Detailed Information about Naina Mata Festival & Its Importance

India is a land of many communities and from these cultures and the communities come the wonderful traditions and the festivals that are the representation of the age old tradition and the cultures of that particular place. The state of Himachal Pradesh in India is full of many pilgrim places and most of them are the Hindu pilgrimage places. Of these the Naina Mata temple is one of the most visited temples in the state. The temple is among the 51 Shakti Peeths that are of much significance in the Hindu culture. Here the famous Naina Mata festival is celebrated usually in the month of august-September that attracts both the tourists and the pilgrims from across the country and the abroad.

Along with the festival the Naina Mata fair is also organized that is also a prime attraction of the festival. The famous fair is held amidst the scenic beauty of the Nainital Lake. Temple however is situated on top of the Siwalik Mountain and hence the people have to cover a distance of about 2km uphill to reach the temple.

The temple is said to have been built at the exact location where the eyes of the goddess Parvati fell. Goddess Parvati is believed to be the wife of the lord of destruction "lord Shiva". Goddess Parvati is said to have committed suicide by jumping into the ceremonial bonfire against the insult of her husband lord Shiva. In rage lord Shiva beheaded Daksh Prajapati, the father of Parvati, who had insulted him and carried the burning body of Parvati over the Himalayas. In order to protect the world from the rage of the lord of destruction the takecarer of the world lord Vishnu cut the body of Parvati with his chakra into 51 pieces. The 51 pieces fell at different places that are today known as the Shakti Peeths.

The idol of the goddess has two eyes that are blue in colour. There is a picturesque lake too just near the temple and it is called the Naina Lake. The water too is blue in colour and hence there is a saying that the lake represents the blue eyes of the goddess. The beauty of the lake attracts the tourists not only because of the pilgrimage reasons but also the view the beauty of the lake.

The fair that is held alongside the festival showcases the Himachal culture and the tradition too. The people perform the cultural dances and the shows highlight the state people. The houses in the region area also decorated during this time and plenty of shopping stalls are set up by the locals that sell the handicrafts from the region, the local delicacies and much more. The celebrations continue for 8 days usually.

The naina devi temple is located in the peaceful location on top of the Siwaliks that is at a distance of about 7 miles Anandpore Sahib. Mata Naina Devi temple can be one of the best visits of your life that will not only give you the blessings of the goddess but will also be good reason to visit the scenic location of the region.