Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

Naina Devi Shakti Peetha is the most revered Shakti Peetha perched atop the Shivalik Hills in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. Situated at an altitude of 1219 meters, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Gobind Sagar Lake and the Bhakra-Nangal Dam.

Sri Naina Devi is the main deity of the temple, and it is one of the prominent 51 Shakti Peethas, where the eyes of Sati Devi fell.

It is known for curing all types of eye-related ailments. A large number of devotees throng to this temple to see Naina Devi and to fulfill all their wishes.

Gobind Sagar Lake is a water reservoir formed by the Bhakra Dam, locals often recount that around 28 temples once stood beneath the lake. As the water level recedes, the ruins of these ancient temples emerge, visible during the winter and early summer.

This hill, the most significant in the Naina Dhar range, is a vital pilgrimage site for both sects of religion, Hindus and Sikhs. It draws large crowds of pilgrims annually, especially during festivals like Shravana Ashtami and Navaratri. Pilgrims come from neighboring states such as Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, and even from various parts of the world.

Deity of Naina Devi

Within the garbhagriha of the Naina Devi Temple, three sacred Deities are enshrined — Kali Devi is enshrined on the extreme left, Naina Devi occupies the central place, and Lord Ganesha stands to the right. The goddess Naina Devi is worshiped specifically in the symbolic form of eyes.

Deity Inside the Temple Complex

Ganesha Ji: At the entrance of the temple, towards the right, there is a dome-style structure dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Modak is offered as a sacred prasad to seek the fulfillment of devotees’ desires. Lord Ganesha, known as the remover of obstacles, is traditionally worshiped first before commencing any religious ceremony.

Hanuman Ji: At the temple entrance, there is a separate Deity dedicated to Lord Hanuman, designed with a dome-shaped structure. Devotees offer sindoor and langots to appease the deity and to receive his blessings. His idol is placed to the right side of the entrance.

Ek Paad Bhairava: Also situated near the entrance is the idol of Ek Paad Bhairava. As part of the rituals associated with his worship, liquor is offered to the deity.

Brahma Pindi: It is a small stone, a manifestation of Naina Devi itself, present here for centuries. It is present below the peepal tree.

Sri Lakshmi Narayana Ji: Beside the peepal tree, there is a deity of Lakshmi Narayana Ji, who blesses the devotees with happiness and prosperity.

Sri Khret Batuk Ji: This dome-style structure is present beside Lakshmi Narayana. It is considered as one of the ganas of the Sri Naina Devi Ji. The deity is carved out of white marble.

Charana Paduka: It is the sacred feet of Sri Naina Devi Ji, which is installed on the Dharamshila. It is present in front of Sri Khret Batuk ji.

Shiva Ji: This is a sacred shikhara-style Shiva temple and is present in the northeast of the temple complex. Maheshwara is worshiped in the form of Ashutosh Shankara. Besides this, there is a room for the kitchen where the food is prepared for the goddess.

Akhand Hawan Kunda: Established by the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Govind Singh, Akhand Hawan Kunda is a symbol of faith. During the early hours of Brahma Muhurta, the temple’s chief priest begins the sacred hawan ceremony. And it continues throughout the day by the devotees who put the offering into the hawan. Devotees adorn their foreheads with the holy ashes and also take them home. The sacred ashes protect the devotees.

Yama Dwara: To the left of the Main Deity and near the Hawan Kunda, there is Yama Dwara. Here, there is a deity of Yama and Yami who has been present for centuries. In ancient times, there was a practice of sacrificing buffalo here. As time passed, this practice was stopped.

Sri Mahakali: There is a Deity of Mahakali installed behind the main temple.

Sthala Purana of Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

According to the Devi Bhagavati Purana, in ancient times, there was a demon king named Dhanu who had two sons, Rambha and Karambha. Desiring a powerful male child, they performed severe penance for Malavata Yaksha. Rambha carried out his penance while standing amidst water, whereas Karambha undertook his austerities surrounded by the five sacred fires, known as Panchagni.

Alarmed and feeling insecure, Lord Indra took the form of a crocodile and killed Rambha. Enraged by his brother’s death, Karambha decided to sacrifice himself to Agni (the fire god). Impressed by his devotion, Agni manifested before him and offered a boon.

Karambha requested a mighty son capable of conquering all three worlds. Agni told him that he would have a child only if a female were attracted to him. In time, a she-buffalo was attracted to Karambha, and they were blessed with a male child who was part demon and part buffalo.

This child, Mahishasura, received a boon that he could not be killed by anyone, either gods or demons, but only killed by a woman who is not born (Ajanama). Empowered by this boon, he began to torment everyone.

The devas (gods) went to Brahma to complain about Mahishasura’s tyranny. Brahma advised them to pray to Adi Para Shakti. All the devas, including the tri-murthi, appeared near the Sutlej River and started to pray for Adi Para Sakti. The powerful goddess Adi Para Shakti appeared, and all the devas gave their weapons to her. A fierce war broke out between Devi and Mahishasura. Using these divine weapons, she ultimately vanquished the demon Mahishasura.

The place where she killed the demon is called Mahisha Peetha.

Architecture of Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

The Naina Devi Temple features stunning architecture, showcasing traditional dome and shikhara styles. Built in the 18th century by Raja Bir Chand, this elegant temple is made of pristine white marble.

At the main entrance, the doors are plated silver. Once you enter the main temple, there are statues of lions.

Inside the temple complex, there is a peepal tree, which has been present here for centuries. The temple enshrines many deities like Ganesha, Hanuman, Lord Shiva, Lakshmi Narayana, and more.

Festivals of Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

Naina Devi Shakti Peetha celebrates two Navaratri’s in a year; one is Chaitra Navaratri, and the other is Ashwina Navaratri.

Chaitra Navaratri: It is a vibrant 10-day festival, celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). Special pujas and rituals are performed to invoke the blessings of Naina Devi.

Ashwina Navaratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of Ashwina (September-October).

Shravana Ashtami: This festival is observed on the eighth day of the month of Shravana, which falls between July and August. Devotees take a bath in Gobind Sagar Lake and offer their prayers to the goddess.

Maha Tara Jayanti: Also referred to as Tara Jayanti, this ten-day-long festival is dedicated to celebrating the ten incarnations of Goddess Durga.

Facilities Provided by Temple Trust

Temple Timings of Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

The darshan timings of Naina Devi Shakti Peetha are as follows:

Daily: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM

During the festival of Navaratri, the temple remains open throughout the day.

Daily: 2:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Best Time to Visit Naina Devi Shakti Peetha, Bilaspur

The ideal time to visit Naina Devi Shakti Peetha is from October to February. The winter season is a very beautiful time to enjoy the scenic beauty, charismatic hills, and pristine surroundings.

Nearby Places to Visit

Gobind Sagar Lake: It is a man-made lake, measuring 8 Kms in length and 8 Kms in width. This beautiful, serene, and majestic lake is named after the tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. It ranks as the third-largest water reservoir in the country.

Bhakra Nangal Dam: It is one of the hydroelectric projects on the Sutlej River in Bhakra village in Bilaspur. This dam is the second-tallest in Asia. Bhakra Dam is located upstream of the village, while Nangal Dam is located 13 Kms downstream of the Bhakra Dam.

Markandeya Temple: This temple is located in Bilaspur. Sage Markandeya is worshiped in this temple.

Vyas Gufa: This ancient site, where Vyas Maharshi once meditated, is located on the left bank of the Sutlej River.