Naini Devi Temple is one of the most popular and revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is located on the northern shore of Nainital Lake, in the beautiful hill station of Nainital, Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself in her father’s sacrificial fire.
History and Mythology of naini devi temple
According to legend, when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of his beloved wife Sati, her eyes fell at the spot where the temple now stands. Hence, the name Naina Devi means “the goddess of eyes”. The temple was built in the 15th century AD by a devotee named Moti Ram Shah. However, it was destroyed by a massive landslide in 1880, which also killed many people and submerged a part of the town. The temple was rebuilt in 1883 by the locals, who have a deep faith in the goddess.
Another legend says that the temple was originally built by Kushan king Nain Singh, who was an ardent devotee of Goddess Naina Devi. He named the town and the lake after her and established her as the patron deity of the region.
Architecture and Deities
Naini Devi temple is situated on a hillock, which can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs or taking a cable car. The temple complex has a huge peepal tree, under which there is an idol of Lord Hanuman. The main shrine of the temple has three statues: in the center are two eyes representing Goddess Naina Devi, on the left, is Goddess Kali, and on the right is Lord Ganesha. The main idol of Naina Devi is flanked by two lions. The temple also has a small pond, where devotees can feed fish.
The temple is adorned with colorful flags and bells, which create a festive atmosphere. The temple offers a panoramic view of the Nainital Lake and the surrounding hills.
Festivals and Rituals
Naini Devi temple attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year, especially during auspicious occasions like Navratri, Chaitra Fair, Shravan Ashtami, etc. The most important festival celebrated at the temple is Nanda Ashtami, which is held in August or September. It is an eight-day long fair, which commemorates the bond between Goddess Nanda Devi and Goddess Naina Devi, who are considered to be sisters. On the last day of the fair, a procession of idols of both goddesses is taken to the lake, where they are immersed in water with great pomp and show.
Another ritual performed at the temple is Mundan (shaving of the head), which is done by devotees as a mark of gratitude or fulfillment of vows to the goddess. The temple also provides facilities for performing other ceremonies like marriages, thread ceremonies, etc.
How to Reach Naini Devi Temple
Naini Devi Temple is easily accessible from any part of Nainital town. It is about 2.5 km from the bus stand and 1 km from the Mall Road. One can walk, take a rickshaw, or hire a taxi to reach the temple. Alternatively, one can also take a cable car from Mallital, which costs Rs. 100 per person for a round trip.
The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, which is about 35 km away. There are regular trains from Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun, etc. to Kathgodam. From there, one can take a bus or a taxi to Nainital.
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar, which is about 55 km away. However, it has limited flights and connectivity. The nearest major airport is Delhi IGI Airport, which is about 300 km away. From there, one can take a train or a bus to Kathgodam or Nainital.
Tips for Visitors
- The temple timings are from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
- There is no entry fee for visiting the temple.
- Photography is allowed inside the temple premises.
- There are many shops near the temple that sell prasad (offering), puja (worship) items, souvenirs, etc.
- There are also many eateries and restaurants near the temple that serve local and other cuisines.
- One should dress modestly and respectfully while visiting the temple.
- One should avoid littering and maintain cleanliness around the temple.
- One should also be careful of monkeys and stray dogs near the temple.
Further Reading
Before you explore the external websites, you can also read this article on our website, which gives an overview of Nainital and its beauty: Nainital: A Picture-Postcard Perfect Hill Station in Uttarakhand.
If you want to know more about Nainital and plan your trip, here are some useful websites that you can check out:
- Uttarakhand Tourism – This is the official website of the state tourism department, which has detailed information on Nainital’s attractions, activities, accommodations, events, etc. You can also find maps, brochures, and contact details of various tourism offices and agencies.
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