Maya Devi Temple (Shakti Peeth)

Nestled on Upper Road near Birla Ghat, this ancient temple is easily accessible from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, just 0.6 km away, making it a convenient destination for pilgrims and visitors.

The temple is also referred to by local names such as Mayapuri, Mayapur, Siddh Peetha, and Siddha Peetha. The presiding deity of Maya Devi Temple is Goddess Shakti, also venerated as Amman.

The sanctum is further adorned with shrines dedicated to Goddess Kali, Goddess Kamakhya, Goddess Chamunda, the Dasha Mahavidyas, and Goddess Sheetala Devi, reflecting the temple’s significance within the Shakta tradition.

The temple’s architecture follows the Nagara (North Indian) style, and it is managed as a living heritage temple under a panchayat or local trust. Darshan at Maya Devi Temple is open to all, with free entry for devotees.

The temple operates daily from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, allowing ample time for worship and darshan. Morning Aarti commences at 6:30 AM, while the Evening Aarti is held between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM, both drawing large gatherings of devotees.

Individual Sankalpa Puja can be performed for a fee of ₹101 or ₹501, with rituals conducted in Hindi or Sanskrit. The best times to visit the temple are during the early morning hours, late mornings, or during the evening aarti.

The winter months from November to February, the festival season, and the annual brahmotsavam are particularly auspicious. Major festivals celebrated here include Navratri (Chaitra & Sharad), Kumbh Mela, and Durga Ashtami/Maha Navami.

Visitors are required to adhere to a traditional dress code: men should wear full-length trousers, dhotis, or kurtas, and women should opt for sarees, salwar suits, or modest kurtis with covered legs and shoulders. Leather items must be removed before entering the inner sanctum.

The temple is accessible by auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from the railway station or local bus stand, with parking available at the nearby Maya Devi Parking. The premises are on flat ground, making them accessible for senior citizens and those with limited mobility.

Numerous accommodation options, including ashrams, dharamshalas, and hotels, are available within 1–2 km of the temple. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main temple hall and inner shrine, though casual photography of the exterior is generally tolerated.

Devotees receive traditional dry prasad, and free community meals (bhandara) are organized during major festivals. Nearby attractions include Har Ki Pauri Ghat, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Prachin Narayanishila Mandir, enriching the spiritual experience for visitors to Haridwar. For further information, the temple can be contacted at +91-9984932075.