The Naina Devi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located on the northern shore of Naini Lake in Nainital, district of Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Sati in her Shakti form is worshiped here. Naina Devi is represented by the two eyes in this famous temple. Shaktipeeths are said to have been established where Sati’s body parts were found during Shiva’s journey to Mount Kailash. Goddess Sati’s eye had fallen on the location of Naini Lake. As a result, this temple was built.

The Naina Devi Temple is an old Hindu temple. A landslide destroyed this temple in 1880; it was later rebuilt. The temple was built on a cliff. The Naina Devi Temple and NH-21 are connected. It is 70 km from Bilaspur, 108 km from Chandigarh, 10 km from Bhakra, and 20 km from Anandpur Sahib.

Story Behind Naina Devi

The goddess of Dakshayani, Sati, Parvati, or Durga Hinduism’s most influential woman and most powerful deity is referred to as Shakti. Durga Devi, Mahakali, and Gowri are the three main manifestations of Shakti, the power goddess. She is Adi Shakti’s avatar.

Sati was the Prajapati Daksha’s daughter, and she married Lord Shiva despite Her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha once put together a massive yagya, but he didn’t call his daughter and son-in-law. Sati was very saddened by Her father’s actions. When she got there, her father ignored the Sati and insulted her. She could not bear the insult of his husband (Lord Shiva) and she jumped into the fire of Yagya and committed suicide. She passed away, but her body didn’t burn. Lord Shiva had taken His Virabhadra Rupa out of rage. Daksha’s head was cut off by him, but in the end, He forgave him by bringing him back to life.

Lord Shiva, devastated, had taken Sati’s body and wandered the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu used His Chakra to break the Sati’s body into pieces. Each body part transformed into Shaktipeeth. The temple had emerged where the body part had fallen to the ground. To safeguard the Shaktipeeth, Lord Shiva created 51 Bhairava for each one.

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Naina Devi represented by two eyes. According to the legend, Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes from the burned body of Goddess Sati fell when her corpse was being carried by Lord Shiva. The word Naina is synonymous with Sati’s eyes.

History of Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple, one of Nainital’s most popular tourist attractions, dates back to the Kushan or 15th century AD. It is believed that Moti Ram Shah, a worshiper, established the idol in 1842, but it was destroyed in 1880 by landslides. The sanctuary was remade in the year 1883 with profound confidence and as a recognition of the goddess. Since then, the locals have come to believe that the goddess has protected them from all kinds of disasters.

Architecture of Naina Devi Temple

Inside the temple, devotees can see three deities. Lord Ganesh’s idol is on the right, Mata Kali Devi is on the extreme left, and Naina Devi’s two eyes are in the centre. After passing through the main gate, there is a large Peepal tree on the left. On the right side of the temple, there is an idol of Lord Hanuman. Two lion sculptures encircle the primary sanctum of Naina Devi. It is also a beautiful tourist destination because it is located on the lake’s banks.

Facts about Naina Devi Temple

• The Naina Devi temple gets its name from the mythological legend that Goddess Sati’s eyes (Nayan) fell at this place.
• The Naina Devi temple is considered one of the most sacred temples in the country showering blessings on devotees from across the world.
• The great Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the town and the temple is guarded by the highest peak Mt. Nanda Devi which is believed to be the sister of the goddess Naina Devi.
• During Nanda Ashtami, a big fair is organized in the Naina Devi temple and devotees come for darshan and take blessings.
• A ceremony of statue immersion of Goddess Nanda Devi with her sister Naini Devi is celebrated on the fair’s last day.
• The Naina Devi Temple is surrounded by various hilltops which serve as excellent tourist spots. You can go to Tiffin Top which is 1 km away, Naina Peak which is 3 km away, and Snow View Point which is 3 km away from the central city.

Famous Festivals In Naina Devi Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) as well as celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). At each nine days, they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town. A very famous Mela (fair) is conducted near the temple every year.
• Mahashivratri– A grand fair is organized at the temple during the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

How To reach Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi Temple is located atop the Naina hillock near the Naini Lake and draws thousands of devotees every year.

Nearest Airport:  The temple is located 55 km away from the Pantnagar Airport.

Nearest Railway Station: The temple is 35 km from the nearest railway station which is Kathgodam Railway Station.

Bus/Cab Service: It is located at a distance of 3 km from the Nainital city bus stand. You can easily walk to the temple or hire a local rickshaw or auto rickshaw.

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