On one side of the beautiful Naini Lake is the Naina Devi Temple, a famous Indian pilgrimage and one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India. It is also a beautiful tourist destination situated on the banks of the lake. Naina Devi Temple in Nainital gets its name from the legend that Goddess Sati’s eye (nayan) fell at this place when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 different parts.
In fact, the entire city (Nainital), the lake (Naini Lake), and the Naini temple are named after mythology. Naina Devi Temple is considered one of the holiest temples in the country, which showers blessings on devotees worldwide. The great Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the city, and the highest peak of the temple is guarded by Mount Nanda Devi, who is believed to be the sister of Goddess Naina Devi. Within the premises of the temple is an old Peepal tree guarding the temple and providing shelter to the pilgrims.
As one goes inside, the statue of Lord Hanuman guards and protects the Goddess.
Towards the womb of the temple, there are two Nayans (eyes) in the center, which represent Naina Devi, Mata Kali on the left, and Lord Ganesha on the right. Two lion statues representing the vehicle called the ‘Vahan’ of the Goddess guard the inner temple.
It is believed that the idol was established in 1842 by a worshiper, Moti Ram Shah, but was destroyed during a landslide in the year 1880. The temple was rebuilt in the year 1883 as a tribute to the deep faith and Goddess. Since then the local people believe that the Goddess has protected them from any kind of calamity.