A legend of love and destruction
The legend behind the Maya Devi temple starts with the saga of Goddess Sati, who bravely chose love over everything and married Lord Shiva against her father Daksha's wishes. It is said that once Daksha organised a grand Yagya (ritual) and didn’t invite Lord Shiva. When Sati learned about it, she asked her father to invite Lord Shiva too. But, filled with hatred towards Lord Shiva, the arrogant king Daksha refused, and he even insulted Shiva. Sati, being unable to bear the insult of her husband, sacrificed herself in the holy fire of that Yagya.
Lord Shiva, consumed by grief and rage, sought revenge. He roamed all over the earth carrying Sati's body, unleashing destruction wherever he went. To protect the world from Lord Shiva’s ‘tandava’ (the dance of destruction), Lord Vishnu intervened, slicing Sati's body with his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ into 52 parts that fell across India. These sacred spots are now called Shaktipeeth. Among all the 51 Shaktipeeths, the Maya Devi Temple holds special significance as it is the place where Goddess Sati's heart and navel landed.
Inside the ancient temple
Established in the eleventh century, the Maya Devi Temple stands proud alongside two other ancient temples, the Narayana-Shila Temple and the Bhairava Temple. Despite the passage of time and the forces of nature, these sacred sites remain untouched, serving as important centres for pilgrimage. Crafted in traditional North Indian architecture, the temple exudes an air of simplicity and serenity.
As you traverse the threshold of this sacred place, a sense of tranquillity will envelop your soul. Within its walls, images depicting various postures of the divine goddess, adorn the shrine.
At the heart of the temple lies the inner sanctum, where three idols are enshrined. Maya Devi resides at the centre, whereas Goddess Kali is on the left side and Goddess Kamakhya is on the right. Additionally, the temple houses two other goddesses, believed to be manifestations of the divine Shakti. A metal idol of Chamunda and a sub-shrine dedicated to Sheetala Devi further enrich the sacred ambience. It is believed that Maya Devi grants all your wishes and desires if you approach her with unwavering love and devotion.
