Naina Devi Temple Bilaspur

Naina Devi Temple is located on a hilltop in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. One can enjoy riding to the top of the temple via road as there are many curves and then one needs to move by concrete steps. There is also a cable wire facility.  During the period of Shravan Ashtami, Chaitra, Ashwini, and the Navratras thousands of devotees from nearby places throng to the place. The meaning of the name Naina in Sanskrit is eyes.

Legend of Naina Devi Temple:

There are three famous legends related to the origin of the temple.

1. According to the mythology Daksha yagna and Sati self-immolation, it is the holy place where “Eyes” fell down.
2. Another story is regarding a Gujjar boy Naina who noticed one of his white cows showering milk on a stone for many days. Once the goddess came to Naina’s dream and said she originated at a spot where the cow was showering milk as a pindi form. He narrated what he saw in a dream to his King Raja Bir  Chand. He was surprised to see the incident and built a temple with the child named Naina Devi temple.
3. In another context, Naina Devi is also called with the name Mahishapeeth. Once there was a demon named Mahishasur who was very powerful by the boon of immortality with a clause of getting death by women who are not married by Lord Brahma. With this boon, a demon started creating terror in all worlds and troubled gods. In order to kill this demon, all gods combined and created goddesses and gifted their powers and weapons to kill the demon. When Mahishasur saw the goddess he was mesmerized by the beauty of the goddess and offered to marry him then goddess accepted his offer on the condition that he should defeat the goddess in a battle. In a battle goddess not only defeated Mahishasur but also removed his eyes, all gods felt happy and applauded the goddess with the slogan “Jai Naina”.

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Places to visit near Naina Devi Temple:

Bhakra Dam: Located on the Sutlej River, the Bhakra Dam is one of the highest gravity dams in the world. It offers a stunning view of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. You can also visit the Bhakra Nangal Dam viewpoint for a panoramic view.

Gobind Sagar Lake: This large reservoir is created by the Bhakra Dam and is perfect for boating and other water activities. The lush green surroundings make it an excellent spot for picnics.

Anandpur Sahib: Known for its religious significance, Anandpur Sahib is a sacred city for Sikhs. It’s a major pilgrimage site and home to several gurdwaras, including the famous Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib.

Nangal: Nangal is a town located close to Bhakra Dam. You can visit the Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary and see various species of birds and animals.

Bilaspur: Explore the town of Bilaspur itself. It’s known for its serenity and picturesque landscapes. You can visit the Bilaspur PWD Rest House to enjoy a view of the submerged town of Bilaspur during the summer months.

Ramsar: Ramsar is a serene village near Bilaspur that offers beautiful views of the Gobind Sagar Lake. It’s a great place for nature enthusiasts.

Bhakra Nangal Sanctuary: Located near Nangal, this sanctuary is home to diverse wildlife species like leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, and various bird species.

Deoli Fish Farm: If you’re interested in fisheries and aquaculture, you can visit the Deoli Fish Farm to learn about fish farming techniques and view various species of fish.

Bahadurpur Fort: Bahadurpur Fort, located near Naina Devi Temple, is a historic site known for its architectural beauty. It offers a glimpse into the region’s history.

Ropar (Rupnagar): Ropar, also known as Rupnagar, is not far from Bilaspur. It’s famous for its archaeological and historical sites like the Harappan-era excavation site at Rupnagar and the Ropar Wetland.

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Specialty of Naina Devi Temple at Bilaspur:

The temple is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Gobind Sagar Lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India, and especially during the Navratri festival.

Here are some of the specialities of the Naina Devi Temple in Bilaspur:

• It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, which are considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus dedicated to the goddess Sati.
• The temple is believed to be the spot where Sati’s eyes fell when her body was dismembered by Lord Vishnu after her self-immolation.
• The temple is situated on a hilltop offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
• The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India, and especially during the Navratri festival.
• The temple is home to a beautiful white marble idol of the goddess Naina Devi.
• The temple complex also includes shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, and other Hindu deities.
• The temple is known for its grand celebrations of several Hindu festivals, such as Navratri, Diwali, Holi, and Janmashtami.

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FAQ:

Q: What is the Naina Devi temple?

A: The Naina Devi temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, or holy pilgrimage sites dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sati. It is located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, India.

Q: Why is the Naina Devi temple so important?

A: The Naina Devi temple is important because it is believed that the eyes of Sati fell here after her death. Sati was the wife of Lord Shiva, and she immolated herself in protest of her father’s insult of Shiva.

Q: When is the best time to visit the Naina Devi temple?

A: The best time to visit the Naina Devi temple is during the Navratri festivals in spring and autumn. However, the temple is open year-round and welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Q: How do I get to the Naina Devi temple?

A: The Naina Devi temple is located about 50 kilometers from Una, the nearest major town. There are regular buses and taxis available from Una to the temple. You can also take a ropeway from the town of Bilaspur to the temple.

Q: What are the timings of the Naina Devi temple?

A: The Naina Devi temple is open from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Q: What is the dress code for the Naina Devi temple?

A: Visitors are expected to dress respectfully when visiting the Naina Devi temple. This means avoiding shorts, sleeveless shirts, and other revealing clothing.

Q: What are the facilities available at the Naina Devi temple?

A: The Naina Devi temple has a number of facilities for visitors, including a cloakroom, a shoe rack, and a prasad (sacred food) counter. There are also a number of hotels and guesthouses located near the temple.

Q: Are there any other attractions near the Naina Devi temple?

A: Yes, there are a number of other attractions located near the Naina Devi temple, including the Bilaspur Fort, the Anandgarh Fort, and the Govind Sagar Lake.

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