Manila Devi Temple in Uttrakhand where Presiding Deity has only one hand !

Manila Devi Temple in Uttrakhand where Presiding Deity has only one hand !
During 2002, I had a five day working schedule at Molekhal, a  tiny village in the remote corner of Kumaon but closer to Garhwal region. Once you are at Molekhal , you will have a feeling as if gone back in time  fifty sixty years back , limited bus services from Ramnagar , the nearest railhead is 130 km and from Tehsil HQ Ranikhet 109 km.
Biggest achievement of this visit was to pay visit to a very Sidh and holy place called Manila Devi Trmple. She had been presiding deity of Katyuri Kings.
I began my journey from Ramnagar by a bus, which is the only viable mode of transportation, the best part of journey is the fast changing landscapes, passing through Amdanda , the gateway to Corbet National Park, thereafter famous Girija Devi Temple which is on a tiny hillock in the middle of Kosi River , Marchula , paradise for the anglers and vacationers , here Ramganga River is at its best  so it is crowded with resorts and budget guest houses. After few miles from Marchula the road is divided in two parts, the road to your left leads towards Srinagar Garhwal, in fact it is a very old route to access Garhwal region . The right side road leads to Sealdeh, Ranikhet .
It took me around two hours to reach Molekhal , road was narrow passing through jungles you can see but lush green
Landscapes on both sides of road. at many place runs right at the top of the hill thus giving perfect 360 degree view of dense greenery, small helmets,  series of verdant hills, but you can't stop there to enjoy it as!
From Molekhal the temple is around 20 km at an elevation of 1,820 metres.
If I call Manila as the backyard of Katyuri clan in a bygone era,  it will not be wrong. This tiny place  is mesmerizing due to its panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas. If you have time you can explore the rich folklore tradition of the area. People living in the nearby villages are simple and deeply believe in their traditions and heritage.
The temple is believed to be very old , the main moorti of Devi is believed to be 3000 years old, but Katyuri King re- structured it in 14th century. Friends who visited after 2002, tells that lot of beautification is done.
There is a mystery about the main deity, her one hand is chopped, there are two popular folklores , one that a gang of smugglers tried to remove it, but could move it, out of sheer frustration they chopped one hand. Another one , thieves  sneaked into this region, where they want to strike , Devi Ma used to inform the villagers. The thieves out of anger chopped her hand and taken with them. After retreating , they sat at a place just few km from the temple to rest , kept the chopped hand there . Before they start journey again, they tried to lift that hand but it could not move a bit, terrified they ran away. Villagers when come to know about this miracle, constructed another Devi temple there at , it is called Manila Devi Temple Talla .
What impressed most, there is a Sanskrit Vidyalay run in the premises which imparts training programme in holy scriptures and karmakand . It is open for everyone belonging to any varna and provides education, boarding  free of charge. The project is run by Mahamandaleshwar of Ujjain. The presiding saint run a homeopathy hospital for villagers. People walks miles together on feet for treatment.