Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh is a revered Hindu temple located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated atop a hill in the town of Naina Dhar, and is situated at an elevation of 3535 feet above sea level. Which is about 110 kilometers from the city of Chandigarh and 60 km from Bilaspur, 18 km from Bhakra, and 25 km from Anandpur Sahib.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the eyes of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, fell at the place where the temple now stands, making it a powerful Shaktipith. The temple is dedicated to Maa Naina Devi, who is also known as Goddess Bhagwati, and is a manifestation of the divine feminine energy.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees, and it is believed that visiting the temple and offering prayers to Maa Naina Devi can bring blessings and fulfillment of wishes. The temple complex also includes several other shrines and holy sites, and the surrounding area is known for its natural beauty and scenic views.
Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh is the largest darshan center of both Hindu and Sikh pilgrims.
The Bhakra Dam, Anandpur Sahib, and Govind Sagar Lake are surrounded by famous landmarks.
It is one of the famous 51 Shakti Piths of Hindus, which have mythological connections with Lord Shiva and Guru Govind Singh.
There are 51 Shaktipithh across the country covering the various forms of Goddess Durga. One of them is the Naina Devi temple at an altitude of 1177 meters in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh.
Naina Devi Temple has special significance in 51 Shaktipithh. Also, there are many mythological stories associated with it.
The mythology of Maa Naina Devi Shkatipithh.
According to a legend, King Daksha, father-in-law of Lord Shiva and father of Goddess Sati, organized a yajna, in which he did not invite Shiva and Sati as he did not consider Shiva as his equal.
Goddess Sati found it very bad and reached the yagna without calling. Shiva was greatly insulted at the sacrificial place, which Sati could not bear, and she jumped into the Havan Kund.
When Lord Shankar came to know about this, he came and removed Sati's body from Havan Kund and started doing Tandava. Because of this, there was an outcry in the whole universe.
To save the entire universe from this crisis, Lord Vishnu divided the body of Sati into 51 parts from his Sudarshan Chakra, the limb where it fell became the Shaktipith. It is believed that Nayan of Goddess Sati fell in Naina Dhar.
Another story is associated with Sikh Guru Gobind Singh Ji. When he launched his military campaign against the Mughals in 1756, he went to Sri Naina Devi and performed a Mahayagya to seek the blessings of the Goddess. After being blessed, he successfully defeated the Mughals.
Special things associated with the Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh
There are several special things associated with the Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh. Here are some of them:
Maa Naina Devi Idol: The temple has a beautiful idol of Maa Naina Devi, which is made of black stone and is about 4 feet tall. The idol is adorned with golden ornaments and has a third eye on the forehead, which is considered to be a symbol of spiritual enlightenment.
The Naina Devi Fair: A famous fair is held every year at the Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh, which attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. The fair is held during the Navratri festival, which usually falls in the months of September or October.
Scenic Views: The temple is located atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. It is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area while also seeking the blessings of Maa Naina Devi.
Trekking: The temple can be reached by a steep climb of about 1.5 km from the base of the hill. The trek is considered to be a spiritual journey, and many devotees undertake it as a form of penance or as an act of devotion.
Maa Naina Devi Ropeway: For those who cannot undertake the steep climb to the temple, a ropeway has been built, which takes visitors to the top of the hill. The ropeway offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a popular way to reach the temple.
The peepal tree in Naina Devi temple holds great significance for the devotees. It is believed that this is a centuries-old tree, which fulfills everyone's wishes. To the right of the main gate of the temple is a statue of Lord Ganesha and Hanuman. The temple is also a Garbgufa.
How to reach Maa Naina Devi Shaktipithh.?
Here are the ways to reach the temple:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is about 110 km away from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Anandpur Sahib, which is about 25 km away from the temple. Another option is the Kiratpur Sahib railway station, which is about 40 km away. From both stations, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple.
By Road: The temple is well connected by road, and one can easily reach it by taking a bus or hiring a taxi from nearby cities like Chandigarh, Ambala, and Shimla. The temple is located about 110 km from Chandigarh and can be reached in about 2 hours by road.
Once you reach the base of the hill, you can either climb up to the temple, which takes about 1.5 km and can be a bit strenuous or take a ropeway, which is a popular option among visitors. The ropeway takes about 5-7 minutes to reach the top of the hill, and the tickets can be purchased at the base station.
