Maya Devi Mandir

Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar is one of those sacred places that draws several devotees throughout the year. Dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, this revered shrine holds a special place among the 51 Shakti Peeths. Situated just 1.4 km away from both the Haridwar railway station and the bus stand, making it easily accessible to devotees. As a Shakti Peeth, it is believed that this is the same site where the navel and heart of Goddess Sati fell. Devotees on their pilgrimage to Haridwar often visit this temple, as Goddess Maya is known as the Patron Goddess of the city.

Maya Devi- the Goddess Shakti

Being the most significant pilgrimage site for Hindus, Haridwar is prominently known for Har ki Pauri and its sacred ghats. Besides this, the city is also known for various religious sites, which are steeped in mythology. Among these, one such revered site is the Maya Devi Temple. Situated just 3.5 km away from Har ki Pauri, the temple lies near Birla Ghat and the city guardian shrine, the Anand Bhairav Temple.
 

Inside the main sanctum, the presiding deity is depicted as a three-headed and four-armed idol, which is often regarded as the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Alongside her, the idols of Goddess Kali and Goddess Kamakhya are enshrined on the left and right, respectively.

11th Century Old Temple

It is believed that the Maya Devi Temple in Uttarakhand dates back to the 11th Century. Along with Anand Bhairav Mandir and Narayan Shilla, it is the third ancient shrine in the city that still stands tall today. The temple is beautifully constructed in the traditional North Indian architectural style, which is primarily admired for its simplicity and serenity.

As soon as you enter the temple premises, you will be encircled by an aura of tranquillity. Its divine wall depicting the idols of the goddess lures you and takes you back to the spiritual era of the 11th century.

Opening and Closing Time

Devotees can visit the shrine daily, as it is generally open around 6:30 AM. However, the temple portal closes around noon and reopens around 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

Mythology

As per the legend, Goddess Sati's father, King Daksha, once organised a yajna at his home. As King Daksha didn't like his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. To humiliate him, he invited everyone except his son-in-law. Despite Lord Shiva's permission, Sati visited to attend the sacrificial Yajna. During the ceremony, King Daksh publicly hurled a callous remark about Lord Shiva. Deeply hurt by this, Sati lost her cool and leapt into the sacrificial fire.
 

When Lord Shiva learned about this, he rushed to the site and carried Sati's charred body. In immense pain and grief, he starts performing the Tandava (a dance of destruction) all over the place, while holding Sati's body. To protect the world from Shiva's devastation, Lord Vishnu guided his Sudarshan Chakra, which cut Sati's body into 51 pieces. The places where each piece of Sati's body fell are now known as the Shakti Peeths.

Accommodation

Haridwar offers ample options for overnight stays, mainly Hotels, homestays, guesthouses, and dharmshalas.

• Hotel Orchid Inn
• Hotel Anand Niketan.
• Hotel Ganga Vibes
• Hotel City Heritage
• Hotel Ganga Gaurav
• Hotel Ganga Dhara
• Antarman Ganges
• Hotel Ganga Exotica
• Hotel Namay Inn
• Hotel Trishul
• Hotel La Casa
• Hotel City Heritage
• Hotel Himalaya

Important Tips for Travellers

• An ample parking space is available near the temple.
• Local transportation is easily available to access the temple.
• Avoid wearing leather accessories such as purses and belts.
• Prasad shops are available outside the temple premises.
• Exercise caution if visiting during peak summer, as extreme heat may cause heatstroke.
• Avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to various travel-related issues.
• It is advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the evening.

Nearby Attraction

Apart from Maya Devi Temple, you can also explore other popular places in Haridwar, such as: -

• Chandi Devi Mandir.
• Maa Mansa Devi Mandir.
• Har Ki Pauri.
• Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir.
• Anand Bhairav Mandir.