Maya Devi Temple's history takes us back to Hindu mythology. Sati the love interest of Lord Shiva decided to get into a nuptial. Upon hearing this the father of Sati, Daksh Prajapati opposed the idea. He then decided to host a Yagya and requested all the deities other than Lord Shiva to be his guest. Upon hearing this Sati requested her father to not insult Lord Shiva like this, she told him to invite Shiva with all due respect. He held on to every opportunity he got to insult both Sati and Lord Shiva. Sati could not stand her father's behavior and she could not see Shiva being insulted thus she decided to take her life in the Yagya fire. Everyone present there was shocked as they saw Sati step into the Hawan-Patra and burn to death. 

As soon as Lord Shiva heard of Sati’s sacrifice and her father's behavior he summoned Virbhadra and Khali and ordered them to destroy the Yagya. In the heightened state of his emotions, Shiva ordered them to kill Daksha. He reached there to collect the remains of Sati. That is when Sati’s mother requested him to bring her husband back to life. Shiva then attached the head of a goat to his body and using his powers brought him back to life. 

At the brim of his emotions of fury, loss, and agony, Lord Shiva turned miserable. He traveled around the world carrying the burnt body of Sati. He even performed the dance of destruction also known as the tandava. In a hurry to save the world from being damaged by Shiva’s rage, Lord Vishnu ordered to release his Sudarshan chakra and cut Sati’s body into pieces. The pieces of her body fell in 52 different locations around India. These locations were thus known as Shakti peeths. It is said that the Maya Devi Temple is built at a location where the heart and navel of Sati fell.

The archaic Maya Devi Temple in Haridwar is a famous shakti peeth that was established in the 11th century. This temple has successfully passed the test of time and stands unaffected by environmental changes. Loads of devotees visit this place throughout the year to seek blessings and offer silent prayers. 

The Maya Devi Temple is built according to North Indian architecture. The temple is a small and calm one that has stucco pictures that portray various postures of the Devi. The temple has three idols. These idols reside in the inner shrine of the temple, one idol is of Maya Devi the temple is named after her, followed by Devi Shakti and Devi Kamakhya. 

If you look closely you will spot an idol made of metal, the idol of Chamunda Devi, and an idol of Sheetala Devi. It is believed that one who offers prayers with a pure heart and good intentions their wishes come true for sure.

• Maya Devi temple Haridwar’s history is worth knowing because the place holds a lot of religious significance. 
• If you wish to go on a pilgrimage then you can start your journey from here and cover all the remaining shakti peeths. 
• Club your visit to this temple with your visit to Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi Temple. 
• After offering prayers at this temple you can attend the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri.
• Offer prasadam to the idol and leave your wishes behind so that the almighty can take care of them.

• If you are a person who isn’t fond of crowded places then avoid visiting the temple during the festive season as there are many locals as well as tourists who visit the temple during this time. 
• Wear appropriate clothes during your visit.
• Maintain discipline and be calm while you are in the prayer hall.
• Do not litter around and make sure that you do not drop the prasadam on the floor.
• Clicking pictures is allowed in the temple, if you have any queries ask the temple authorities.
• Wear light-colored clothing if you are planning to visit during the summer.

If you are planning a trip to Haridwar then avoid visiting during the summer season. The sunlight is quite harsh during summers and the most suitable time to explore the place is during the onset of winters. The monsoons make Hardiwar look even more beautiful the only drawback here is that the flow of the river is very fast and it is risky to swim during that time.

• Mansa Devi temple
• Chandi Devi temple
• Har ki Pauri
• Crystal World
• Rajaji National Park
• Bharat Mata Mandir
• Raja Birla Tower
• Gau Ghat

• The Maya Devi Temple is located at a place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell while Lord Shiva was carrying her remains. 
• The Maya Devi Temple is a famous shakti peeth among the followers of the Hindu religion. 
• The temple is located close to Har ki Pauri.