Maya Devi Temple Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar
Built in the 11th century, the Maya Devi temple in Haridwar is one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Hindu goddess Maya and is also one of the three Shaktipeeth, believed to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell. Goddess Maya is considered to be a form of Adi Shakti, who is believed to be the Goddess of divine power. Devotees of the Goddess visit in large numbers during Navratra and Kumbh Mela to take her blessings.

Maya Devi is considered by many as the chief Goddess of the holy city and no pilgrimage is complete without doing Devi’s darshan. Formerly the city of Haridwar was even called Mayapuri in veneration to this deity. The ancient Maya Devi Temple is also one of the three oldest temples of Haridwar, which is still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. Along with goddess Maya, the sacred temple is graced by the idols of goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali who are also a form of Adi parashakti. It is a common belief that the holy temple is a Siddha peeth which means that the presiding goddess has the power to fulfil any desires or wishes of the person seeking Her blessings.