Naina Devi Temple, Uttarakhand

The first structure made on the upper edge of the lake Naini on Naina Hillock was destroyed by a landslip in 1880. The destroyed structure was replaced by what stands there today as Naina Devi Temple. It is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India. Once a devotee reaches the top of the hill, he can buy prasad from any of various stalls put up. They can also bring offerings from home. After crossing the main gate, a big peepal tree stands on the left. On to the right, one will find idols of Hanuman and Ganesh. Towards the main entrance, there are two statues of Lion. Inside the temple, three deities stand for darshan. Mata Kali Devi, Maa Naina Devi at the centre and Lord Ganesh constitute the three deities.

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, Uttarakhand

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The word Naina is synonymous with Sati’s eye. It is considered as one of the Shakti Peeth. According to a popular legend, Goddess Pārbati and Lord Shiva jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. To mourn the death of his wife, Shiva carried her on his shoulder and performed the Dance of Destruction. Vishnu’s chakra- Sudarshan Chakra- went through Parvati’s body and various parts of the body fell at different places. Her eyes fell on the place where the Naina Devi Temple stands today.

The biggest social occasion celebrated here is in the honour of Nanda Devi who is the patron Goddess of Kumaon hills and a local princess Sunanda Devi. The number of the devotees increases on the auspicious occasion of three festivals: