Naini Devi Temple, a well-known Shakti Peeth of the Hindu faith, is a sacred spot of immense devotion in Nainital. Goddess Naini Devi is the deity of the Naini Devi temple, and two eyes symbolize her. Nainital Lake’s northern end is home to this religious shrine. The Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds Nainital. In addition, Nanda Devi, the sister of the Goddess, defends The Naina Devi temple.
The temple draws thousands of devotees from around the globe to take Maa Naina Devi’s blessing. Several shops close to the Naina Devi Temple allow tourists to buy prasad and pooja items for offering while worshiping.
The Goddess Sati’s eyes fell at this location, giving rise to the temple’s name, Naina Devi. Goddess gives her name to The lake town of Nainital, the Naina Devi Temple, and the crescent-shaped Naini Lake.
History
One of the most popular sightseeing places in Nainital, Naina Devi temple finds its mention in the 15th Century (AD) or the Kushan period. It is believed that the idol was instituted in 1842 by a worshiper, Moti Ram Shah, but got destroyed during the landslides in the year 1880. The temple was rebuilt in the year 1883 with deep faith and as a tribute to the goddess. Since then the locals believe that the goddess has guarded them against any kind of calamities.
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Architecture
Naina Devi Temple has undergone many alterations since ancient times. The current temple is spread out across a large area at Thalital Lake, which measures 1.5 kilometers long and 150 meters wide. This temple is a popular tourist site since it is located near the lake and surrounded by lovely hills. An arched entranceway stands in front of the temple.
Inside the Naina Devi Temple, an ancient Peepal tree guards the temple and provides shade for pilgrims. Inside the temple, devotees have a darshan of three deities. Lord Hanuman stands guard and bestows blessings on the Goddess as we enter.
The main temple is a square-shaped building with two pediments and a triangular dome on top. Terracotta tiles cover the slopes of the pediments, making them visually appealing. As we approach the temple’s center, we notice two eyeballs portraying Naina Devi. Two lion sculptures depicting the Goddess’s transport guard the inner shrine.
Mata Kali is to the left of Goddess Naina Devi, while Lord Ganesha is to the right.
Towards the lake area, a Shiva Linga is kept on a porch. The hood of a metal serpent protects the Linga. It also features Lord Vinayaka and Lord Hanuman’s idols. The shrine is colored red, white, and yellow to resemble a Hindu temple.
This is a site on the mountainside with a thick pine forest, a large natural lake, and the Nainital town valley. Apart from pilgrims, this makes the shrine particularly popular with tourists.
Naina Devi Temple Mythological Significance
The temple is erected at the place where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her corpse after being cut into 51 different parts by Lord Vishnu. The story goes back to the times of a great king Daksha Prajapati to whom was born a beautiful girl, Sati. As time passed by and Sati grew into a beautiful lady, Daksh started looking for an appropriate match for her.
Meanwhile, Sati fell in love with Lord Shiva whom Daksha never approved of. Nonetheless, Sati went ahead and married Lord Shiva. During the course of transitioning into a married couple, Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva came to know about a Yajna ceremony held by her father Daksha. The Yajna included sacrificing something in the holy fire.
To Sati’s disappointment, Daksha did not invite her and her husband to the ritual. Being a daughter, Sati still went to the Yagna ceremony but angry Daksha insulted the couple. Goddess Sati could not bear the disrespect and jumped in the Yajna fire sacrificing herself.
Lord Shiva could not bear the loss of her beloved wife and started performing God’s dance of destruction, Tandava. Even after several pleas and trials from Gods, Lord Shiva did not stop. Sensing the gravity of the matter, Lord Vishnu decided to use his ‘Brahmastra’, the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and cut Sati’s burnt body in 51 pieces.
These 51 body parts of her fell at different places where the Shaktipeeths are erected. The Naina Devi temple is symbolic of Sati’s eyes as it is believed that this is where her eyes fell. This is why in the main shrine the goddess is worshipped in the form of eyes.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Kumaon community observes Nanda Ashtami in August and September. Devotees go to the temple on Nanda Ashtami to get the Goddess’ blessings during the eight-day celebration held on the temple grounds.
The event commemorates the celebration and devotion of Nanda Devi, the highest mountain in the western Himalayas. The sacred flower ‘Brahmakamal’ that symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of man and the environment is worshiped and harvested during this season. The flower has a variety of applications, including fire, medicine, fodder, food, and decorative value due to its beauty. Immersion of Nanda Devi and Naina Devi idols occurs during ‘Visarjan,’ on the eighth day.
During the periods of Navratri and Chaitra, worshippers go to the temple in large numbers to revere the Goddess and receive blessings.
The colorful melas organized throughout the year in the temple premises become the melting pot for the Hindus, Sikhs, and people from various other religions, showcasing a unique sight of the authentic Indian tradition of Unity in Diversity.
Best Time to Visit and Timings
The Naina Devi Temple is open for the public year-round. The ideal time to travel to Naina Devi Mandir is during Navratri, between September and October. Shravani Mela, which takes place between July and August, and Chaitra Mela, between March and April. From 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, the Naina Devi mandir is open for the day. The Morning aarti at the Naina Devi Temple starts at 7:00 am, while the evening aarti begins at 7:00 pm.
How to Reach Naina Devi temple, Nainital
The temple is located at the Northern end of the Naini Lake in the Mallital area.
Roadways- 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.
Railways-The temple is 35 km from the nearest railway station which is Kathgodam Railway station. You can hire a taxi cab from the railway station to reach the temple.
Airways- The temple is located 55 km away from the Pantnagar Airport. Once off the flight, you can hire a local taxi cab to reach the temple.
For a relaxed trip to the famous temple and other attractions in and around Nainital , you can board onto one of the cabs provided by top car rentals in Nainital.
Interesting Facts
- The Naina Devi temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in the country which depicts power and devotion.
- Being located near Naini Lake, the temple witnesses’ huge visitors at all times of the year. This makes it one of the most revered temples in northern India.
- There is a golf course in Nainital which ages back to the year 1926 making it one of the oldest golf courses in the country.
- Within a radius of 1 km are located a Temple, a Gurudwara, a Church and a Mosque in Nainital which is a rare sight.
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Conclusion
The Naina Devi Temple in Nainital stands as a beacon of devotion and spiritual significance, drawing countless devotees and tourists alike to its sacred grounds. With its mythological origins rooted in the legend of Goddess Sati, the temple holds profound historical and cultural importance. Its architectural splendor, nestled amidst the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills and the serene Nainital Lake, adds to its allure. Throughout the year, various festivals and celebrations imbue the temple with vibrant energy and fervent devotion. Moreover, its accessibility via road, rail, and air ensures that pilgrims and visitors can easily reach this divine abode. As one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in India, the Naina Devi Temple symbolizes power, faith, and unity, making it a cherished destination for seekers of spiritual solace and cultural enrichment in northern India.
