Kasar Devi Temple: A Meditator’s Paradise
Where is Kasar Devi Temple located?
Kasar Devi Temple is a famous Hindu shrine that sits at an altitude of 2,116 in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This second-century temple is decorated on a hill overlooking the town of Almora. The temple is about 8.5 kilometers from the city of Almora and is surrounded by lofty pine and deodar trees.
Also, the temple hosts an annual fair (November-December) called KASAR DEVI FAIR on KARTIK POORNIMA, and one should be a part of it. One can visit the temple from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
History of Kasar Devi Temple
The Kasar Devi temple was built in the 2nd century by king RUDRAK. Famous Indian Sage Swami Vivekananda visited here in the 1890s. Many notable seekers, such as Sunyata Baba (Alfred Sorensen) and Lama Anagarika Govinda, have been known to bless the place with their presence
It is believed that Kasar Devi (DURGA AVATAR) killed two demons, SHUMBH and NISHUMBH, at the hill of Kasar Devi. It is said that imprints of goddess Durga’s lion are still behind the idol on a rock face. Also, you will find a shiv temple near the temple.
Why is Kasar Devi Considered one of the Best Places to Meditate?
The temple’s location on the Earth’s Van Allen Belt makes the site unique. Simply put, the region surrounding the Kasar Devi Temple has a massive geomagnetic field due to gaps in radiation bands.
As a result, Kasar Devi has a cosmic energy akin to that of Stonehenge in the United Kingdom and Machu Pichu in Peru. Nothing beats being alone in a perfect environment dotted with pines and deodars.
Those who have meditated at Kasar Devi can attest that it does provide a greater level of rejuvenation and inner healing. Also known as Crank’s Ridge or the Hippie Hill, the area around the Kasar Devi Temple has constantly been a melting pot of artwork, spiritualism, and poetry.
Notable Personalities at Kasar Devi
Swami Vivekananda was the first to record his meditative experiences in Kasar Devi in his diary in 1890. Uday Shankar, a well-known classical dancer, also practiced with his company here.
Vijaylaxmi Pandit, Jawaharlal Nehru’s sister, also owned an estate here, and the late prime minister spent many vacations there.
Other notable visitors to this hillside hamlet have included author DH Lawrence and his close friend American painter Earl Brewster, Beatles musician George Harrison, and singer Cat Stevens.
How to reach Kasar Devi?
Kasar Devi is situated on a hilltop, on the threshold of a ridge off the Almora-Bageshwar motorway at the Kaashay Hills of the Kumaon Himalayas. As it’s far from the ridge of Almora town, it can be reached through an eight-km hike from Almora or 10 km by way of the road.
One km away is the village of Kalimath, famous for tourists. Also close by is the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, which lies 30 km away.
By Air
The nearest airport to Kasar Devi is situated at Pantnagar at a distance of 124 km. Tourists can easily avail bus and taxis to Kasar Devi via Almora.
By Rail
Kathgodam (88 km away) is the nearest railway station to Kasar Devi. One can book a private cab or hop on a shared taxi or bus to Almora. Kasar Devi is 8 kilometers from Almora.
Important towns/cities near Kasar Devi
| Location | Distance from Kasar Devi Temple |
| Almora | 8.5 KM |
| Ranikhet | 50.5 KM |
| Kausani | 57 KM |
| Nainital | 71.5 KM |
| Bhimtal | 71.2 KM |
| Haldwani | 96.1 KM |
Places to visit near Kasar Devi Temple
| Location | Distance from Kasar Devi Temple |
| Chitai Golu Devta | 8 KM |
| Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary | 30 KM |
| Katarmal Sun Temple | 90.8 KM |
| Someshwar Temple | 44 KM |
| Ranikhet (hill station) | 50 KM |
| Patal Bhubaneshwar | 110 KM |
