The Pashan Devi Temple stands as a renowned religious edifice and a prominent tourist attraction within the Nainital region. Embracing the cultural practices inherent in an Indian Hindu family, the act of visiting temples becomes a inherent part of any vacation or trip. Even a brief excursion to the local market involves paying respects with one or two head-bows along the way, exemplifying the prevalence of temples in our routine. The act of worshiping God transcends mere ritual, becoming an integral aspect of our collective behavior.
Particularly during the summer vacations, a time when many Indian families embark on leisure trips, the customary visitation to the local deity of the destination becomes a customary practice. Among the myriad of popular holiday destinations, Nainital holds a special place as a favored retreat. Notably, the Pashan Devi Temple and the Naina Devi Temple emerge as two of the most revered religious sites in Nainital. The latter, the Naina Devi Temple, distinguishes itself further by being recognized as one of the 51 Shakti-peethas in India, carrying profound mythological and historical significance.
About Pashan Devi Temple in Nainital
Pashan Devi Temple stands among the numerous shrines in Nainital, commanding a robust devotee following. Revered as the Goddess of Stone-pelters, Pashan Devi is venerated as an embodiment of Nav Durga, representing the Nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. The temple itself is an architectural marvel crafted entirely from stone, and the deity is worshipped in a stone form. Its strategic proximity to Naini Lake attracts a substantial number of devotees.
The temple has perpetually maintained an Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame, since its inception. Devotees offer water to the Nav Durga, and this sacred offering, after touching the feet of the Goddess, flows into the Naini Lake. Additionally, devotees present clothes and Sindoor as offerings to the deity.
As one of the oldest regional temples in Nainital, Pashan Devi holds paramount significance in contributing to the cultural richness of the area.
Entry Fee and timings details
Entrance to the Pashan Devi Temple is unrestricted, and there is no associated entry fee. The temple welcomes visitors throughout the week, from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, providing ample opportunity for devotees and interested individuals to explore its sacred premises.
Where the Pashan Devi Temple Situated?
Located approximately 1 km from Nainital Bus Station, the Pashan Devi Temple stands as an ancient religious edifice situated on the banks of Nainital Lake at Thandi Sadak in Nainital, Uttarakhand. This temple holds significant prominence among the religious sites in Nainital.
Positioned on the opposite side of the Mall Road, the Pashan Devi Temple is dedicated to Maa Durga. Regarded as the Goddess of the stone-pelters, the deity is venerated by numerous devotees as the embodiment of Goddess Durga (Nav Durga). The temple, crafted entirely from stones, includes the idol of the goddess, contributing to its unique architectural significance. Positioned atop a substantial rock, the temple symbolizes all nine forms of Devi Durga in a distinctive manner.
The Pashan Devi Temple holds a central place in the local community’s worship practices. Noteworthy attractions within the temple include the ‘Akhand Jyoti,’ an eternal flame that has endured since the temple’s inception. Devotees, drawn to this temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, frequently engage in the offerings of sindoor and sarees, making it a revered pilgrimage site visited by thousands each year. As part of a customary ritual, devotees pour water, which, after touching the feet of the goddess idol, flows into the adjacent lake.
Key Features of Pashan Devi Temple, Nainital:
- Historical and Cultural Significance: The Pashan Devi Temple is a revered religious site with historical and cultural significance, contributing to the rich tapestry of Nainital’s heritage.
- Architectural Marvel: Crafted entirely from stone, the temple is an architectural marvel. The deity, Goddess Pashan Devi, is worshipped in stone form, enhancing the unique and sacred ambiance of the site.
- Devotee Following: The temple commands a robust devotee following, especially among those who revere Goddess Pashan Devi as the embodiment of Nav Durga, representing the Nine incarnations of Goddess Durga.
- Strategic Location: Situated approximately 1 km from Nainital Bus Station, the temple stands on the banks of Naini Lake at Thandi Sadak, providing a serene and strategic location for devotees and tourists alike.
- Akhand Jyoti (Eternal Flame): The temple perpetually maintains an Akhand Jyoti, an eternal flame, symbolizing spiritual continuity since its inception, adding to the sacred atmosphere of the temple.
- Cultural Contributions: As one of the oldest regional temples in Nainital, Pashan Devi Temple significantly contributes to the cultural richness of the area, embodying a connection to the city’s heritage.
- No Entry Fee and Ample Timings: The temple offers unrestricted access with no associated entry fee. Visitors are welcome throughout the week from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, allowing ample time for exploration and worship.
- Year-round Accessibility: The temple is accessible throughout the year, providing flexibility for visitors to plan their visits based on individual preferences and the seasonal climate.
- Traditional Offerings and Rituals: Devotees engage in traditional offerings such as water, sindoor, and sarees to honor Goddess Pashan Devi. The sacred water, touching the goddess’s feet, flows into the adjacent Naini Lake as part of a customary ritual.
- Convenient Transportation Options: Visitors can reach the temple conveniently by foot from Mall Road Nainital or utilize roadways by disembarking at the Tallital Bus Stand. Rail travelers can opt for the Kathgodam railway station, and those using air transport can access Pantnagar airport, each with efficient transportation options for a hassle-free journey.
- Flexible Visit Planning: The temple’s accessibility and the city’s favorable climate make it suitable for visits throughout the year. Summer months offer moderate temperatures, while winter visits require heavy woolens due to lower temperatures, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Best time to visit Pashan Devi Temple
The Pashan Devi Temple is accessible throughout the year, offering visitors the flexibility to plan their visits based on individual preferences. Summer months, characterized by moderate temperatures, provide a pleasant experience in both the temple and the city of Nainital. However, evenings can turn chilly.
For those choosing to visit the Pashan Devi Temple in winter, it is advisable to bring heavy woolens, considering the notably low temperatures during this season. This foresight ensures a comfortable and enjoyable exploration of the temple despite the colder climate.
How to Reach Pashan Devi Temple
Address – Pashan Devi Temple, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263002, India
Latitude – 29.3803 N, longitude – 79.4635 E,
To access the Pashan Devi Temple situated on the banks of Naini Lake, several convenient transportation options are available:
By Foot: If you find yourself at Mall Road Nainital, a pleasant 1.5 km walk will lead you to the Pashan Devi Temple, where you can seek blessings from Nav Durga.
By Road: For those traveling by road, disembark at the Tallital Bus Stand, Nainital, a mere 600 m from the temple. From there, you can opt for a leisurely walk or utilize a cycle rickshaw for a more comfortable journey.
By Rail: If your journey involves train travel, the nearest railway station to Mall Road Nainital is Kathgodam, situated approximately 32 km away. Efficient transportation options include taxi cabs or luxury buses available at the station. Alternatively, hiring a private vehicle from one of the reputable car rental companies in Nainital offers a hassle-free mode of commuting within the hill-station.
By Air: Travelers opting for air transport can access Pantnagar airport, located approximately 69 km from the Pashan Devi Temple. Private taxi services from the airport provide a convenient means to reach either the temple directly or the Nainital Mall Road.
In conclusion, the Pashan Devi Temple in Nainital stands as a cherished religious and cultural landmark, contributing significantly to the city’s rich heritage. Its historical and architectural marvel, the worship of Goddess Pashan Devi in stone form, and the perpetual Akhand Jyoti enhance the sacred ambiance.
FAQ about Pashan Devi Temple, Nainital:
Pashan Devi Temple is an ancient religious edifice with deep historical and cultural significance, contributing to the rich heritage of Nainital.
Pashan Devi is revered as the Goddess of Stone-pelters and is worshipped as an embodiment of Nav Durga, representing the Nine incarnations of Goddess Durga. The entire temple, including the idol, is crafted from stone.
The temple is renowned for its architectural marvel, robust devotee following, strategic location on the banks of Naini Lake, perpetually maintained Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame), and cultural contributions as one of the oldest regional temples in Nainital.
There is no entry fee for the temple. Visitors are welcome throughout the week from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm, allowing ample time for exploration and worship.
The temple is located approximately 1 km from Nainital Bus Station, on the banks of Naini Lake at Thandi Sadak. Visitors can reach by foot from Mall Road Nainital, disembark at Tallital Bus Stand, or use roadways, railways (Kathgodam), or airways (Pantnagar airport) for convenient transportation.
Devotees engage in traditional offerings such as water, sindoor, and sarees to honor Goddess Pashan Devi. The sacred water, after touching the goddess’s feet, flows into the adjacent Naini Lake as part of a customary ritual.
The temple’s historical significance, unique stone architecture, devotee following, central location, perpetually maintained Akhand Jyoti, cultural contributions, no entry fee, and ample visiting hours contribute to its popularity as a favored retreat in Nainital.
The temple is accessible throughout the year. Summer months offer moderate temperatures, while winter visits require heavy woolens due to lower temperatures. Visitors have the flexibility to plan their visits based on individual preferences.
As one of the oldest regional temples in Nainital, Pashan Devi Temple significantly contributes to the cultural richness of the area, embodying a connection to the city’s heritage.
