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Uttaranchal Naina Devi Temple
Location | Nainital, Uttranchal, India |
Built by | |
Also known as | |
Primary deity | Naina Devi |
Important Festivals | |
Attraction |
Since time immortal, devotees from different walks of life have visited the temple to pay homage and offerings to Maa Naina Devi. They visit this temple enchanting Jai Mata Di while pray from their heart to get their wishes fulfilled, and no wonders the mother Goddess grants their wishes too. The word Naina means eye. This temple is built on the northern edge of Naina Lake in Nainital.
This temple Naina Devi is believed to the most revered and ancient Hindu temples in India. The word Naina is somewhat synonymous with the eyes of Sati and since then the devotees have been visiting this temple. One needs to reach the hill top, buy Prasad from different shops or they can bring it from their homes also. Crossing the main gate, they will see a large Peepal tree on their left while on the right the temple houses the idols of Ganesh ji and Lord Hanuman Ji.
History
As per history, Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife burnt herself in fire to take avenge of an insult done to Lord Shiva. The distressed Shiva then picked her body and gyrated his horror-struck dance. After that Lord Vishnu unleashed the Chakra while cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces so that the earth could be saved from Lord Shiva’s wrath. Where ever these 51 pieces fell, the respective pieces came to be known as Shakti Peeths. It is believed that Sati’s eyes fell here and now this place is known Nainital while the temple is called Naina Devi Temple.
It is since then that flock of tourists and devotees visit this temple with utmost devotion.
Discovery of Temple
The temple was discovered or is said to have been originated at the times when Sati’s eyes fell here. Since then, this place is called Nainital and the temple devoted to this goddess is called Naina Devi.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearby airport is Chandigarh which is approximately 100 kms away. On reaching this air port you can hire a taxi or cab and reach the temple. This airport connects the city to different other main cities of India.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is located in Anandpur Sahib while the distance from temple is about 30 kms. There are numerous modes of conveyance through which you can reach this temple upon reaching the railway station.
By Road
This famous temple connects with the National Highway number 21. The temple is approximately 350 kms away from Delhi while 100 kms from Chandigarh. There are frequent State and Local transport buses that operate from different cities of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab.
Important Shrines
The main shrine is the red roofed Naina Devi Temple that is dedicated to Mother Goddess Naina Devi.
Significance Of The Temple
The charming and striking hill resort of Nainital gets this name from Goddess Naina Devi. Dating back to the Kushan period, also called the Nanda Devi or the Naina Devi is well known Kumaon region. This temple is very ancient and is considered to have been constructed in the 15th century AD. It is believed that this temple was destroyed by a landslide. After some years in 1842, Moti Ram Shah installed an idol of Naina Devi while he was settling in Nainital. He also installed some other idols of goddess and gods. This temple was again constructed in the year 1883.
Every year an idol immersion ceremony is hosted here with great pomp and show.
Weather And Time To Visit
Nainital is at an elevation of nearly 2208 feet. This city experiences warm summers and cold winters while has moderate monsoon. The summer season is mainly during the months amid April and September while the monsoon showers take place between the months of July and August. The ideal time to visit Naina Devi Temple is winter season when the temperature can get around the freezing point. Individuals are recommended to carry woolen clothes while travelling during winter season.
Accomodation
Since Naina Devi Temple is located on most popular hill station Nainital, it is advised that one books the hotel rooms in advance if planning to visit this temple. There are many hotels in this region which have rooms that offer picturesque view of the lake and tall mountains. There are hotels than range from luxury hotels to cheap budget hotels that offer impeccable amenities.
Tips For Devotees
Individuals visiting the temple of Naina Devi must carry woolen clothes if visiting during the winter season. The place is considered to be best if you want peace and wish keeping away from the maddening crowd together with pollution which is common in our hometowns. Individuals need to be physically fit and fine as they will be required to climb to the hill resort where this temple is located. One must have strong breathing ability also.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
- There are numerous festivals celebrated at this temple of which Navratras is the popular one.
- One must visit the temple during the aarti time as this time is ought to be the best when you can feel immense peace and calm within yourself.
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