CM Dhami spotlights Naukuchiatal's Hanuman temple in Nainital
Synopsis
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has spotlighted the Bhakti Dham Hanuman temple at Naukuchiatal — home to a 52-foot Hanuman idol, a Ram Darbar, and a Shani Dev shrine — urging visitors to Nainital district to make it a must-visit pilgrimage stop.
Key Takeaways
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami promoted Bhakti Dham , a Hanuman temple at Naukuchiatal in Nainital district, on 27 October 2026 .
The temple complex houses a 52-foot Hanuman idol , a Ram Darbar , and a dedicated Shani Dev mandir .
Naukuchiatal is a lake town about 26 km from Nainital , quieter and less commercialised than the main hill station.
The post reflects Uttarakhand's ongoing Devbhoomi religious-tourism social-media strategy led by state leadership.
Dhami directly invited visitors to include the temple in any trip to Nainital district .
A 52-foot idol of Lord Hanuman rising above the forested hills of Naukuchiatal — that is the image Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami placed before his followers on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, urging every visitor to Nainital district to make the detour to Bhakti Dham.
In his post, CM Dhami described the temple in warm, devotional terms: 'nain ko shraddha aur bhakti se bhar dete hain' — 'the divine sight fills the heart with reverence and devotion.' He highlighted not just the towering Hanuman statue but also the Ram Darbar and a dedicated Shani Dev shrine within the complex, painting the site as a multi-deity pilgrimage stop worth a dedicated visit.
Naukuchiatal and the Bhakti Dham complex
Naukuchiatal — literally 'nine-cornered lake' — sits roughly 26 kilometres from Nainital town, quieter and less commercialised than its famous neighbour. The Bhakti Dham Hanuman temple has grown into one of its anchor attractions, drawing pilgrims who combine a lakeside visit with darshan at the complex. The presence of a Ram Darbar — the full assembly of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman — alongside a Shani Dev mandir makes the site appealing across different devotional traditions, from those seeking blessings on Tuesdays (Hanuman's day) to those observing Saturday Shani worship.
Devbhoomi tourism strategy behind the post
The post is consistent with a broader pattern among Uttarakhand's leadership: using social media as a low-cost, high-reach tourism board. The state brands itself as Devbhoomi — 'the land of the gods' — and leaders regularly spotlight temples and pilgrimage circuits to sustain visitor flow beyond the peak summer season. Nainital district, already one of India's most recognised hill destinations, benefits from this kind of visibility for sites that might otherwise sit in the shadow of the main lake town. By tagging the temple to the broader district rather than just the village, CM Dhami signals that the religious-tourism canvas extends well beyond the famous lake promenade.
For pilgrims and tourists planning a trip to the Kumaon region this winter, Bhakti Dham at Naukuchiatal now has a Chief Minister's personal endorsement in their feed — and that, in the age of social-media-driven travel decisions, is no small thing.
Point of View
Targeting pilgrims and spiritual tourists who drive a significant share of the hill state's visitor economy. By personally endorsing a specific temple in a secondary location like Naukuchiatal, Dhami nudges tourist traffic away from over-crowded Nainital town and spreads economic activity to a quieter corner of the district. It also reinforces the BJP's cultural-nationalist identity at the grassroots level, where temple visibility carries political as well as devotional weight. Expect state tourism infrastructure announcements for Nainital district religious sites to follow if the post gains traction.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Bhakti Dham Hanuman temple in Nainital?
The Bhakti Dham Hanuman temple is located at Naukuchiatal in Nainital district, Uttarakhand, approximately 26 kilometres from Nainital town.
How tall is the Hanuman statue at Naukuchiatal Bhakti Dham?
The Hanuman idol at Bhakti Dham, Naukuchiatal is 52 feet tall , as highlighted by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami in his post.
What is inside the Bhakti Dham temple complex at Naukuchiatal?
The complex includes a 52-foot Hanuman idol, a Ram Darbar shrine featuring Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, and a separate Shani Dev temple.
Why did CM Dhami post about the Naukuchiatal Hanuman temple?
CM Dhami regularly uses social media to promote Uttarakhand's religious and tourism sites as part of the state's Devbhoomi branding, inviting visitors to explore pilgrimage spots across Nainital district.
How do I get to Naukuchiatal from Nainital?
Naukuchiatal is roughly 26 kilometres from Nainital town and is accessible by road; it is a popular day-trip destination from the main hill station.
