Maya Devi temple is one of the ancient Siddha Peeth and a popular temple located in Haridwar in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya who is considered to be one of Goddess Shakti’s incarnations. As per popular mythology belief, Maya Devi temple is the place where the naval and the heart of Goddess Sati felled when Lord Shiva was taking her body.

Earlier Haridwar was known as Mayapuri as Goddess Maya was the most respected and worshipped deities in Haridwar. The trio of Siddha Peeth is completed by Maya Devi temple. The other two Siddha Peeth include Manasa Devi and Chandi Devi temples. Kumbh fair and Navratris are the occasions when a large number of devotees visit this temple to take the blessings of the Goddess.

History

Maya Devi temple of Haridwar dates back to 11th century and it is one of the 3 ancient temples located in this holy city, and are still undamaged. The other two temples include Bhairava temple and the Narayana Shila.

The history of Hindu religion in Haridwar speaks much about the legend behind Maya Devi temple.

Architecture

The inner shrine of the Maya Devi temple comprises of the idols of Goddess Maya in the centre, Goddess Kamakhya on the right and Goddess Kali on the left. Basically this temple represents the incarnations and avatars of Shakti, and there are two other goddesses who are present in the inner shrine of the temple who are also the forms of Shakti. The temple is located towards the east of Har-ki-Pauri and can be easily accessed by the Public transport.

History

It is believed that the divine consort of Lord Shiva, the Goddess sati sacrificed her life after her father Daksh Prajapati insulted her husband Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva went furious after knowing that Sati has died to keep his honor. Lord Shiva arrived at the place and carried the sati’s body to take a tour of entire universe. During the travel of Lord Shiva, the different parts of sati felled in different places in the world. It is believed that the heart and the naval of Sati fell at the place where Maya Devi temple of Haridwar stands today. This is one of the major reasons that Hindus from all parts of the world come to this temple to pay their regards.

Timings

The Maya Devi temple located in Haridwar is open seven days a week and also on all the public holidays. It opens at 6 am in the morning and closes at 8 pm. The temple closes from 12 noon – 3 pm for lunch.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Maya Devi temple is between March to October though, the place is open throughout the year. Many people visit the temple during Navratris and Kumbh fair.

How to Reach

Maya Devi temple is located in Haridwar which can be easily reached from the cities of India. This temple is located near Har-ki-pauri, and one can find an auto rickshaw, bus or taxi. Haridwar is the nearest railway and bus station located at a distance of about half a kilometers from the temple. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport located at a distance of about 35 Km.

Festivals

The festivals that are celebrated in the Maya Devi temple with grand celebrations include Navratri (March or April) and Kumbh fair.