Maya Devi temple is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell in the region where the temple stands today and thus it is sometimes referred to as a Shakti Peetha. Goddess Maya is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. She is a three-headed and four-armed deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in reference to this deity. The temple is a Siddh Peetha which is the places of worship where desires get fulfilled.
Shrine’s History
The history of the Maya Devi temple dates back to the 11th century. Devotees as well as tourists from all across the country and the world flock to Haridwar to visit the shrine and to seek blessings of goddess Maya Devi; the goddess represents SHAKTI (DIVINE POWER). Among the Hindu community, this divine power is very highly regarded and revered. According to the Hindu mythology, SATI (LORD SHIVA’S WIFE) set herself on fire to avenge the insulting demeanour of her father towards her husband. When LORD SHIVA came to learn that Sati killed herself to keep his honour, he was filled with fury.
An enraged Shiva undertook a tour of the whole universe carrying the dead body of Sati. It was during this tour that various body parts of Sati fell at different places. Hindus believe that it was at the temple site of Maya Devi where the naval and heart of Sati fell down. Therefore the Maya Devi shrine is held in high regard. The spiritual aura that surrounds the temple is truly worth experiencing for all.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The inner shrine consists of murtis (icons) of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
The nearest bus stop is Haridwar.
By Rail
The Nearest Railway station is Haridwar 0.5km.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun25 km.
Shrine Timings
Open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm
Aarti time: 5.30 am
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navratri
Extra Information About this Shrine
The temple is visited by many devotees from various parts of the country especially during the Navratri and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.
Places to Visit in Maya Devi Temple Maya Devi temple is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. Evening ritual (Arti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga