Maya Devi Temple Haridwar

The Maya Devi temple in Haridwar is the oldest temple in India and is believed to be the temple dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Located in Dev Bhoomi in the state of Uttrakhand. The temple has an antiquated history, built in the 11th century. So, its legendary history goes long back to the eleventh century. Maya Devi, to whom the temple is dedicated, is accepted to be the goddess of shakti. The temple is an incarnation of Shakti- Maya Devi was one of the 4 ancient temples which is still in its place after Haridwar was robbed by the famous Central Asian conqueror Timur. Also, known as the Shakti Peetha, this is the place where the heart and navel of the Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her in his arms after she burnt herself.

When King Daksheshwar did not welcome Lord Shiva in the havan, Goddess Sati felt offended and ended her life by burning herself into the havan fire. Lord Shiva could not bear this and began to move around the universe conveying the dead body of Devi Sati in his hands. It is believed that during this time the heart and naval part of Devi Sati fell at this place. After this, the Maya Devi temple was built at this place. Devotees come to worship the Goddess Sati specially during Navratras.

Like other well-known temples in Haridwar, the Maya Devi temple is likewise connected with an intriguing legend. Hindus believe that Sati consumed herself to deliver vengeance for her husband’s insult by her father. After getting the news of Sati being burning herself to ashes, Lord Shiva was loaded with fury. He then took Sati’s burnt body and travelled across the whole universe. So, during Lord Shiva’s tour, diverse body parts fell in various locations of the world. As mentioned in the Holy books, Sati’s navel part fell here where the Maya Devi temple is found today. This is how the famous Maya Devi temple was formed. It is because of this reason Hindus from all parts of the world hold this temple in high respect.

In the Maya Devi temple, the god is appeared to have four arms and three faces. Maya Devi holds the idol of Goddess Kali in her left hand and the idol of Kamakhya Devi in her right hand. Maya Devi is one of the three Shakti peetha in Haridwar. The other two temples are Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi. These three temples together make a triangle. It is said that Haridwar was once known as Mayapuri. The temple is arranged in the east bearing from Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar. Transports and auto rickshaws are effectively accessible to reach this temple.

Places to Visit in Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi temple is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. The inner shrine consists of Murtis (icons) of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine.

Things to do in Maya Devi Temple
Devotees who visit the temple usually like to take some Parasad (offerings) for the Goddess. There's no shortage of sellers, outside the temple. Bags containing a coconut and flowers sell for around 50 rupees, and it's possible to buy plates of flowers for around 20 rupees. Navaratri festival is celebrated here. People came here for full fill their requirement.

Places to Visit near Maya Devi Temple
Devotees can enjoy a holy dip in the Har ki Pauri Brahamakund just 1kms from the temple. Evening ritual (Arti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga and enjoys some market near by the Har ki Pauri.

How to Reach Maya Devi Temple
The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. Its only 04 km far from Haridwar, 30 km from Rishikesh, 215 km from Delhi, 50 km from Dehradun, 25 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, 85 km from Mussoorie.

Places to Visit in Haridwar

Haridwar is an ancient city and important Hindu pilgrimage site in North India's Uttarakhand state, where the River Ganges exits the Himalayan foothills. The largest of several sacred ghats (bathing steps), Har Ki Pauri hosts a nightly Ganga Aarti (river-worshipping ceremony) in which tiny flickering lamps are floated off the steps. Worshipers fill the city during major festivals including the annual Kanwar Mela.