Devabhūmi Uttarakhand, literally meaning "the abode of the gods," is the birthplace of the Ganga and Yamuna, the two greatest lifelines of Hindu civilization. Right next to the Garhwal region, where these two rivers originate, lies the region of Kumaon. Nestled between Nepal and Garhwal, Kumaon has a unique charm of its own, featuring breathtaking vistas of snow-capped mountains dotted with picture-perfect hilltop towns. Amidst these towns are some of the most stunning pahadi temples to be found anywhere.

These temples and the traditions around them exhibit a unique blend of mārgīya and desīya traditions of Bhāratavarṣa. They embody an almost perfect Hindu life where the sacred presence of the temple influences nearly every aspect of life, with the mundane seamlessly sacralized by the śakti of the deity enshrined at the temple's center.

With the added beauty of Kumaoni culture, music, and cuisine, this chapter offers an enriching and exhilarating journey through both culture and nature.