Maya Devi Temple Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple, one of the three Siddh Peetha and often referred as Shakti Peetha, is a famous tourist attraction of Haridwar. Formerly Haridwar was also known as the Mayapuri in veneration to this deity. Built in the 11th century, Maya Devi Temple is also one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar, which is still intact, other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. Major attractions of the temple are idols of Goddess Maya, Goddess Kali, Goddess Kamakhya and two other goddesses, who are also forms of Shakti. Goddess Maya, the main deity of the temple, is a three-headed and four-armed deity and is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. According to the tales and history associated with the Temple, Daksha, the father of Goddess Sati insulted her husband, God Shiva and to avenge the insulting demeanor of her father, she set herself on fire. Lord Shiva was burning with rage when he got to know about his wife’s death, and then he undertook a tour of the universe carrying the corpse of Goddess Sati. When Shiva, was carrying the corpse of his wife Sati, navel and heart of Goddess Sati fell at the site of existing temple. The best time to visit Maya Devi temple is during Navratri and Kumbh Fair.

Location:

Birla Ghat, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401