Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Location: Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
Worshipped Deities: Sati (Parvati)
Timings: 5:00 am - 7:00 pm
Entry Fees: No entry fee
Time Required: 1-2 hours

Naina Devi temple in Himachal Pradesh is situated at a height of 670 meters above sea-level. It is one of those ancient temples of Hindus that are among the sacred pilgrimage destinations. Revered by lakhs of devotees, the temple's superb location attracts the travelers by its picturesque sites and breathtaking imagery. The temple lies amidst lush green valleys and serene locations.

Attractions of the Temple

Naina Devi temple is dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi who is one of the incarnations of Hindu deity Durga. Located in Bilaspur, this temple of Shakti (Durga) is the perfect embodiment of the immense faith that is installed in the mind and soul of millions of devotees. The temple is actually one of the 51 Peeths that are scattered at different places in India.

The shrine of sacred Naina Devi was constructed by a shepherd who belonged to the Gurjar tribe. The temple is adorned with a Peepal tree that is known to be present there from several centuries. There are beautiful idols of the Hindu gods like Hanuman and Ganesha; these idols are located on the right hand side of the main entrance. As one enters the shrines, strikingly beautiful sculptures of two lions are seen. The garbhagriha of the temple houses idols of deities including goddess Naina Devi in the center, Kali on the left and Lord Ganesha on the extreme right.

The panoramic views of the surroundings present heart-touching scenes. One can see the Gobind Sagar Lake from the top of the hill. A cave that is also known by the name of Naina Devi is another tourist attraction. Earlier, one had to cover the entire trekking distance on foot in order to reach at the top of the hill, but now cable car facilities are provide by the authorities so that one does not feel tired or uncomfortable.

Legend Related to the Temple

There are several legends related to Naina Devi temple that are immensely popular among masses. According to one such legend, Daksha Prajapati, father of Parvati (Durga) did not invite her husband Lord Shiva to one of the yajnas. When Shiva reached there with his followers, he was insulted very badly. Seeing this, Parvati got immensely hurt and laid down her life by plunging into the fire of the Yajna. This enraged Lord Shiva so much that he lifted her corpse in his hands and started a scary dance called "Tandava". In order to protect the earth from his fury, Lord Vishnu cut the body of Parvati into 51 pieces. The places where her body parts fell, Peeths were formed by the devotees. Naina Devi Temple is the place where the eyes of the goddess fell.

Also Read: Traditional Dress of Himachal

A second legend says that Naina was a tribal girl who one day saw that the cattle was dropping milk over a hill on their own. On seeing this, she informed king Bir Chand about the miraculous event. The king, when he reached the spot found that a beautiful idol of goddess was lying there. He got inspired and constricted a temple at the site.

The pilgrims who want to visit the temple undergo a strenuous journey of two kilometers. It takes an hour to reach the temple premises. A ropeway has now been provided to avoid long journeys. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top through a ropeway. Naina Devi temple has a number of Other Attractions in its vicinity. These include Bhakra Nangal Dam and Toba village.

A number of fairs and Festivals are celebrated that are devoted to the goddess. Festivals of Savan and Navratri are celebrated every year; pilgrims participate in the festivities with full fanfare and zest.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, which is around 95 km from Naina Devi Temple. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Anandpur Sahib, which is around 20 km from Naina Devi Temple. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to reach the temple.
By Road: Naina Devi Temple is well-connected by road. You can take a bus from Delhi, Chandigarh, or other nearby cities to reach the temple. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Naina Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is from March to June and from September to December. During these months, the weather is pleasant and the temperatures are moderate, making it an ideal time for a pilgrimage or a sightseeing trip.