The temple of Maya Devi carries a lot of
significance in the mythological history of
Haridwar. Visitors to this holy town
make a beeline to seek the blessings of goddess Maya Devi to whom the
temple is dedicated. The temple is more popular among visitors because
it completes the Siddhapeeth Triangle in Haridwar along with the temples
Mansa Devi and
Chandi Devi. A
pilgrim's visit to Haridwar is deemed to be incomplete without visiting
the Mansa Devi Temple.
The temple has an ancient history. It's mythological history goes long
back to the 11th century. Maya Devi, to whom the temple is dedicated, is
believed to be the goddess of shakti (meaning power).
Like other popular temples in Haridwar, the Maya
Devi temple is also associated with an interesting legend. Hindus
believe that Sati (Lord Shiva's spouse) burnt herself to take revenge
for his father's insult by her husband. Upon getting the news of Sati
being burnt, Lord Shiva was filled with rage. He then took Sati's burnt
body and set off on a tour across the universe.
During Lord Shiva's tour, different body parts (as they were burnt)
fell down in different locations of the world. According to the Hindu
mythology, Sati's navel fell down where the Maya Devi temple is located
today. That's how the Maya Devi Temple came into existence. It is due to
this reason that Hindus from all parts of the world hold this temple in
high regard.
