On a beautiful hilltop in the Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh sits the revered temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji. It is a notable place of worship in the state as it is home to one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, representing the fallen body part (eyes in this case) of the Goddess Sati. The dedicated followers of Devi (goddess) are seen in large numbers throughout the year, especially during festive times.
The Shri Naina Devi is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs. It attracts visitors from nearby cities of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and others.
History of Naina Devi Temple
Several mythologies and legends are associated with the temple, but the most important one is that of the goddess Sati. It is believed that after the goddess burnt herself alive in the Yagna (pious fire offering), Lord Shiva, in a fury, marched forward, causing huge destruction. To stop Shiva, Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshana Chakra (spinning disc-like weapon) and cut Sati’s body into 51 parts. Shri Naina Devi Temple is the spot where Sati’s eyes fell.
Another legend tells us how the Shri Naina Devi Temple is a Mahishapeeth. It was in this vicinity that the goddess defeated the demon Mahishasur. The demon had received an immortality boon from Lord Brahma. However, he could only be destroyed by an unmarried woman. Undermining the power of a woman, Mahishasur started professing confusion and spreading terror on earth. This is how the Devi was created, with all the gods combining their powers and offering to Devi to defeat the demon. Devi successfully defeated Mahishasur, and in the end, when she took out both his eyes, she got the name Naina Devi.
Similarly, a story of a Gujjar boy named Naina is believed to have started the temple’s name. While grazing his chattel, the boy discovered Devi’s abstract manifestation. He witnessed a white cow showering her milk upon a stone for several days, he finally discussed his experience with the King, Raja Bir Chand. The king then built this temple at this spot after witnessing the act.
Naina Devi Temple Timings: 5 am to 12 pm & 4 pm to 9 pm
Naina Devi Temple Entry Fee: None
Rituals and Fairs
Shri Naina Devi is offered Puja Archana 5 times a day; the offerings vary with each Puja, followed by different aartis. The devotees chant out Jaikaras or praises of the Devi and the names of her manifestations. The devotees ring the bell and it is believed that the sound of the bell keeps away all things that are not auspicious. Fairs commemorating the goddess are held here during Shravan Ashtami, Navratri, Chaitra, and Ashwin Navrati. Devotees in a large number visit the temple – it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in the northern part of the country. The auspicious nine-day celebration is prepared with immense respect and faith.
Structure of Naina Devi Temple Himchal Pradesh
The temple has a peepal tree on the left side of the entrance. On the tree’s opposite side, there are idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. At the entrance of the main temple, two statues of lions greet devotees and tourists.
Naina Devi Temple’s inner sanctum has three idols – Kali Devi, the Eyes of the Shakti, and Lord Ganesha, from left to right.
The path to the temple is lined with small shops selling souvenirs and prasad. During the festivities, the temple sees a massive influx of devotees, as it is among India’s most revered temples.
How to Reach Naina Devi Temple Himchal
Located on the top of a hill, Naina Devi Temple Nainital can be reached either on foot or in manual carriages (palkis). You can also use a ropeway to reach the hilltop.
Most pilgrims prefer reaching on foot, chanting Jai Mata Di. The distance can be covered within half an hour with facilities like toilets, refreshments, cold water, etc., available on the way.
Shri Nana Devi Ji Temple is also connected to NH21 and is approx. 90 km from Bilaspur, around 104 km from Chandigarh, around 22 km from Anandpur Sahib, and around 30 km from Bhakra. You can get buses from these places to reach Naina Devi Temple.
Seek blessings at Maa Naina Devi Temple with our Himachal Pradesh tour packages, which you can customize with the help of our travel experts. Contact Indian Holiday for more information and to book a tour with us!
Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages
Things To Do in Himachal Pradesh
- Himachal Pradesh Tour Packages
- Chail Tourism
- Best Time to Visit Himachal Pradesh
- How to Reach Himachal Pradesh
- Things to do in Chail
- Chamba Tourism
- Things to Do in Chamba
- Dalhousie Tourism
- Eating Out in Dalhousie
- Shopping in Dalhousie
- Weekend Getaways from Dalhousie
- Dharamshala Tourism
- Shopping in Dharamsala
- Fairs and Festivals in Himachal Pradesh
- Festival of Sair in Shimla
- Losar Festival Himachal Pradesh
- Minjar Fair, Himachal Pradesh
- Dusshera Festival in Kullu
- Ice Skating Carnival in Shimla
- Shimla Summer festival
- Hamirpur Tourism
- Himachal Pradesh Tourism
- Activities in Himachal Pradesh
- Arts of Himachal Pradesh
- Nati Folk Dance Himachal Pradesh
- Cities in Himachal Pradesh
- Climate in Himachal Pradesh
- Crafts of Himachal Pradesh
- Shawls and Woolen Garments
- Wood Crafts in Himachal Pradesh
- Cuisine of Himachal Pradesh
- Culture of Himachal Pradesh
- History of Himachal Pradesh
- Restaurants in Himachal Pradesh
- Shopping in Himachal Pradesh
- Kalpa Tourism
- Things to do in Kalpa
- Kangra Tourism
- Kasauli Tourism
- Khajjiar Tourism
- Kinnaur Tourism
- Things to do in Kinnaur
- Kufri Tourism
- Things to do in Kufri
- Kullu Manali Tourism
- Shopping in Kullu Manali
- Weekend Getaways From Kullu Manali
- Kullu Tourism
- Lahaul and Spiti Tourism
- Manali Tourism
- Manali Weather & Temperature
- Mandi Tourism
- Things to do in Mandi
- Nahan Tourism
- Things to do in Nahan
- Nalagarh Tourism
- Things to do in Nalagarh
- Palampur Tourism
- Things to do in Palampur
- Parwanoo Tourism
- Pragpur Tourism
- Rohtang Pass Tourism
- Shimla Tourism
- Eating out in Shimla
- Shopping in Shimla
- Himachal Emporium Shimla
- Lakkar Bazaar in Shimla
- Mall Road Shimla
- Ridge Road Shimla
- Tibetan Market in Shimla
- Snowfall in Shimla
- Shimla Weather & Temperature
- Weekend Getaways from Shimla
- Solan Tourism
- Spiti Tourism
- Chamera Lake, Dalhousie
- Dainkund Peak
- Gandhi Chowk Shopping Plaza in Dalhousie
- Ganji Pahari
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary in Dalhousie
- Panchpula in Dalhousie
- Rock Garden, Dalhousie
- Sach Pass, Dalhousie
- Satdhara Falls, Dalhousie
- St. John’s Church in Dalhousie
- Bhagsunag Waterfall
- Cricket Stadium Dharamshala
- Dalai Lama Temple in Dharamshala
- Kalachakra Temple in Dharamshala
- Namgyal Monastery in Dharamshala
- Nearby Places in Dharamshala
- St. John Church in Dharamshala
- Tse Choklilng Gompa in McLeodganj
- Tourist Attraction in Himachal Pradesh
- Adventure Sports Activities in Himachal Pradesh
- Angling & Fishing in Himachal Pradesh
- Camping in Himachal Pradesh
- Heli-Skiing in Himachal Pradesh
- Himalayan Motor Sport Himachal Pradesh
- Mountain Cycling in Himachal Pradesh
- Mountaineering & Rock Climbing
- Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh
- Trekking in Himachal Pradesh
- Vehicle Safaris in Himachal Pradesh
- Water Sports in Himachal Pradesh
- Buddhist Monasteries in Himachal Pradesh
- Gurudwaras in Himachal Pradesh
- Manikaran Gurudwara Manali
- Paonta Sahib Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
- Gurudwara Rewalsar Himachal Pradesh
- Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
- Chail Hill Station
- Chamba Hill Station
- Dalhousie Hill Station
- Dharamsala Hill Station
- Kasauli Hill Stations
- Khajjiar Hill Station
- Kufri Hill Station
- Manali Hill Station
- Mashobra Hill Station Himachal Pradesh
- Parwanoo Hill Station
- Shimla Hill Station
- Lakes in Himachal Pradesh
- Bhrigu Lake Kullu
- Chamera Lake Dalhousie
- Chandratal Lake Spiti
- Dal Lake Kangra
- Dashir Lake Manali
- Gobind Sagar Lake Una, Himachal Pradesh
