What is Maya Devi Temple Haridwar?
Maya Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and one of the three Siddh Peethas of Haridwar. According to legend, Goddess Sati's heart (hridaya) and navel (nabhi) fell at this spot. An ancient temple near Haridwar Railway Station. Entry is free. Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM.
Maya Devi Temple holds the unique distinction of being one of the most important Shakti Peethas in India and the presiding deity temple (Adhisthatri Devi) of Haridwar itself. The city's ancient name "Mayapuri" — still used in religious literature and the title of Uttarakhand as "Mayakshetra" — derives directly from Goddess Maya Devi, who is considered the divine guardian of this sacred geography. The temple is classified among the 51 Shakti Peethas — the sites where, according to the Shakti Peetha legend, parts of Goddess Sati's body fell when Lord Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra to dismember her body to end Lord Shiva's grief. At Maya Devi, the heart (hridaya) and navel (nabhi) of Goddess Sati are said to have fallen.
The temple is also one of the three Siddh Peethas of Haridwar — alongside Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi — a triumvirate known as the Tri-Shakti Peethas that collectively define Haridwar's Shakti identity. Pilgrims who visit Haridwar traditionally seek darshan at all three Siddh Peethas in a single visit, completing what is called the "Haridwar Shakti Yatra." Maya Devi is the most accessible of the three — located near the Haridwar Railway Station in the Bade Bazaar area — and is typically the first or last stop on the Haridwar pilgrimage circuit.
The current temple structure dates to the 11th century CE, making it one of the oldest standing temples in Haridwar. The temple complex houses three main deities: Goddess Maya Devi (the primary idol), Goddess Kali, and Lord Bhairav — the guardian deity of the Shakti Peeth. The architecture is in the Nagara style with a shikhara tower, and the inner sanctum retains an atmosphere of ancient devotion that is noticeably different from the newer, more ornate temples in Haridwar. The simplicity and antiquity of the idol installation gives Maya Devi Temple a particularly intense spiritual atmosphere.
Significance, History & Mythology of Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple's significance is threefold: it is a 51 Shakti Peeth where Sati's heart and navel fell; it is the Adhisthatri Devi (presiding goddess) of Haridwar, from whose name the city derives; and it is an 11th-century temple housing three deities — Maya Devi, Kali, and Bhairav — making it a complete Shakti-Bhairav complex.
In the Shakti Peetha tradition, each of the 51 sites is associated with a specific body part of Goddess Sati and a specific form of Goddess Bhavani and her guardian Bhairav. At Maya Devi, the pair is Devi Maya (Sati's heart/navel) and Bhairav Krodha. The Shakti Peetha designation means that Maya Devi Temple is simultaneously a site of cosmic grief (where Sati's divine body returned to earth) and a site of cosmic power — where that grief was transmuted into active, accessible divine energy available to worshippers. The 51 Shakti Peethas together form a sacred geography that covers the entire Indian subcontinent, and Maya Devi stands as the representative site for the Haridwar region.
The temple's role as Haridwar's Adhisthatri Devi — the divine guardian and presiding deity — gives it a significance beyond the Shakti Peetha framework. In Hindu thought, every city or town has a presiding deity who maintains the sacred quality of that geography. For Haridwar — one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism — the presiding deity is Maya Devi. This means that pilgrims who come to Haridwar for any reason (Ganga bath, Char Dham preparations, ancestor rituals) traditionally begin by seeking the blessings of Maya Devi. The temple is busy throughout the day as a result, with a steady stream of devotees even outside of Navratri.
The inner sanctum of Maya Devi Temple houses three ancient idols: Goddess Maya Devi in the centre, Goddess Kali on her left, and Lord Bhairav on her right. The idols are relatively small and simply adorned, which is characteristic of very ancient temples — the simplicity reflects age and authenticity rather than poverty. Maya Devi is depicted with four arms holding a trident, sword, lotus, and a vessel. The sanctum floor is of polished black stone, worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims' feet.
The temple complex includes a sacred tank (kund) adjacent to the main shrine. Devotees perform ritual washing here before entering the temple. The tank's water is considered sacred and is collected by pilgrims as prasad. The complex also includes several smaller shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Hanuman, and other deities — typical of a major pilgrimage temple where ancillary deities are venerated alongside the main goddess.
Navratri (twice yearly — March/April and September/October) is the most important festival at Maya Devi Temple. During the nine-day festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, special pujas are conducted at each prahar (3-hour period), and lakhs of devotees visit from across North India. The temple remains open 24 hours during Navratri. The atmosphere — chanting, incense, marigold garlands, and the sound of bells — is one of the most devotionally intense experiences available in Haridwar.
Maya Devi Temple conducts multiple aartis throughout the day. The Mangala Aarti at sunrise is the first; subsequent aartis occur at midmorning, noon, afternoon, evening (sunset), and the final Shayan Aarti before the sanctum closes for the night. The evening aarti around sunset is the most attended and the most musically elaborate. Attend this if your schedule permits — it provides a different dimension to the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri that takes place around the same time.
Maya Devi Temple — Timings & Entry Fee
Maya Devi Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The temple does not close for an afternoon break unlike some sites. Entry is completely free. During Navratri, the temple operates 24 hours with extended puja schedules. Shoes must be removed at the entrance; a shoe rack is available outside the main gate.
