Mayadevi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage temple, located in the hills of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Maya, it is an ancient temple that draws thousands of people annually due to its religious importance and structure. The temple is not only a perfect place for praying and meditation but also a viewpoint for beautiful views of nature. Tourists who pay courtesy to this site can enjoy the cultural history and practices that surround the Mayadevi Temple. For your solace, this temple has been designed in a way to have a meaningful experience.
About Mayadevi Temple
Photo: suketdedhia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mayadevi Temple of Haridwar is one of the Shakti Peethas in India. This temple is one of the most sacred shrines of the Maya Devi. Some of the traditions ascribe their origin back to the prehistoric era, having close association with sacred religious beliefs. The temple too is a wonderful building with well-designed carvings with a serene view. It is especially visited during the Navratri festival, and people come to the temple to pray from across the country. The presence of hills also makes the temple more inviting and a centre for devotion for devotees and tourists.
Location
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Mayadevi Temple is in Haridwar, India at an altitude of up to 1000 feet. It is situated close to the Ganga River which flows in the extensive plain area bordered by hills on both sides. The temple is situated in an area convenient for the pilgrims and tourists. Haridwar is considered one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. It is accessible from major cities and a visit to the temple site is part of pilgrimage trips to the area.
How To Reach
Photo: World8115 / Wikimedia Commons
By Road: Both buses and taxis are available in Haridwar to reach the nearby cities.
By Rail: The Haridwar Junction railway station is also within a few kilometers of the area of the temple.
By Air:The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is 35 kilometers away.
After reaching Haridwar, local transport like auto and taxis are available to reach the temple without any problem. The picturesque places viewed along the way become an attractive feature of such transport.
Places To Visit In And Around Mayadevi Temple
Apart from the spiritual feeling of the Mayadevi Temple, these are the several attractions around the place which you should visit:
1. Har Ki Pauri
Photo: Ramesh Lalwani / Wikimedia Commons
The main entrance of Har Ki Pauri, one of the prominent ghats in Haridwar, is situated near Mayadevi Temple. This sacred place is home to the evening Ganga Aarti with a very picturesque procedure of lamps on the water of the holy river Ganga. The ghat is lined with temples and adds a thoroughly peaceful ambience to sit and pray or meditate. People can take time, relax, and take a look at the flowing water and the calmness of the river. Har Ki Pauri is the best place where anyone can easily set foot and feel the spirituality of Haridwar.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
2. Chandi Devi Temple
Photo: Visual Voir / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Chandi Devi Temple is a famous temple of Goddess Chandi and is located on the Neel Parvat in Haridwar. Located a few hour’s hike away or by cable, the temple has a great view of the River Ganges and the mountains in the backdrop. The temple has history and historians believe that it was constructed in the 8th century. Many people pay obeisance to both goddesses after coming out from the Mayadevi Temple, particularly in The Buddhist holiest month of Ashin from April to May.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: ₹50 for the cable car
3. Mansa Devi Temple
Photo: Srvkumar09 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another sacred site of worship is the Mansa Devi Temple which is the presiding deity of Goddess Mansa. Sitting atop the Bilwa Parvat, this temple is accessible either by a cable car or a beautiful climb. This temple is venerated by a lot of people in the hope of receiving a blessing from the temple. Views of Haridwar which can be seen from the temple are equally fascinating.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: ₹100 for the cable car
4. Sapt Rishi Ashram
Photo: Sourav Debnath / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sapt Rishi Ashram is perhaps one of the oldest austerities situated on the right bank of the river Ganges. This is a quiet area and is appropriately called the ashram of the seven wise men who it is said used to sit in meditation here. There is tranquility in this ashram for visitors to come in search of spiritual transformation. There are such activities provided to the guests like meditation practice, yoga and spiritual practices.
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: Free
5. Rajaji National Park
Photo: Pathik2207 / Wikimedia Commons
Rajaji National Park, situated near Haridwar, is a beautiful wildlife park, famous for its varieties of plants and animals. Jeep safaris or nature walks allow you to watch some of the animals on this visit including elephants and tigers. The park is incredibly perfect for nature lovers and adventure freaks. The tour to the Rajaji National Park makes for a wonderful experience.
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹150 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: Max Vakhtbovycn / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are many places of stay ranging from luxury to budgetary while you visit Mayadevi Temple. There are several hotels and guesthouses around the temple where one can have good accommodation and convenience. The options are available starting from cheap motels and going up to mid-level hotels. Some of the best options you have for staying here include Hotel Hari Ganga and Aastha Hotel. Other hotels here include Hotel Athithi, Hotel Hampton and the Mahal Campsite for those who want to go camping. Local food is also offered by many of these places to enrich your experience.
Where To Eat
Photo: Ssaurabhsharmaa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The place provides a rich choice of restaurants and cafes for various types of traveller’s budgets. Adjacent to Mayadevi Temple, several restaurants and cafes that offer tasty local food specialities range from Northern Indian to vegetarianism. Places like Chotiwala Restaurant are also well known for the delicious taste available in thalis as well as snacks. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the unique Chottiwala demon, who is the brightly dressed up mascot of the hotel.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Anshul Dabral / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best periods for travel are during the months of September-April because of the good weather for the pilgrimage to Mayadevi Temple. These are usually between February, March, April, and November when the weather is normally mild to cool and suitable for a tour across the temple and its neighbouring points of interest. Furthermore, coming in October when the much-prominent Navratri festival occurs provides additional access to spirituality since many festivities occur.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The fixed budget for a day is ₹1000 to ₹1500 including food expenses as well as other expenses.
Tips For Travellers:
- Bring comfortable shoes for touring the temple.
- Avoid tight clothing and uncovered shoulders while in the temple.
- Respect the local culture and embrace the holiness of the area.
Mayadevi Temple is one of the major centers for tourism for a spiritual trip and beautiful views. Due to its historical and cultural importance, tourism is encouraged by attracting all kinds of people to the place, including travellers and adventurers. Mayadevi temple also has a large number of other temples and spiritual destinations surrounding it which makes this visit all the more special. Spend your vacation in this colorful state of Uttarakhand with a package from TripXL.
Cover Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only