Maya Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in the holy town of Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It is one of the ancient temples in India and holds immense importance in the Hindu religion. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, believed to be Goddess Shakti's incarnation.
The temple is said to be one of the Siddha Peeths, a group of holy shrines believed to be where the body parts of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, fell when he carried her corpse. According to legend, the navel of Sati fell at this place, and hence, the temple was built in her honour.
The temple complex consists of several small shrines and idols of different Hindu deities. The main temple has ancient architecture and is made of white marble. The temple's inner sanctum houses the model of Goddess Maya, made of black stone and adorned with jewellery and colourful clothes.
Maya Devi Temple is also known for its unique traditions and rituals. One such ritual is the 'Bhagwati Deori,' which involves tying a sacred thread on the wrists of devotees who pray to fulfil their wishes. The temple also witnesses a huge crowd during the festival of Navratri, when devotees from all over the country come to offer their prayers.
Located in the heart of Haridwar, there are many other attractions nearby the temple that one can visit. Some popular ones include Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and Daksheswara Mahadev Temple.
Overall, Maya Devi Temple is a must-visit place for anyone interested in exploring India's religious and cultural heritage. The serene atmosphere and the sacred ambience of the temple make it an ideal place to seek inner peace and spirituality.
Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat about 1.5 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is one of the most sacred places in Haridwar and is known for the daily Ganga Aarti, a spiritual ritual every evening.
Chandi Devi Temple is another popular temple about 3.5 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is known for its religious significance and the scenic cable car ride to the temple.
Mansa Devi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, located about 3 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is known for its religious significance and the scenic cable car ride to the temple.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a beautiful bird sanctuary 10 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is known for its diverse species of birds, including migratory birds that visit the refuge during winter.
Rajaji National Park is a popular wildlife sanctuary about 35 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is known for its diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and various species of birds.
Daksheswara Mahadev:
Temple: Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located about 4 km from Maya Devi Temple. It is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.