Those
yearning for solace, peace and salvation, Nainital is the
ideal place as this charming hill resort got its name from
the Goddess Naina Devi. At this place both the eyes of Devi
sati had fallen to the earth. In this temple Durga Maa is
in the shape of Pindi (Shrine) Devotees in great number visit
this place during Navratras and on Ashtami (Eight Day ) of
the month of Shravan. Near the Shivalik mountain, there was
a devotee of Durga named Naina. He used to take is cattle
on to the shivalik mountain for grazing. There was a papal
tree which is existing even today in the temple premises.
One day Naina went under that tree and saw that there was
an idol of Durga beneath the leaves of the tree. The same
day Durga Maa appeared in the dreams of Naina at night and
said to him "I am Adishakti Durga " you should build
a temple at this place under the papal tree and I will become
famous with your name. This beautiful temple is known as Naina
Devi Temple since then. There is also a cave near the temple
which is known as the cave of Naina Devi.
The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati ( Durga).
The temple is also known as Mahishapitha because of it's association
with Mahishasur. Naina devi temple is one of the 52 Sati piths
according to Hindu scriptures. It's scenic beauty is marvelous
and all the devotees gets peace and blessings of Ma Naina
Devi. It's surrounded by Govind Sagar lake and Bharka Dam.
