Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
Also known as Naina Devi Temple, Mata Naina Devi Mandir, Naina Devi Shaktipeeth, Mahishapeeth, Naina Devi Ji
Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth in Bilaspur marks where Sati's eye fell, ranking among the 51 Shakti Peethas and North India's major pilgrimages.
Photos of Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- 8th century CE (rebuilt by Raja Bir Chand of the Kahlur/Bilaspur kingdom)
- Architecture
- Hilltop Nagara-style marble temple, accessed by winding road, ~300 concrete steps and a cable car from the base
- Address
- Naina Devi Temple, Naina Devi Town, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174310
- Timings
- Daily 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (typical); aarti at sunrise and sunset. Exact hours may vary by season; verify with the temple trust before visiting.
History of Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
According to the Devi Bhagavata Purana, when Lord Vishnu dismembered Sati's body with his Sudarshana Chakra, her right eye fell at this hilltop in the Sivaliks, sanctifying it as a Shakti Peeth. The shrine was rediscovered in the 8th century CE by a Gujjar cowherd boy named Naina, whose cow repeatedly showered milk on a particular stone at the hilltop; the Goddess appeared in his dream and identified the stone as her pindi. Raja Bir Chand of the Bilaspur (Kahlur) kingdom built the original temple at that spot, naming it after the boy. The temple is also called Mahishapeeth in honour of the Goddess's victory over the demon Mahishasur. The current hilltop complex was substantially rebuilt and expanded in the 20th century and remains under the management of a temple trust. The shrine was the site of a 3 August 2008 stampede that killed 123 pilgrims during Sawan — the worst crowd-safety incident in the shrine's modern history.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
- Chaitra Navratri
- Sharad Navratri
- Sawan (Shravan month)
- Navratri Mela (April & October)
How to Reach Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
Nearest airports: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) ~120 km, Chandigarh ~140 km, Shimla (Jubbarhatti) ~110 km. Nearest broad-gauge railheads: Kiratpur Sahib / Anandpur Sahib (~50 km) and Una (~70 km). By road: well connected via NH-21 (Chandigarh-Mandi); base village is reached by HRTC buses and private taxis, and the hilltop is accessed by cable car (ropeway) from the base plus ~300 concrete steps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth
Where is Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth located?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth is located at Naina Devi Temple, Naina Devi Town, Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh 174310, in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- The presiding deity at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth is generally open Daily 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (typical); aarti at sunrise and sunset. Exact hours may vary by season; verify with the temple trust before visiting.. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth built?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth was established 8th century CE (rebuilt by Raja Bir Chand of the Kahlur/Bilaspur kingdom). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth is built in the Hilltop Nagara-style marble temple, accessed by winding road, ~300 concrete steps and a cable car from the base style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth include Chaitra Navratri, Sharad Navratri, Sawan (Shravan month), Navratri Mela (April & October). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- Nearest airports: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) ~120 km, Chandigarh ~140 km, Shimla (Jubbarhatti) ~110 km. Nearest broad-gauge railheads: Kiratpur Sahib / Anandpur Sahib (~50 km) and Una (~70 km). By road: well connected via NH-21 (Chandigarh-Mandi); base village is reached by HRTC buses and private taxis, and the hilltop is accessed by cable car (ropeway) from the base plus ~300 concrete steps.
Why is Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth significant?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth in Bilaspur marks where Sati's eye fell, ranking among the 51 Shakti Peethas and North India's major pilgrimages.
Is there an entry fee at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- Entry to the main shrine of Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Mata Naina Devi Ji Shaktipeeth follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.