Shri Naina Devi Temple is located in the district of Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. According to mythology, Goddess Sati burnt herself alive in yagna, which distressed Lord Shiva. He picked the corpse (dead body) of Sati on his shoulders and started his Tandava dance. This terrified all the deities in heaven as this could lead to destruction. This urged Lord Vishnu to unleash his Chakra that cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces.
Shri Naina Devi temple is the place where eyes (Nain in the Hindi language) of Sati fell down. In the Naina Devi temple complex, there is a huge peepal tree (sacred fig) that is acclaimed to be present from the past many centuries. Within the inner sanctum the figures of three deities are sculpted: To the left Mata Kali, in the center Mata Naina Devi and to the right lord Ganesha.
Every year in large numbers, pilgrims worship Goddess Naina Devi especially during Shravan Ashtami and in the Navratras of Chaitra & Ashwin. People from near and far visit Shri Naina Devi Temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. Some devotees also offer eyes made of silver or gold or any other precious stones at the temple. It is believed that Goddess Naina Devi is very powerful in fulfilling the wishes of pilgrims.
Read also: Vaishno Devi temple, Katra
Contents
Temple Timings
During Navratra’s: From 2:00 Am to 12:00 Pm
Aarti Timings
| Mangal Aarti | 4:00 AM |
| Shringhar Aarti | 6:00 AM |
| Madyannh Aarti | 12:00 PM |
| Evening Aarti | 6:30 PM |
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN NAINA DEVI TEMPLE
NANDA ASHTAMI
During Nanda Ashtami, a big fair is organized in the Naina Devi temple and devotees come for darshan and take blessings. This Nanda Ashtami festival runs for 8 days in the temple.
A ceremony of statue immersion of Goddess Nanda Devi with her sister Naini Devi is celebrated on the last day of the fair.
NAVRATRI
In the Navratri huge number of devotees visit the temple. Devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi. One can enjoy the religious and spiritual environment by visit Naina Devi temple during Navratras. You can see the happiness among devotees during this time.
Other festivals
Other festivals like Maha Shivratri, Holi, Ram Navami, Krishan Janmashtami, Dussehra, Diwali also celebrated here.
Facilities to Pilgrims
- Free Langar facility is provided to pilgrims.
- Patiala Dharamshala facility provided by the trust for the stay of 1000 devotees which is free of cost.
- The washroom facility is there for pilgrims.
Markets in Naina Devi
There are many shops in close proximity to the Naina Devi Temple from where one can buy the prasad and pooja items. Prasad like sweets, coconut, pooja items like Chunri for Goddess Naina Devi, Sindoor, religious books, DVDs religious pictures, etc are easily available at every shop.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport to Naina Devi is Chandigarh Airport at the distance of 100-110 KM. One can hire a taxi to reach Naina Devi Temple.
By Train
Anandpur Railway Station is the nearest Railway station to reach Naina Devi Temple. It is at a distance of Approx. 30 Km from the temple. you can hire a taxi from the railway station to reach Naina Devi temple.
By Road
Naina Devi temple is connected with National Highway 21. Transport Bus services also provided by the government of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Haryana from all the important cities.
Distance from Naina Devi temple
| Anandpur Sahib | 30 KM |
| Chamunda Devi temple | 175 KM |
| Chandigarh | 110 km |
| Delhi | 336 KM |
| Amritsar | 207 km |
| Jwala Devi Temple | 125 KM |
| Chintpurni Devi temple | 110 KM |
| Dharmshala | 175 KM |
| Dalhousie | 246 KM |
| Mcleodganj | 180 KM |
| Shimla | 140 KM |
| Manali | 240 KM |
Frequently asked questions for Naina Devi
Q1. What is the height of Naina Devi temple?
Ans. Naina Devi temple is at a height of 1219 meters above the sea level on the top of the hill in Bilaspur district.
Q2. Is any accommodation facility available in Naina Devi temple?
Ans. Yes, Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shrine Boards Bhakt Niwas where you get clean, neat, and spacious rooms at just Rs. 250 per day(price may vary). A lot of other staying options are there. You can choose according to your convenience.
Q3. How many stairs are there to reach Main Shrine?
Ans. There are 100+ flat stairs which can easily be done in a few stays as many benches are there to take rest.
Q4. What is the best time to visit Naina Devi temple?
Ans. Naina Devi temple can be visitable throughout the year. A festival in the honor of Mata Naina Devi is celebrated in August/September. People in large number witness this festival every year.
So, these are about the Naina Devi Temple. Every year uncounted pilgrims visit here to seek the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi. Ideal Time to go Naina Devi Temple is throughout the year. For more information visit the official website of the Shri Naina Devi Shrine board.
Jai Mata Di…