Naina Devi Temple
To Goddess Shakti's eyes
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Facts to Remember
Starting Point
Nainital, Nainital Dist., Uttarakhand
Duration
1 Day Darshan
Difficulty
Easy
Max. Altitude
Approx. 6,837 ft
Best time to travel
Sep to July
Total Distance
Approx. 2 km from Nainital Bus Stand
ABOUT THE TEMPLE
Introducing the Divine
The famous & breathtaking town of Nainital, Kumaon region, Uttarakhand is home to the Naina Devi Temple, one of the revered Shaktipeeths. This ancient shrine, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi is perched atop Naina Hill, overlooking the shimmering Naini Lake.
Join us on a journey of discovery as we unravel the mysteries of Naina Devi Temple and delve into its storied past.
ORIGINS AND LEGENDS
Unraveling the Mythology
The history of Naina Devi Temple is as ancient and enigmatic as the hills that cradle it. While precise records of its origins are scarce, local legends and folklore offer glimpses into its storied past. According to popular belief, the are two eyes in the temple which represent Naina Devi.
The temple is said to have been built in the 15th century. But the idol of Naina Devi is believed to be placed by a Moti Ram Shah, who was inspired by a divine vision of the goddess Naina Devi. A landslide in 1880 destroyed the temple, but it was eventually reconstructed.
According to the local folklore, the temple is situated at the spot where one of the eyes (naina) of the Hindu goddess Sati fell during Lord Shiva's dance of Tandava (the other eye is believed to have fallen in Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh).
To fully understand the significance of the Shaktipeeths in Indian Hindu society, we need to first understand the legend of The Divine Dance - Tandava and Shakti Peeths.
Once upon a time, Lord Brahma organized a massive Yajna to which Shiva and Sati, among other mighty rulers and mystical entities, were invited.
Dkasha Prajapati, a powerful king was the father of Sati (Goddess Parvati) and father-in-law of Lord Shiva.
When Daksha arrived on the day of Yajna, everyone stood up to greet him except Brahma (Dakhsa's father) and Shiva. Daksha felt insulted by the Shiva's gesture
Daksha subsequently conducted a Yajna of his own, purposefully excluding Shiva and Sati from attendance. Nevertheless, Sati continued to attend the Yajna, only to witness her father humiliate Shiva. Sati, upset by the humiliation, burned herself alive in the Yajna fire.
After losing Sati, Lord Shiva became consumed with anger and anguish. Placing Sati's lifeless body on his shoulder, he began the cosmic dance of devastation known as Tandava.
After acknowledging requests for intervention from other gods, Lord Vishnu decided to despatch his "Sudarshana Chakra," to demolish Sati's corpse by following Lord Shiva to wherever he went.
When pieces of Sati's body fell over the Indian subcontinent, they created sacred sites known as Shakti Peeths.
Naina Devi Temple is a powerful pilgrimage destination devoted to the Goddess since it is thought to be where Sati's eyes fell.
ARCHITECTURE AND RITUALS OF THE TEMPLE
Enchanting Moments
Architecture of Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple’s architecture is a blend of traditional Nagar architecture and modern Kumaoni style due to its reconstruction after the devastation of the severe landslides in 1880. The temple is believed to have originated in the Kushan Period, 15th century AD.
There is a large courtyard at the temple. On the left is a revered peepal tree, while on the right are idols of Hanuman and Ganesh. The main shrine is protected by two imposing statues of lions. Naina Devi (in the form of eyes) is represented in the inner sanctum in the form of eyes. The sanctuary features a square structure with two pillars and a triangular dome. Next to the lake, a Shiva Lingam sits on a veranda under the shade of a cloaked metal snake.
Ambience and Views from Naina Devi Temple
The Shivalik range of the Himalayas encircles Naina Devi Temple, which is located on the Naini Lake's northern shore and provides stunning views of the surrounding slopes and emerald waters. The Naina Hill, which gently climbs from the water's edge, is graced by it. Below, the glistening Naini Lake reflects the shifting colours in the sky. The majestic Kumaon Himalayas form a dramatic backdrop. Peaks like Mount Nanda Devi stand tall, their snow-capped summits piercing the sky. The Naina Devi temple is the perfect place to see the dreamy interplay of colours at dawn and dusk. Boats of various colours can be seen sailing across the lake from the temple area.
