About Naina Devi Temple
Shri Naina Devi Temple stands on a hilltop in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, close to the Punjab border near Anandpur Sahib. It is revered as a Shakti Peetha, where the eyes of Sati are believed to have fallen, and the goddess is worshipped in the form of a pair of eyes. From the top there are wide views of the Gobind Sagar lake and the surrounding Shivalik hills. The temple is one of the most visited shrines in Himachal, especially by devotees from Punjab and Haryana.
Besides the Shakti Peetha legend, a local story tells of a cowherd named Naina who saw a white cow pouring milk on a stone. That night the goddess appeared in his dream and asked that a temple be built there, and it was named after him. Tradition credits Raja Bir Chand of Bilaspur with building the early temple. Guru Gobind Singh is also said to have visited and performed a havan here, so the shrine is respected by Sikh pilgrims too.
The temple has a white facade and a central shrine where the goddess's eyes are worshipped, with images of other deities alongside. An old peepal tree stands in the courtyard. Pilgrims climb the hill by steps lined with small shops, or take the ropeway from the base. On clear days the views over the lake are a highlight.
Naina Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning to late evening, roughly 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM in summer, with extended hours during Navratri. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Naina Devi Temple
By air
Chandigarh Airport is about 100 km away.
By train
Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib stations are about 20-30 km away.
By road
Buses and taxis run from Anandpur Sahib, Bilaspur and Chandigarh. From the base, climb by steps or take the ropeway.
Festivals at Naina Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Shravan Ashtami MelaJul/Aug
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry; the ropeway from the base is paid.
- Use the ropeway to save time and energy, especially with elders.
- Avoid peak festival days if you dislike crowds.
- Combine with a visit to Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara nearby.
- Carry water and wear comfortable shoes for the climb.
Places to visit near Naina Devi Temple
- Anandpur SahibHoly Sikh town with Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, about 20 km away
- Kiratpur SahibHistoric Sikh town, about 30 km away
- Gobind Sagar LakeLarge reservoir of the Bhakra Dam, visible from the hill
- Bhakra DamOne of India's largest dams, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Where is Naina Devi Temple?
It is on a hilltop in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, about 20 km from Anandpur Sahib in Punjab.
Is there a ropeway to Naina Devi?
Yes, a ropeway runs from the base to near the temple.
What is Naina Devi famous for?
It is a Shakti Peetha where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen, and it hosts a large fair on Shravan Ashtami.
Is the Naina Devi in Himachal the same as Naina Devi in Nainital?
No, they are different temples. This one is in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh; the other is on Naini Lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
What is the aarti time at Naina Devi Temple?
Morning Aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening Aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Naina Devi Temple timings?
Usually open from early morning to late evening, roughly 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM in summer, with extended hours during Navratri. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Naina Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
How to reach Naina Devi Temple?
By air: Chandigarh Airport is about 100 km away. By train: Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib stations are about 20-30 km away. By road: Buses and taxis run from Anandpur Sahib, Bilaspur and Chandigarh. From the base, climb by steps or take the ropeway.
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