehsil of Almora district was transferred to Pithoragarh. On 15th Sep, 1997 Champawat district was given an independent identity. Champawat mainly consists of mountain ranges, large valleys, uneven landscapes, breaked cliffs, rivers and rivulets. The important rivers are Ladhia, Sharda, Lohawati, Panaar. Jagbura and Ramganga. All these rivers amalgamate with Kali River at Pancheswar. Only the Sharda river which goes to Terai area flows through. on the basis of geographical distribution it can be divided in three main parts. First one, the 35 villages of Tanakpur (Purnagiri) Tehsil fall in Terai area and are important from the view point of plain and agricultural land and a warm area of an average height of 200 to 250 meter, having abundance of water and good soil. Second one is Shivalik which is situated at a height of 250 to 1200 meter. It represents a sloping and uneven topographical land consisting of dense forests. Third one is hilly area the average height of 1500 mts ( from 1200 to 2200 mts). Champawat district has acquired the unique distinction of being the holy land of gods and therefore, temples of very large variety dedicated to diverse gods including local deities and demons of restricted influence are spread over the whole expanse. These temples either possess the architectural features of great interest to a scholar or provide sustenance to faith through setting local, associated legends or fantastic design formations. The urge to come back to them is irresistible in as much as they exercise an impact on human psyche that beats all scientific logic. Apart from this these temples are of great interest to a casual tourist from the point of view of design, landscape around and several other features unique to them.

Tourist places in Champawat

Reetha Sahib           

Pancheswar

Purangiri Temple

Champawat was once the capital of Chand Raja of Kumaon. It is a district in the state of Uttarakhand and is popular for small forts and ancient temples. Baleshwar, Champadali and Ratneshwar are some of the popular temples in Champawat.

Tourists can visit places like Hinglaj Devi Temple, Narsinh Danda, Hidimba-Ghatothkach Temple and Karanteshwar Temple at Champawat. Banasur ka Kila, Kranteshwar Mahadev Temple and Nagnath Temple are situated close to the main town. Lohaghat, Mayawati Ashram, Devidhura, Barahi Temple in Devidhura and Abbot Mount are other major sightseeing attractions in the region.

Baleshwar Temple, Gurdwara Reetha Sahib, Purnagiri, Gwal Devta, Aditya Temple, Pancheshwar,PurnagiriTemple, Chaumu Temple in Pancheshwar and Ek Hathiya ka Naula can also be visited from Champawat.



                                                                                                         Courtesy :   NS Uriyal