Naina Devi Temple

Naina Devi Temple is situated on northern end of the Nainital Lake near the Nainital Boat House Club in Nainital. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Naina Devi represented by two eyes. According to the legend, Naina Devi Temple is the place where eyes from burned body of Goddess Sati fall when her corpse was being carried by Lord Shiva. The word Naina is synonymous with Sati's eyes. The temple is one the main places to visit in Nainital.

It is said that the current temple at Nainital actually replaces the original 15th century temple. In 1842, a devotee Moti Ram Shah installed an idol of Naina Devi. A major landside has destroyed the temple completely in 1880. Naina Devi temple was replaced by the present structure in 1883.

Inside the temple, devotees have darshan of three deities. On the extreme left is Mata Kali Devi, the center representing two eyes of Naina Devi and to right side is idol of Lord Ganesh. After crossing the main gate, there is a big Peepal tree on the left side. On the right side of the temple there is an idol of Lord Hanuman. The main shrine of Naina Devi is bordered by two lion statues.

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 premises of Naina Devi temple. A ceremony of statue immersion of Goddess Nanda Devi with her sister Naini Devi is celebrated on last day of the fair. Other holy occasions like Navaratri, Chaitra Fair etc. also witness huge number of devotees in the temple.

Architecture of Naina Devi temple, Nainital
Within the premises of the temple stands high an old Peepal tree guarding the temple and providing shelter to the pilgrims. As you walk inside, there stands Lord Hanuman showering blessings and guarding the goddess. As you move towards the womb of the temple, in the center are two Nayan (eyes) representing Naina Devi, Mata Kali to the left and Lord Ganesha to the right. Two lion statues which represent the vehicle, called ‘Vaahan’ of the Goddess, guard the inner shrine.

History of Naina Devi temple, Nainital
One of the most popular sightseeing places in Nainital, Naina Devi temple finds its mention in the 15th Century (AD) or the Kushan period. It is believed that the idol was instituted in 1842 by a worshiper, Moti Ram Shah, but got destroyed during the landslides in the year 1880. The temple was rebuilt in the year 1883 with deep faith and as a tribute to the goddess. Since then the locals believe that the goddess has guarded them against any kind of calamities.