Naina Devi Temple: Know about this famous temple of Mata Sati located in Himachal Pradesh
Naina Devi Temple: On a hilltop in the Himachal Pradesh district of Bilaspur, which borders the Punjab district of Rupnagar, lies the temple dedicated to Shri Naina Devi Ji. National Highway No. 21 connects you to this well-known temple. Jet Airways and Indian Airlines provide flights from Chandigarh, the closest airport, to New Delhi. The shrine is almost 100 kilometers from Chandigarh.

This shrine is connected to Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib via motorable roads. You may rent taxis from these locations. The temple is 30 kilometers from Kiratpur Sahib, with 18 km of the route being in the hills. The 20-kilometer route from Anandpur Sahib includes 8 kilometers of hilly terrain. In the past, people would walk to the temple from Kaula Wala Toba, which is close to Anandpur Sahib. All of Punjab’s and Himachal Pradesh’s major cities have regular state transportation bus services.
One of the most prominent houses of worship in Himachal Pradesh is Shri Naina Devi Ji. Situated in the district of Bilaspur, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Sati’s bodily parts fell to the ground. Large numbers of pilgrims and devotees visit this sacred spot all year long, but particularly on Shravan Ashtami and during the Navratris of Chaitra and Ashwin. During Chaitra, Shravan, and Ashwin Navratris, special fairs are held, drawing thousands of tourists from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other regions of the nation.
Temple of Naina Devi
One of the most revered sites in Nainital is the Naina Devi Temple, a well-known Shakti Peeth in Hinduism. The two eyes stand for the goddess Naini Devi, who is the patroness of the Naini Devi Temple. This holy sanctuary is located at the northern end of Nainital Lake. Nainital is surrounded by the Himalayan Shivalik range. Additionally, the goddess’ sister Nanda Devi guards the Naina Devi Temple. To get the blessings of Maa Naina Devi, thousands of devotees travel from all over the globe to the temple. Tourists may purchase prasad and puja supplies while they are worshiping at a number of stores close to the Naina Devi Temple. The shrine is called Naina Devi because here is where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell. The goddess is the name of the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, the city of lakes Nainital, and the Naina Devi Temple.
Naina Devi Temple’s Location
One of the most prominent houses of worship in Himachal Pradesh is Shri Naina Devi Ji. Situated in the district of Bilaspur, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Sati’s bodily parts fell to the ground.
The Story of Naina Devi
It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas connected to the worship of Goddess Durga, where the severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell. The temple is named Naina Devi, which means “eyes,” since it is said that here is where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell.
Naina Devi Temple Nainital
The 15th century or Kushan era, mentions Naina Devi Temple, one of the most visited tourist destinations in Nainital. A landslide in 1880 damaged the idol, which is said to have been placed in 1842 by a devotee named Moti Ram Shah. In 1883, the temple was reconstructed as a symbol of the Goddess’s devotion and profound faith. The villagers think that the Goddess has shielded them from all disasters ever since.
The Naina Devi Temple’s Past
This temple was constructed on the spot where Goddess Sati’s eyes dropped as Lord Shiva was carrying her lifeless corpse after Lord Vishnu had divided her into fifty-one pieces. The narrative begins when a lovely girl called Sati was born to the powerful king Daksha Prajapati. Daksha began searching for a suitable spouse for Sati as she matured into a beautiful lady.
Daksha refused to acknowledge Sati’s love for Lord Shiva in the meantime. Nevertheless, Sati wedded Lord Shiva anyhow. Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva learned of a yajna ritual that her father, Daksha, had planned when they were getting married. Offering a few sacrifices into the sacred fire was part of the yajna.
Sati was disappointed that Daksha had not invited her and her spouse to the ceremony. Sati attended the yajna ritual despite being a daughter, but the pair was humiliated by an enraged Daksha. Goddess Sati jumped into the Yagya fire as a sacrifice because she could not take the insult any longer.
Lord Shiva started to do the Tandava dance of destruction because he could not bear to see his beloved bride go. Lord Shiva persisted despite the Gods’ repeated entreaties and tests. Given the seriousness of the situation, Lord Vishnu made the decision to cut Sati’s burned corpse into 51 pieces using his “Brahmastra” and “Sudarshan Chakra.”
These 51 body parts fell in various locations where Shakti Peethas are constructed. Since it is said that here is where Sati’s eyes fell, the Naina Devi shrine represents her eyes. For this reason, at the main temple, the Goddess is adored as eyes.
Hours of the Naina Devi Temple
All year long, the Naina Devi temple is accessible to the general public. September through October is the best time of year to visit the temple of Naina Devi. Chaitra Mela, which happens in March and April, and Shravani Mela, which happens in July and August. From six in the morning till ten at night, the Naina Devi shrine is open. At the Naina Devi temple, the morning aarti begins at 7:00 am, and the evening aarti begins at 7:00 pm.
Naina Devi’s Height
The Himachal Pradesh district of Bilaspur is home to the 1177-meter-high Shri Naina Devi Temple.
Online Reservations for Naina Devi
Another Shakti Peeth temple in the hills is Naina Devi. Mythology claims that this sacred location got its name because the goddess’ eyes blessed it. Sikh Guru Gobind Singh held it in high regard and it is also the home of Goddess Durga. The Gobind Sagar Lake enhances the breathtaking hilltop vistas. Many people frequent this temple, and you may observe sizable groups all year long. Amidst the Himalayas, it is a sacred residence that is appropriate for a spiritual and religious pilgrimage.
- One-way travel would cost Rs 130 per passenger, while two-way travel will cost Rs 190.
- Children’s one-way ticket prices are Rs 60, and two-way tickets are Rs 90.
- About six people may ride the ropeway at once.
Situated in the center of Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, on the shores of the large lake, is the ancient temple devoted to the goddess Naina Devi. Naina Devi Temple, one of the most visited sites in Nainital and one of the most respected temples in India, is situated on the shores of Naini Lake.
FAQs
Q: Naina Devi: Is she a Shaktipeeth?
A: One of India’s most well-known “Piths,” Shri Naina Devi Ji, is situated in the Bilaspur area of the Himachal Pradesh state.
Q: How can I go to the temple of Naina Devi?
A: Taxis are available from Anandpur Sahib and Chandigarh to the temple. The temple is under the Shrine Board and is well-built. Thirty kilometers separate Kiratpur Sahib from the temple, eighteen of which are in the highlands. There are twenty kilometers between it and Anandpur Sahib, eight of which are in the hills.
Q: What makes Naina Devi Temple famous?
A: The tradition that the eyes (nayan) of Goddess Sati fell here when Lord Vishnu divided her corpse into fifty-one pieces is the source of the name of the Naina Devi temple. Actually, the tale is the name of the whole town (Nainital), the lake (Naini Lake), and the Naini temple.