- Khajjiar Lake
- Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake Kangra
- Manimahesh Lake Himachal Pradesh
- Nako Lake Kinnaur
- Prashar Lake Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Renuka Lake Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh
- Rewalsar Lake Mandi
- Serolsar Lake Kullu
- Suraj Tal Lake Lahaul Spiti
- Pilgrimage Destinations in Himachal Pradesh
- Temples in Himachal Pradesh
- Baba Balak Nath Temple Hamirpur
- Baijnath Temple Kangra
- Bajreshwari Temple Kangra
- Bijli Mahadev Temple Kullu
- Chamunda Devi Temple Himachal Pradesh
- Chattari Temple Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
- Chaurasi Temple Chamba
- Chintpurni Temple Una, Himachal Pradesh
- Dhankar Monastery Lahaul Spiti
- Guru Ghantal Monastery Lahaul Spiti
- Hanogi Mata Temple Kullu
- Hatkoti Durga Temple Shimla
- Jakhu and Sankat Mochan Shimla Himachal Pradesh
- Jwala Devi Temple Kangra
- Kardang Monastery Lahaul & Spiti Valley
- Kungri Gompa Lahaul & Spiti Valley
- Kye Monastery Spiti
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple Chamba
- Temples in Mandi Himachal Pradesh
- Nako Monastery Manali
- Parashar Temple Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Raghunath Ji Temple Kullu
- Renuka Temple Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
- Rewalsar Temples Mandi
- Rewalsar Monastery Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Shashur Monastery Lahaul & Spiti Valley
- Shikari Devi Temple Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
- Tabo Monastery Spiti Valley
- Tashigang Gompa in Spiti
- Tayul Gompa Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh
- Thang Yug Gompa Lahaul & Spiti
- Tilasangh Monastery Kaa, Himachal Pradeh
- Trilokpur Temple Nahan, Himachal Pradesh
- Wildlife in Himachal Pradesh
- Tourist Attractions in Khajjiar
- Tourist Attractions in Kullu Manali
- Adventure Sports in Kullu
- Camping in Kullu
- Mountaineering in Kullu
- River Rafting in Kullu
- Trekking in Kullu
- Religious Places in Kullu
- Bijli Mahadev Temple in Kullu
- Raghunath Temple in Kullu
- Adventure Sports in Manali
- Paragliding in Manali
- River Rafting in Manali
- Skiing in Manali
- Trekking in Manali
- Zorbing in Manali
- Nearby Places to Manali
- Gulaba
- Kothi
- Naggar Castle
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
- Religious Places in Manali
- Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali
- Himalayan Nyingamapa Gompa
- Manali Gompa
- Manikaran Gurudwara Manali
- Manu Temple in Manali
- Vashisht Temple in Manali
- Waterfalls in Manali
- Jana waterfall in Manali
- Rahala Waterfall in Manali
- Rozy Waterfall in Manali
- Adventure Sports in Shimla
- Fishing in Shimla
- Golfing in Shimla
- Ice Skating in Shimla
- Skiing in Shimla
- Chadwick Falls
- Historical Places in Shimla
- Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
- Indian Institute of Advanced Study
- Scandal Point Shimla
- Shimla State Museum
- Jakhoo Ropeway in Shimla
- Religious Places in Shimla
- Bhimakali Temple
- Christ Church Shimla
- Jakhu Temple Shimla
- Kali Bari Temple Shimla
- Sankat Mochan Temple Shimla
- Tara Devi Temple in Shimla
- Summer Hill in Shimla
- Toy Train in Shimla
- Viceregal Lodge, Shimla
- Places to Visit in Spiti
- Places to Visit around Kaza
- Places to Visit in Dhankar
- Gramphu to Kaza
- Hikkim
- Kaza in Lauhaul & Spiti
- Kibber
- Komic Village Spiti
- Langza Village Spiti
- Lhalung in Spiti
- Tabo to Sumdo
- Tabo in Spiti
- Lakes in Spiti
- Chandratal Lake
- Dhankar Lake Spiti
- Suraj Tal Spiti
- Monasteries in Spiti
- Dhankar Gompa Spiti
- Key Monastery Spiti
- Lhalung Monastery Spiti
- Tabo Monastery Spiti
- Ugyen Sangnak Choling Gompa, Spiti
- Una Tourism