Best Time to Visit Maya Devi Temple
October to March is the best time — cool weather, post-monsoon freshness, and the October Navratri make this the peak devotional season. Maya Devi Temple can be visited any time of year; it is accessible enough that even a 30-minute visit fits into any Haridwar itinerary. Arrive before 8 AM on weekdays for the shortest queues.
Unlike hilltop temples that require physical effort, Maya Devi Temple is accessible year-round without difficulty. The best time in terms of weather is October to March, when Haridwar is cool and the Ganga is clear. But the most devotionally powerful time is Navratri — the nine-day festival in October/November and again in March/April — when the temple operates 24 hours and the devotional energy of the place is at its most intense. Visit early morning (6–8 AM) on any day for the quietest, most introspective experience; midday and afternoon see the highest tourist traffic.
Cool weather (8–22°C). October Navratri is the most sacred time — the temple is open 24 hours and special pujas occur every three hours. Best for photography and calm darshan on non-festival weekday mornings.
April Navratri sees large crowds. Post-Navratri, the temple returns to normal pace. Temperatures rise (25–40°C) but the temple interior is cool. Arrive early (6–8 AM) to avoid heat and crowds.
Monsoon season — the temple is always accessible (no hills, no trekking). Pilgrimage traffic decreases during heavy rain but resumes quickly. The Ganga's nearness means the area has a distinct monsoon energy that devotees find powerful.
How to Reach Maya Devi Temple?
Maya Devi Temple is 1 km from Haridwar Railway Station — within easy walking distance. From Har Ki Pauri, it is 3 km by auto (₹30–50). From Delhi: 215 km (6–7 hrs by road) or take a train to Haridwar.
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun is 35 km from Haridwar (50 min, ₹700–900 by cab). Pre-book a cab online or from the airport taxi stand to Haridwar. Maya Devi Temple is in central Haridwar, near the railway station.
Maya Devi Temple is 1 km from Haridwar Railway Station — the closest major temple to the station. Walk (12–15 min) or take an e-rickshaw (₹10–20). Trains from Delhi (Shatabdi: 4.5 hrs), Dehradun (45 min), Rishikesh (change at Haridwar Junction).
Haridwar ISBT (bus stand) is 3 km from Maya Devi Temple. UPSRTC Volvo buses run from Delhi (ISBT Kashmere Gate) overnight and morning services. Shared auto or e-rickshaw from ISBT to temple: ₹20–40.
From Delhi: 215 km (6–7 hrs via NH58). From Dehradun: 52 km (1.5 hrs). From Rishikesh: 26 km (45 min). Tour Venture India arranges private cabs — WhatsApp +91-8057146497.
Visitor Tips — Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is in the busy commercial heart of Haridwar, near the railway station. Keep these practical points in mind:
Combine with These Haridwar Attractions
All within Haridwar — easily covered in a single day tour.
- Location: Bade Bazaar, near Haridwar Railway Station — 1 km
- Entry: Free · Open daily 6 AM – 8 PM
- Classification: 51 Shakti Peetha · Siddh Peeth · Adhisthatri Devi of Haridwar
- Famous For: Sati's heart and navel · 11th-century temple · Presiding deity of Haridwar city
- Best Time: Oct–March · Navratri for peak devotion · 6–8 AM for quiet darshan
- Time Needed: 30–60 minutes for darshan and courtyard
Frequently Asked Questions — Maya Devi Temple
Is Maya Devi Temple a Shakti Peetha?
Yes, Maya Devi Temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India. According to the Shakti Peetha legend, Goddess Sati's heart (hridaya) and navel (nabhi) fell at this spot when Lord Vishnu used the Sudarshana Chakra to dismember her body. It is also classified as a Siddh Peeth — a site of particularly potent divine energy.
Why is Haridwar named after Maya Devi?
Haridwar's ancient name is "Mayapuri" — named after Goddess Maya Devi, who is the presiding deity (Adhisthatri Devi) of the city. The state of Uttarakhand is also called "Mayakshetra" in religious literature, reflecting how fundamental Maya Devi is to the sacred geography of this region.
What are Maya Devi Temple timings?
Maya Devi Temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is no afternoon break and no weekly off. During Navratri, the temple operates 24 hours. Entry is free.
How far is Maya Devi Temple from Har Ki Pauri?
Maya Devi Temple is approximately 3 km from Har Ki Pauri by road, and about 1 km from Haridwar Railway Station. An auto-rickshaw from Har Ki Pauri takes 8–10 minutes and costs ₹30–50.
Can I visit Maya Devi Temple and Har Ki Pauri on the same day?
Yes, easily. Most pilgrims visit Maya Devi Temple in the morning and then walk or take an auto to Har Ki Pauri for the evening Ganga Aarti (7 PM). A Haridwar half-day itinerary can include Maya Devi, Mansa Devi (cable car), and the evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri.
Tour Venture India is a registered travel agency in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, specialising in pilgrimage tours, Char Dham Yatra, and Himalayan travel. Our team visits Maya Devi Temple regularly with clients and updates this guide based on first-hand experience. Last visited: October 2026. For any query, call +91-8057146497 or WhatsApp.