Maya Devi Temple - Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple is one of the ancient temples of Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, located near Har Ki Pauri. Goddess Maya Devi is a form of Shakti, with three heads and four arms. Maya Devi temple is one of the three Siddha Peethas within Haridwar, along with Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temples, where desires get fulfilled. The temple dates back to the eleventh century.

Haridwar was earlier known as Mayapuri, because of the Goddess Maya Devi temple. It is a small temple and also with lesser crowds compared to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples. Locating the temple is also slightly difficult.

The inner shrine consists of three idols; one is of Goddess Maya in the center, Goddess Kali on the left, and Goddess Kamakhya on the right. The temple is visited by many pilgrims especially during the Navratri festival and Kumbha Mela. During Navratri, the deity is specially adorned with flowers and ornaments and special pooja is performed.

Also Read: Top 20 places to visit in Haridwar

History

According to mythology, there was a king named Daksha, whose daughter was Sati (incarnation of Parvati). Shiva married Sati in swayamvara. But Daksha was not happy with Shiva. Once Daksha performed a yagna and did not invite Shiva. By the urge of seeing her parents, Sati came to the yagya uninvited. Daksha insulted her and Shiva in front of others. Unable to bear the insult, Sati immolated herself in the fire. Upon hearing the news of Sati, Shiva got into deep anger and sorrow. An enraged Shiva carried the body of Sati and moved around the entire world. Upon request from other Gods, Lord Vishnu used Sudarshana Chakra, which cut through Sati’s body. The body parts fell at various spots and it is believed that the heart and navel had fallen in the region where the temple stands today.

How to reach Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi temple is located near Har Ki Pauri, in Haridwar. The nearest railway station from Maya Devi temple is Haridwar station which is 2 km away. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, at a distance of around 35 km from the temple. Haridwar is well connected with other Indian cities.