Festivals and Rituals
Visit the temple to witness the evening aarti. You'll experience a deep sense of dedication and peace as the lamps flicker and the chants resound. The mystique is enhanced by the temple's silhouette against the dusk sky.
Naina Devi temple holds a grand fair during Nanda Ashtami (August–September), and the idols of Naina Devi and Nanda Devi are submerged in the Visarjan rite on the eighth day. Chaitra Fair and Navratri are also big attractions.
LOCATION, VIEWS AND AMBIENCE
Where faith meets Majesty
Naina Devi Temple is located in the heart of Nainital, a charming hill station renowned for its scenic beauty, glorious Naini lake and pleasant climate. The town is dotted with picturesque lakes, lush forests, and colonial-era architecture, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The temple is located in the Mallital area, known for its bustling markets, shops, and vibrant atmosphere. You can check out more about Nainital by clicking here.
HOW TO REACH & CLIMATE CONDITIONS
Undertaking the journey of Discovery
How to Reach Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is easily accessible by walking from the Nainital bus stand via Mall Road with a distance of around 2 km. Nainital has excellent connectivity to almost all major surrounding towns and cities including Pantnagar, Kathgodam, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Dehradun and Delhi.
Weather Conditions at Naina Devi Temple
Summers in Nainital are pleasant, with temperatures hardly rising above 25 degrees. Perfect for a boat ride on Naini Lake, sightseeing and temple visit to get blessings. July to September brings frequent monsoon showers. If you enjoy solitude and misty weather, this is the time to visit. Nainital transforms into a winter wonderland covered with snowfall, especially in January and February with temperatures below 15 degrees.
TEMPLE TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
Detailed Information
Temple Distance
Approx. 2 Km from Nainital Bus Station
Private Transport
You can directly reach Naina Devi Temple by road through private transport via the following routes:
Dehradun - Haridwar - Dhampur - Bazpur - Khurpatal - Nainital - Naina Devi Temple - Approx. 280 km
Delhi - Hapur - Moradabad - Rampur - Bazpur - Khurpatal - Nainital - Naina Devi Temple - Approx. 320 km
Haldwani - Ranibagh - Nainital - Naina Devi Temple - Approx. 45 km
Public Transport
Reach Haldwani from Delhi or Dehradun (direct buses are available).
You can directly take a bus to Nainital from all major surrounding towns and cities.
You can avail a local shared transport or a bus towards Nainital from Haldwani.
Or you can directly hire a taxi to visit the temple.
Important note: The frequency of direct public transport from Haldwani and Nainital is moderately high.
By Road
The nearest Inter State Bus Station is in Haldwani and Bus Station/Depot is in Nainital.
Distance between Kathgodam & Nainital: Approx. 33 Km
Distance between Haldwani & Nainital: Approx. 45 Km
Distance between Almora & Nainital: Approx. 65 Km
Distance between Pantnagar & Nainital: Approx. 70 Km
Distance between Dehradun & Nainital: Approx. 280 Km
Distance between Delhi & Nainital: Approx. 320 Km
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam.
By Flight: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. You can reach the temple directly by hiring a local taxi or taking a direct bus to Nainital from Pantnagar.
DID YOU KNOW THESE INTERESTING FACTS?
Tales of the Temple
Divine origins: According to legend, the temple is situated at the spot where the eyes of the Hindu goddess Sati fell, making it a place of immense spiritual significance.
Guardian lions: Two lion statues stand as guardians at the inner sanctuary, symbolizing the goddess’s vehicle.
Bhadrapad Shukla Ashtami: Every year, a statue immersion ceremony is held during this festival.
Statue immersion tradition: Similar to Maharashtra and West Bengal, the temple celebrates statue immersion since 1918-19.
TEMPLE ROUTE
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Pick-up from Delhi or Haldwani, Arrival in Nainital
Day 2: Naina Devi Temple Darshan
Day 3: Departure to Delhi or Haldwani