Naina Devi Temple, Nainital

Nainital is named after the Temple of Naina Devi. It is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It is built on the north edge of the lake. Nainital is a name made of two words. The word  Naina means eyes and the word Tal means Lake. The perimeter of Nainital Lake is approximately 2 miles.

The Naina Devi temple is considered one of the most spiritual temples in the country showering true blessings on devotees from across the world. The great Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the town, as well as the temple, which is guarded by the highest peak Mata Nanda Devi which is believed to be the sister of goddess Naina Devi.

History of Naina Devi temple, Nainital

The chief legend of Nainadevi relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, was married to the god Shiva despite his wishes. Daksha arranged a yajna but didn’t invite Sati and Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the Yajna site, where Daksha ignored Sati and Shiva.

Sati was not able to withstand this insult. So, Devi Sati gave her life by jumping into the fire of Havan organized by her father King Daksh. When Lord Shiva was running around the planet carrying her body Lord Vishnu divided the body into 51 parts utilizing his Sudarshan chakra. Out of those 51 parts, from which the ‘Both eyes’ of Sati fell to this place.

The historical temple is known to have been built in the 15th century A.D., which might have been devastated in a landslide. Later, in 1842 Moti Ram Shah, while settling in Nainital had established the idol of Naina Devi along with other idols of Gods and Goddesses, which is said to have been re-established in 1883 after the landslides in 1880. Amidst the 1567 yards long, 167 yards wide, and 93 feet deep lake, the temple excites a number of tourists. Since then the locals believe that the goddess has guarded them against any kind of calamities.

Architecture of Naina Devi temple, Nainital

Within the premises of the temple stands an old Peepal tree guarding the temple and providing shelter to the pilgrims. As you walk within, there stands Lord Hanuman showering true blessings as well as guarding the goddess.

As you move towards the womb of the temple, in the center are two Nayan (eyes) representing Naina Devi, Mata Kali to the left, and Lord Ganesha to the right. 2 lion statues which stand for the vehicle, called ‘Vaahan’ of the Goddess, guard the inner shrine.

Other Place in Nainital

• Naini lake
• Nainital mall road
• Tiffin Top
• Naina Peak
• Snow View Point
• Eco Cave Garden
• Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Festivals

• Nanda Ashtami – During the months of August and September Nanda Ashtami is celebrated across the Kumaon region. The festival marks the celebration and worship of Nanda Devi, which is the highest peak of the western Himalayas. During the time of Nanda Ashtami, devotees come and take the blessings of the goddess. An eight-day-long festival is organized on the temple premises. On the 8th day, ‘Visarjan’ or immersion of idols of Goddess Nanda Devi and Naina Devi is performed.
• Navratri– In this Temple Both Bhadra and Chaitra Navratri are celebrated.
• Shravani Mela

How To Reach

• By Road: 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.
• By Airport: 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.
• By Railway: 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.

Naina Devi Temple- Nainital Timings

Naina Devi Temple- Nainital, Uttarakhand – Darshan Timing

Morning 6:00 AM To Evening 10:00 PM

Naina Devi temple is open all day from 6:00 AM To 10:00 PM.

Naina Devi Aarti Timing

Morning Timing	Evening Timing
7:00 AM	7:00 PM

You may also like to know about more Temple Darshan Timing: Neel Kanth Mahadev Temple, Yamunotri Temple, Gangotri Temple, Kedarnath Temple, Badrinath Temple, Eklingiji Temple, Shrinathji Temple.

Naina Devi Temple- Nainital Video