Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple

A well known Shakti Peeths of Hindu religion, Naini Devi Temple is sacred place of great devotion in Nainital. Goddess Naini Devi is the diety of Naini Devi Temple and located at northern end of famous Nainital Lake. Goddess in this holy temple is represented by her two eyes. Devotees from far away place comes here to take blessing of Maa Naina Devi.

The temple is located atop the Naina hillock near the Naini Lake, and draws thousands of devotees every year. There are many shops in close proximity to the Naina Devi Temple from where one can buy the prasad and pooja items.

Location

Near Flatts, On the edge of Nainital Lake in Mallital Area

Dist./ Travel Time

2.5 kms / 9 mins
From Roadways Bus Stand, Tallital, Nainital

Entry Type

Free Entry

Exploration Time

30 mins

Opening Time

6:00 am

Closing Time

10:00 pm

Inside Temple

There is a huge Peepal tree that seems like sheltering the visitors in Naina Devi temple. Across the Peepal tree is an idol of Lord Hanuman. Within the inner sanctum are sculpted figures of three deities; in the centre are two netras (eyes) that represent Naina Devi, to the left is Mata Kali Devi and to the right, Lord Ganesha. The main shrine of Maa Naina Devi is bordered by two lion statues.

Naina Devi Temple Mythology

Hindu scriptures provides information about historical importance of Naina Devi Temple. Regarded as one of 51 Shakti Peeths, Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes from burned body of Goddess Sati falls when her corpse was being carried by Lord Shiva. So Goddess is praised here in the form of eyes.

Naina Devi Temple History

Also Naini Devi temple finds mention in Kushan period. Built in 15th AD, Naina Devi temple idol was installed by a devotee Moti Ram Shah in 1842. After a drastic landslides in 1880, Naina Devi temple was completely destroyed. Soon in 1883 locals build again the Naina Devi Temple since they have deep faith on Maa Naina Devi.

Festivals and Events in Naina Devi Temple

During Nanda Ashtami, a big fair is organised in the Naina Devi temple and devotees comes for darshan and take blessings. This Nanda Ashtami festival runs for 8 days in the premises of Naina Devi temple. A ceremony of statue immersion of Goddess Nanda Devi with her sister Naini Devi is celebrated on last day of the fair. Other holy occasions like Navratri, Chaitra Fair etc are also witness huge number of devotees in Naina Devi temple.

Location of Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple is located in Near Flatts, On the edge of Nainital Lake in Mallital Area.

Location & How to Reach Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple is located at the northern end of Naini Lake in centre of Nainital city. One can reach Naina Devi temple easily by walk from Nainital bus stand. Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam railway station (35 kms) and airport at Pantnagar airport (55 kms) or Delhi IGI airport.

Read How to Reach guide for Nainital.