Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple is one of the oldest shrines in Haridwar and one of its three Siddh Peeth temples, together with Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. It stands only a few hundred metres from the railway station, so it is the easiest of the three to visit. Haridwar itself was once called Mayapuri after this goddess. This guide explains the history, timings and the best way to include the temple in your day.

Maya Devi Temple at a glance

History and significance

Popular tradition places the temple in the 11th century, which makes it one of the few ancient structures in Haridwar that has survived. It is counted among the oldest temples of the city along with the Narayan Shila and Bhairav temples. According to the Sati legend, the heart and navel of Sati are believed to have fallen here, which is why many devotees treat the site as a Shakti Peeth. Haridwar was once known as Mayapuri, a name that honours the deity.

Inside the sanctum, the goddess Maya is shown with three heads and four arms. Kali is placed on one side and Kamakhya on the other, so devotees see three forms of Shakti in one shrine.

What to see

• The central idol of Maya Devi and the two flanking goddesses.
• The older stone work around the temple, which shows its age compared with the newer buildings nearby.
• The surrounding lanes, where you will find prasad shops, flower sellers and small shrines.

How to reach

The temple is close to the Haridwar railway station, so you can walk if you travel light, or take an auto for a few minutes. From Har Ki Pauri it is a short ride along the main road. If you arrive by train in the morning, you can leave your bags at your hotel, visit the temple and then move on to other sights. We can arrange a station pickup and drop so you do not have to look for transport.

Best time to visit

The temple is open for most of the day with a midday break, so plan around the two sessions. Early morning is calm and good for photographs. Navratri brings long queues and a festive mood, and Kumbh years are very busy. Winter mornings can be foggy, but the weather is pleasant for walking around the old city.

Tips for your visit

1. Check the midday closing time before you plan an afternoon visit.
2. Remove footwear before entering and keep a small bag for it.
3. Buy prasad only from shops that show clear prices.
4. Dress modestly, as at all temples in Haridwar.
5. Keep your phone and wallet secure in the crowd during festivals.

Combine it with other places

The three Siddh Peeth temples are usually visited together. Add Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi, and end with the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri. Daksha Mahadev Temple in Kankhal is also close, and you can read about it on our Daksha Mahadev page. For a full guided day, take a look at our Haridwar sightseeing tour.

Plan your Haridwar visit with Gokeys India

Gokeys India arranges hotels, cabs and tours from Haridwar. If you want comfortable stays close to the ghats, browse our Haridwar hotels. Travelling onward to the hills? Our Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar starts right here.

Related on Gokeys India

• Tour packages: Haridwar sightseeing tour · Haridwar, Rishikesh and Neelkanth 2-day tour
• Read next: Haridwar travel guide: best places to visit

Frequently asked questions

What are the Maya Devi Temple timings? The temple is generally open from about 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Confirm on the day, as timings can change.

Is Maya Devi a Shakti Peeth? It is regarded as a Siddh Peeth and linked to the legend of Sati. Many devotees also treat it as a Shakti Peeth.

How far is Maya Devi Temple from the railway station? About 600 m, so it is within walking distance.

Is there an entry fee? No. Darshan is free.

How long does the visit take? About one hour, longer on festival days.