Naina Devi

Shri Naina Devi Temple

The Shri Naina Devi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated atop a hill in the Bilaspur District of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a significant pilgrimage destination, revered as one of the sacred Shakti pithas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, a form of the Goddess Sati, believed to be where her right eye fell after she immolated herself. This event is central to the mythology surrounding the establishment of the Shakti pithas across the Indian subcontinent.

History and Legends

The temple's origins are steeped in legend. According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, after Goddess Sati's sacrifice, Lord Shiva's grief led him to wander the cosmos with her body, prompting Lord Vishnu to sever it into 51 parts. The places where these parts fell became sacred Shakti pithas. The Shri Naina Devi Temple specifically marks the spot where Sati's right eye is said to have fallen.

Later accounts describe how the temple was rediscovered by a Gurjar boy named Naina, who observed a cow mysteriously showering milk on a stone. After experiencing a divine vision confirming the stone as the Goddess's pindi, Naina informed Raja Bir Chand. Impressed by the miraculous events, Raja Bir Chand constructed a temple on the site, naming it after Naina.

The temple is also known as Mahishapeeth due to its association with the Goddess's victory over the demon Mahishasur. Legends tell of Mahishasur's reign of terror and how the Goddess, created by the combined powers of the gods, defeated him in battle.

Location and Access

The Shri Naina Devi Temple is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Gobind Sagar lake, a reservoir created by the Bhakra-Nangal Dam. The temple can be reached via National Highway No. 21. Pilgrims can ascend the hill by road, which curves partway up, followed by a climb via concrete steps. For added convenience, a cable car facility transports devotees from the base of the hill directly to the temple.

Notable Incidents

A tragic stampede occurred at the temple on August 3, 2008, during the holy month of Sawan. The event, which took place amidst a large gathering of devotees, resulted in the deaths of at least 123 people. Conflicting reports attributed the cause to a broken guard railing, panic caused by rumors, or police actions.

Cultural and Religious Importance

As a Shakti pitha and a site of significant mythological events, the Shri Naina Devi Temple draws a large number of devotees, particularly during festivals such as Navaratri. The surrounding area also includes the samadhi of bhagat Jeona Morh, a 20th-century devotee, adding to the spiritual landscape of the location.