Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

Naina Devi Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti located in Nainital, a popular hill station, in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The Temple is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Being one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of Hindu Mythology, this temple is one of the holiest sites for devotees of the Shakti sect of Hinduism. The Temple is situated on northern end of the Nainital Lake near the Nainital Boat House Club in Nainital. The word "Naina" means 'Eyes' and 'Tal' means 'Lake'. The perimeter of the Naini Tal lake is of nearly 2 miles.

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2020/01/naina-devi-temple-nainital-legends.html

History

The Temple history can be traced back to Kushan period. Moti Ram Shah, a devotee of Naina Devi built this Temple in 1842 AD and it got completely destroyed in the landslide happened in 1880 AD. The locals rebuilt the temple in 1883 AD.

The Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Naina Devi represented by two eyes. She is housed in the sanctum flanked by Kali on the left and Lord Ganesha on the right. The entrance of the sanctum is guarded by two lion statues. There is a big Peepal tree on the left side in the temple premises immediately after the main entrance. There is an idol of Lord Hanuman and Ganesha on the right side of the temple premises. There is a big lake found behind the temple premises.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 05.00 am to 12.00 pm and 04.00 pm to 09:00 pm.

Festivals

Nanda Ashtami is a grand festival, runs for eight 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. Navratri, Shravana Mela and Chaitra Mela are the other festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2 Kms from Nainital Bus Stand, 36 Kms from Kathgodam Railway Station, 65 Kms from Ramnagar Railway Station, 65 Kms from Almora and 70 Kms from Pantnagar Airport. The Temple is situated on northern end of the Nainital Lake near the Nainital Boat House Club in Nainital. Kathgodam Railway Station is the last terminus of broad-gauge line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun & Howrah. Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87 which make it easy reachable from any places of Uttarakhand & other states.

Location