Maya Devi Temple (Shakti Peeth)
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
The Maya Devi Temple is one of Haridwar's oldest surviving shrines and a place of deep significance in the Shakta tradition. Dated to around the 11th century, it stands as one of only three ancient temples of Haridwar to remain substantially intact through the centuries — the others being the Narayana-shila and Bhairava shrines. Its presiding deity, Maya Devi, is the tutelary goddess (adhishtatri devi) of Haridwar itself; in her honour the city was historically known as Mayapuri, "the abode of Maya," long before it took its present name. For pilgrims, this makes the temple not merely one attraction among many but the spiritual root of the town.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Mathura Walon Ki Pracheen Dukan (Bara Bazaar, near Har Ki Pauri) — long-standing pure-vegetarian sweet and snack house; reported reliable, but confirm current hours locally.
- ✦Pure-veg thali houses and bhojanalayas around Bara Bazaar and Upper Road — satvik meals and chaat within a short walk; entirely vegetarian quarter, so pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter.
- ✦Ganga-side pure-veg bhojanalayas near Har Ki Pauri — simple thalis, kachori-sabzi and lassi; standards vary, so pick a busy, freshly-cooked counter.
- ✦Prasad and mithai stalls along the temple lanes — pedas, laddoos and boondi; Haridwar is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free throughout.
About
The Maya Devi Temple is one of Haridwar's oldest surviving shrines and a place of deep significance in the Shakta tradition. Dated to around the 11th century, it stands as one of only three ancient temples of Haridwar to remain substantially intact through the centuries — the others being the Narayana-shila and Bhairava shrines.
- Its presiding deity, Maya Devi, is the tutelary goddess (adhishtatri devi) of Haridwar itself; in her honour the city was historically known as Mayapuri, "the abode of Maya," long before it took its present name.
- For pilgrims, this makes the temple not merely one attraction among many but the spiritual root of the town.
- Maya Devi is counted among the fifty-one Shakti Peethas — the sacred network of sites marking where, in the Daksha Yajna legend of the Puranas, parts of the goddess Sati's body are believed to have fallen as Lord Vishnu's discus divided her form.
- At Haridwar, tradition holds that the heart (hriday) and navel (nabhi) of Sati fell here, and for this reason the shrine is venerated as both a Shakti Peeth and a siddha peeth — a place where sincere devotees' wishes are believed to be fulfilled.
- It forms a devotional triad with the hilltop temples of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, and many pilgrims complete all three during a single visit to the city.
- The sanctum enshrines a striking three-headed, four-armed image of the goddess, understood as a manifestation of Shakti, flanked within the inner shrine by icons of Kali and Kamakhya alongside other forms of the Devi.
- The temple sits just east of Har Ki Pauri near Birla Ghat, at the heart of the old pilgrimage quarter, and its atmosphere is one of quiet, continuous worship rather than grand spectacle — bells, incense, the murmur of prayers, and a steady flow of devotees through modestly scaled halls.
- All visitors, regardless of faith, are welcome to observe respectfully.
- Remove your shoes before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and stay quiet during aarti; ask before photographing the sanctum.
- Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free city by long custom, so the surrounding lanes are wholly pure-vegetarian: expect satvik thalis, kachori-sabzi, and prasad sweets within a short walk.
- The temple pairs naturally with an early-morning walk to Har Ki Pauri for the Ganga darshan before the day warms.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Near Birla Ghat, east of Har Ki Pauri, city centre, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249401
How to Reach: Near Birla Ghat, just east of Har Ki Pauri in central Haridwar, about 600 m from Haridwar Junction Railway Station. From the railway station or bus stand, a cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹30–60 (5–10 minutes); it is also an easy walk from Har Ki Pauri through the old pilgrimage lanes. Vehicle access near the ghats is restricted during peak hours, so the final stretch is usually on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar?
The temple is generally reported open daily from around 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon and again from about 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with darshan and aarti timings varying by season and festival. As these hours can change, it is best to confirm locally, especially during Navratri when the temple stays busy for longer.
Is there an entry fee for Maya Devi Temple?
No, entry is free. Maya Devi is an active community temple and Shakti Peeth open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket required. You may make a voluntary offering if you wish.
Why is Maya Devi Temple important?
It is one of Haridwar's oldest intact temples, dating to around the 11th century, and one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas — the site where the heart and navel of the goddess Sati are traditionally believed to have fallen. Maya Devi is the tutelary goddess of Haridwar, and the city was once called Mayapuri in her honour. It is also revered as a siddha peeth, a place believed to fulfil devotees' wishes.
How do I reach Maya Devi Temple?
The temple is near Birla Ghat, just east of Har Ki Pauri in central Haridwar, about 600 m from Haridwar Junction Railway Station. A cycle-rickshaw or auto-rickshaw from the station costs roughly ₹30–60 and takes 5–10 minutes, and it is an easy walk from Har Ki Pauri through the old lanes. There is no metro in Haridwar; the final stretch near the ghats is usually on foot.
Can I visit Maya Devi Temple along with Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi?
Yes. Maya Devi forms a devotional triad with the hilltop shrines of Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, and many pilgrims complete all three during one visit to Haridwar. Maya Devi is centrally located near Har Ki Pauri, making it easy to combine with an early-morning Ganga darshan before heading up to the two hill temples by ropeway or road.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Maya Devi Temple?
Haridwar is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free city, so the entire area around the temple is pure-vegetarian. Within a short walk you will find satvik thalis, kachori-sabzi, chaat and lassi around Bara Bazaar and Upper Road, along with long-standing sweet houses selling pedas and laddoos. Choose a busy counter with freshly cooked food, and confirm hours during festival crowds.