Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is situated on top of a hill at an altitude of about 1177 meters above sea level, and it offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Since the construction of the temple, many folk tales are told about it. The temple is considered very sacred by the pilgrims. All major Hindu festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm in the temple.
Maa Naina Devi
The view of Gobind Sagar lake can be seen from the temple of Naina Devi. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths where the body parts of Sati fell on the earth. Devi Sati’s eyes fell here. The temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji is one of the most remarkable temples of Himachal Pradesh. Pilgrims and devotees throng this holy place. It is crowded during Shravan Ashtami and during Chaitra and Ashwin Navratras. A special fair is organized here during Navratri and people from Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and all over Himachal visit here.
The temple has beautiful architecture and is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings. It has a big hall where devotees can offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The main deity of the temple is a black stone idol of Goddess Naina Devi, which is placed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The temple attracts a large number of devotees, especially during the Navratri festival, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. The temple also has the facility of a cable car, which takes visitors from the foot of the hill to the temple complex, making it easy for devotees to reach the temple.
There was an accident in Naina Devi temple on 3 August 2008, that day proved to be a disastrous day for the temple as at least 123 people were killed. Many women and children were also there. One report said that people had fallen down the cliff after the railing broke. Another report said that rumors of a fight in the temple were causing panic. According to Daljit Singh Manhas, a senior police officer in the area, at least 40 of the victims were children.
Many stories About the Temple.
According to the Vedas and Puranas, Goddess Sati immolated herself in the Yagya because her father Sri Daksha Prajapati did not invite her to the Mahayagya due to his displeasure with Lord Shankar. Lord Shankar being distressed lifted the body of Sati on his shoulders and started the Tandav dance. Due to this, all the deities in heaven became self-realized. Then Lord Vishnu urged to pierce his chakra which broke Sati’s body into 51 pieces. Naina Devi Temple is the place where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell. Since then this place is revered by pilgrims and devotees.
The temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century AD by a local king named Bir Chand. It is said that the king had a vision of the goddess Naina Devi, who appeared to him in a dream and instructed him to build a temple in her honor. Since then, the temple has been a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from all over India.
How to reach Naina devi Temple Bilaspur
To reach Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, you can follow these steps:
By Air: The nearest airport to Bilaspur is Chandigarh Airport, which is approximately 105 km from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bilaspur.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Bilaspur is Kiratpur Sahib Railway Station, which is approximately 33 km from the temple. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Bilaspur.
By Road, Bilaspur is well connected by road and you can easily reach there by bus, taxi, or private car. The temple is about 20 km from Bilaspur city, and the roads are well-maintained.
Once you reach Bilaspur, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Naina Devi Temple. The temple is situated on a hill, and you have to climb about 500 steps to reach the temple. However, you can also take a cable car or ropeway to reach the temple. Cable Car/Ropeway service is available from a place called Toba, which is about 3 km from the temple.
