Naina Devi Temple, Nainital

Naina Devi Temple, one of the revered 51 Shakti Peeths in Hinduism, is a sacred site of deep devotion in Nainital. Dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, the temple is situated at the northern end of the famous Nainital Lake. The goddess is symbolized by her two eyes in this holy shrine, where the Shakti form of Sati is worshipped. Devotees from distant places visit to seek the blessings of Maa Naina Devi. Perched atop the Naina hillock near Naini Lake, the temple attracts thousands of worshippers every year. Originally destroyed by a landslide in 1880, it was later rebuilt.

According to mythology, Daksha Prajapati's daughter, Sati, was married to Lord Shiva. However, Daksha disapproved of Shiva but reluctantly agreed to the marriage due to divine insistence. Later, Daksha organized a grand yagya (sacrificial ritual) and invited all the gods, except his son-in-law, Shiva and daughter, Uma (Sati).

Despite the exclusion, Uma insisted on attending the yagya. Upon arrival, she was heartbroken to see all the gods being honored while she and her husband were deliberately disrespected. With grief and anger, she leaped into the yagya’s havan kund (sacred fire), declaring that she would be reborn to marry Shiva again. She also vowed that her sacrifice would render her father’s yagya unsuccessful.

When Shiva learned of Sati’s self-immolation, his fury knew no bounds. In his wrath, he destroyed Daksha’s yagya with the help of his followers. The gods and goddesses, fearing the consequences of Shiva’s rage, prayed to Mahadev to pacify him. Daksha, realizing his mistake, sought forgiveness, and Shiva, in his benevolence, granted it. However, grief-stricken by Sati’s loss, Shiva carried her burnt body on his shoulder and wandered across the sky.

To pacify him, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra to disintegrate Sati’s lifeless body and wherever her body parts fell, Shakti Peethas were established. It is believed that her eyes fell at the site where the revered Naina Devi Temple now stands in Nainital. Since then, Goddess Nanda (Parvati), Shiva’s wife, has been worshipped here in the form of Naina Devi.

The Naina Devi Temple has historical references dating back to the Kushana period. Originally built in the 15th century, the idol of Goddess Naina Devi was installed in 1842 by a devotee named Moti Ram Shah. However, a devastating landslide in 1880 completely destroyed the temple. Deeply devoted to the goddess, the locals rebuilt it in 1883, restoring its spiritual significance.

Inside the Naina Devi Temple premises stands a majestic peepul tree, offering shade and a sense of shelter to visiting devotees. Near the tree is an idol of Lord Hanuman. Within the temple’s inner sanctum, three sculpted deities are enshrined, with the central focus being two symbolic eyes representing Goddess Naina Devi. To the left stands Maa Kali, while to the right is Lord Ganesha. The main shrine of Goddess Naina Devi is further safeguarded by two imposing lion sculptures, symbolizing divine protection.

During Nanda Ashtami, a grand fair is held at the Naina Devi Temple, drawing an even larger number of devotees who come for darshan and to seek the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi. The festival lasts for eight days within the temple premises, culminating in a special ceremony on the final day, where the idols of Goddess Nanda Devi and her sister, Goddess Naina Devi, are immersed. The fair, held alongside the festival, attracts visitors from across the country. Other significant celebrations at the temple include Navratri, the Chaitra Fair, and other religious events.