Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
Nainital, Uttarakhand
The Naina Devi Temple stands on the northern shore of the Naini Lake in Nainital, and it is one of the Shakti Peethas. By tradition, the eyes (nain) of Sati fell here, and the lake and the town take their name from the Goddess. The temple is a small, red-roofed shrine in the hill style, close to the lake and the Mall Road. The Goddess is worshipped here with the main deities, and the temple is busiest in the Navratri season.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Goddess Naina Devi, one of the Shakti Peethas
- See the red-roofed temple on the shore of the Naini Lake
- See the bells and the offerings tied by devotees
- Take the morning or evening aarti, reported at about 7 am and 7 pm
Ideal for
- Devotees of the Goddess and of the Shakti Peethas
- Visitors to Nainital who want a short temple stop by the lake
- Families, as it is close to the lake and the shops
Good to know
- Sources give different timings, from about 5 or 6 am to 7 or 10 pm, so check locally, and plan to arrive before 7 pm
- Entry is free, and dress should be modest
- It is very crowded during Navratri and on weekends
- Footwear is left outside, and phone and photography rules are not confirmed, so ask at the gate
- Allow about 45 minutes
Spiritual significance
Naina Devi is the Goddess after whom Nainital is named. A visit here is the natural temple stop of any stay in Nainital.
Why it matters
- A Shakti Peetham: the place where Sati's eyes are said to have fallen
- The namesake of Nainital: the lake and the town take their name from her
- A lakeside shrine: a short walk from the Mall Road