Naina Devi Temple

Deemed as one of the 'Shakti Peethas' or religious sites, the temple of Naina Devi is one of the most important places of worship in Nainital. The temple is situated on top of the Naina hillock and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Legend has it that Sati (or Parvati), the daughter of Prajapati Daksha became Lord Shiva's consort. Once when she was visiting her father, he insulted Lord Shiva. Unable to accept any desecration of her Lord, Sati killed herself. Upon hearing of his wife's death, Shiva went mad with rage and grief. Hoisting Sati's body across his shoulders, he began to pace the three worlds. Such was his wrath that all the other Gods trembled and everybody refused to intervene. Finally they appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu struck Sati's body with a volley of arrows thus severing them into tiny pieces. The places where the pieces fell and touched the ground were termed as the sacred Shakti Peeths. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the same spot where this temple is built. Thus the name Naina Devi. Naina Devi's temple can be reached by climbing to the top of the Naina hill. The gate to the temple is marked by a gigantic Peepal tree to the left. On the right are idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh. Inside the temple are three deities. Mata Kali Devi, Maa Naina Devi and Lord Ganesh.