Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple is a popular religious centre in Haridwar. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas, the places of devotion sanctified to the Hindu goddess Sati or Shakti. The temple is devoted to the Hindu deity Adhisthatri and its history dates back to the 11th century.

Legend has it that Goddess Sati, wife of the Hindu Lord Shiva, sacrificed her life after her father insulted her husband. Immersed in sorrow, Lord Shiva decided to take her dead body to the Kailash Parvat. He started to dance the tandav dance – the dance of destruction.

While doing so, parts of her body fell at different places. All the spots where her body parts dropped became a Shakti Peetha. It is believed that Sati’s naval and heart fell on the place where this temple stands today. The temple is frequented by numerous devotees to offer prayers to the deity.