Naina Devi Temple - One Amongst the Fifty One Shakti Peeths of Goddess Shakti.

 

Naina Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples of 9 divine powers in Himachal Pradesh. Naina Devi Temple is a holy shrine that is dedicated to Shri Naina Devi, one of the forms of Goddess Shakti. Located on the top of a hill in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Naina Devi Mandir is one amongst the fifty one Shakti Peeths. The "Shakti Peeth" is sited one thousand two hundred and nineteen meters above the sea level.

 

 

Naina Devi Temple is a sacred place especially for the Hindus. Pilgrims come to visit this temple to pay their homage to the Goddess. Several mythological stories are associated with the establishment of the temple. According to a legend, Goddess Sati burnt herself alive in Yagna, which distressed Lord Shiva. He picked the corpse of Sati on her shoulder and started his Taandav dance. This horrified all deities in the heaven as this could lead to holocaust. 

 

This urged Lord Vishnu to unleash his Chakra that cut the Sati’s body into 51 pieces. Shri Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes of Sati fell down., a temple was built here to commemorate the goddess. The term ‘Naina’ suggests ‘eyes’, so the goddess came to be known as Naina Devi. This pious "Shakti Peeth" keeps echoing with the divine chanting of the Shakti, Shri Naina Devi Ji.

 

 

The main attraction of the temple is the Peepal tree which is several centuries old. There are idols of Lord Ganesha and Hanuman on the right side of the main entrance of the temple. After crossing the main entrance, you will see two lion statues. Lion is considered to be the vehicle of the mother. There are three main idols in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. There is a statue of Mata Kali on the right side, Naina Devi in ​​the middle and Lord Ganesha on the left side.

 

There is a pond of holy water nearby which is located at a short distance from the temple. There is a cave near the temple which is known as Naina Devi Cave. Earlier, one had to walk 1.25 km to reach the temple, but now the temple administration has arranged for a Udalkhatola to reach the temple.

 

 

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great pomp in Naina Devi temple. A huge fair is organized here during both Navratris of the year, Navratri of Chaitra month and Navratri of Ashvan month. Devotees from every corner of the country come here to receive the blessings of Mata Naina Devi.

 

Fifty-six types of items are offered to the goddess. A grand and attractive fair is organized here on Shravan Ashtami. The number of devotees coming during Navratri doubles. Other festivals are also celebrated here with great pomp.

 

 

Naina Devi Temple is in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is a magnificent temple situated on the hills of Shivalik mountain range.

 

Naina Devi Temple is located eighty kilometers from the Bilaspur town, one hundred eight kilometers north of Chandigarh, thirty six kilometers south from Nangal and twenty kilometers from Bhakhra Dam.

 

The nearest airport to reach this place of pilgrimage is Chandigarh airport and the nearest railway stations are Anandpur Sahib and Nangal in Panjab. The temple is connected to National Highway Number 21. Tourists can also reach this place by their own private vehicles.