Regarded and revered as one of the fifty-one Shakti
Peeths that are located all across India, the Naina Devi Temple is a holy site
that is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, in the Nainital district
of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the most renowned places of Hindu
worship all over the country. Dedicated to Devi Sati's eyes, devotees from all
parts of India flock to this region in huge numbers all year round.
The temple was built in the 15 A.D. while the idol of
Naina Devi was installed in the temple in 1842 by a devotee of the goddess
named Moti Ram Shah. Unfortunately, the temple got demolished in 1880 due to
massive landslides. It was then rebuilt again in 1883 by the local inhabitants
of the area. This shows their immense faith in the goddess as well as their
firm belief in their religion and values. The presiding deity of the Naina Devi
Temple is Maa Naina Devi or Mata Sati. According to Hindu mythology, the temple
is built on the exact spot where Goddess Sati's eyes fell on the Earth after
Lord Shiva carried her charred body after taking it out from the fire of the
yagna that was performed by Sati's father- Daksha.
Inside the Naina Devi Temple, you will find the two eyes
on the roof, depicting the Goddess Naina Devi, placed in the centre; with the
statues of Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha surrounding it. It would be
interesting to note that the city of Nainital got its name from the temple of
Naina Devi only. As you climb the hill to reach the temple, various shops
selling prasad and other essential puja items will greet you on the way.
Considered to be extremely pristine and sacred by the devotees, the venerated
temple is a must visit on your next trip to Nainital.
History of Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple was initially constructed in the
15th Century A.D. during the Kushan dynasty reign. Regrettably, the temple got
thrashed post a landslide which took place in this region in 1880. It is widely
believed that the present day structure replaces this original 15th-century
temple. Some people believe that this religious site of worship was first
rebuilt in 1842 by Moti Ram Shah, a devotee of Maa Naini. He also placed an
idol of Naina Devi inside the temple. And it was after this reconstruction that
yet another landslide took place in 1880, which led to the abolishment of the
temple and it was reconstructed again in 1883.
No matter what the exact past and history of the temple
are one fact about the temple, about which there are no contradicting schools
of thought, is that the temple was undoubtedly reconstructed in 1883. The
present temple is spread over 1,567 yards and comprises of a lake which has a
width of 167 yards and depth of 93 feet.
Legend of Naina Devi Temple
There is a fascinating mythological tale that is attached
to the history of the Naina Devi Temple. It is widely believed that in the
ancient past, King Daksha, the father of Sati, had organised a huge yajna
ceremony. He, however, did not invite his daughter, Sati and his son-in-law,
Lord Shiva to the religious ceremony. Grieved by this episode and deeply
insulted, Sati burnt herself to death. When Lord Shiva was returning to their
abode with the burnt body in his arms, Sati's body parts fell all over the
Earth in various places. The temple of Naina Devi is believed to have been
built at the spot where the eyes or 'naina' of the Goddess are assumed to have
fallen when Lord Shiva was carrying her body.
Architecture of Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple boasts of a large and remarkably
well-built complex. The gate to enter the temple is marked by a majestic Peepal
tree to the left. On the right, one can find idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord
Ganesha. There are three idols of different deities inside the temple. The two
eyes on the roof of the temple are depictive of Maa Naina Devi, who is shown
accompanied by Lord Ganesha, who is the God of Wisdom, and Kali Maa, who is
known to be the Goddess of Death and Destruction. Two statues of lions also
surround the main shrine of Maa Naina Devi inside the temple.
Festivals and Celebrations at Naina Devi Temple
Ever since the year 1918, a grand statue immersion
ceremony has been taking place at the Nanda Devi Temple, on the day of
Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami. A vibrant eight-day Nanda Ashtami festival also takes
place here, which is attended by a large and overwhelming crowd of religious
people from all over the country. A large fair is also organized at the time of
this festival. On the last day of this celebration, a statue of the Goddess
Nanda Devi is immersed in the holy water, along with an idol of her sister
Naina Devi. Other holy occasions like Navratri and Chaitra Fair are also
celebrated with great zeal and fervor at the temple.
Naina Devi Temple Timings
The Naina Devi Temple is open on all days from 6:00 AM to
10:00 PM for the general public.
Best time to visit Naina Devi Temple
The best time to visit the Naina Devi Temple is during
the Navratri in September to October, Shravani Mela in July to August and
Chaitra Mela in March to April.
How to Reach Naina Devi Temple
The temple is located at the top of the Naina hillock,
near the Naini Lake. The place is just a few metres walk away from the Nainital
bus station. From other locations within the city, you can easily hire a cab or
take an auto to reach the Naina Devi Temple.
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