Nainital is popularly known as the "City of Lakes" and is famous for the saying "Nainital among lakes, all others are just small ponds." The weather of Nainital is unique and unpredictable, with changing patterns of sunshine, clouds, and rainfall. The climate remains pleasant and cool throughout the year.

Due to its pleasant weather, Nainital served as the summer capital during British rule. Let us explore the mythological significance of Naina Devi Temple and the major attractions of Nainital.

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Mythological Story of Naina Devi

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sati, the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, married Lord Shiva against her father’s wishes. Prajapati Daksha did not like Lord Shiva, but due to the request of the gods, he had to accept their marriage.

Once, Prajapati Daksha organized a grand yajna (sacred fire ritual) and invited all the gods but deliberately did not invite his daughter Sati and son-in-law Lord Shiva.

Despite this, Goddess Sati insisted on attending the yajna and reached her father’s place. There, she saw that all the gods were being honored while Lord Shiva and herself were being insulted.

Feeling deeply hurt, Sati told her father that Lord Shiva, who is worshipped by all gods and is the supreme among divine beings, had been insulted by him. She said that she could not bear this disrespect towards her husband.

With these words, Goddess Sati entered the yajna fire and sacrificed herself.

When Lord Shiva came to know about this incident, he became extremely angry. He ordered his followers to destroy Prajapati Daksha’s yajna. Seeing Lord Shiva’s fierce form, all the gods became worried that it might lead to destruction of the universe.

They prayed to Lord Shiva and requested him to calm his anger. Prajapati Daksha also apologized for his mistake, and Lord Shiva forgave him.

However, seeing the burnt body of Goddess Sati, Lord Shiva became detached from worldly matters. He carried Sati’s body and wandered across the sky.

To bring Lord Shiva back from his state of grief, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to separate Sati’s body into pieces. It is believed that wherever parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell, Shakti Peethas were established.

According to beliefs, the eyes (nayan) of Goddess Sati fell at the place where Nainital is located today, which led to the establishment of the Naina Devi Shakti Peetha.

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Places to Visit in Nainital

Nainital has many beautiful and religious attractions, including:

• Naina Devi Temple
• Naini Lake
• Mallital and Tallital
• Nainital Zoo

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Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi Temple is located on the northern bank of Naini Lake.

It is believed that the original temple was destroyed during a landslide in 1880 and was later rebuilt.

Goddess Sati is worshipped here in her divine form as Shakti. The temple has two eye-shaped representations, symbolizing Naina Devi.

According to mythology, when Lord Shiva was carrying the body of Goddess Sati across the sky, her body parts fell at different places, resulting in the creation of various Shakti Peethas. It is believed that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this very place, leading to the establishment of this temple.

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Naini Lake

The biggest attraction of Nainital is its beautiful Naini Lake.

According to mythology, the tears (nayan ashru) of Goddess Sati transformed into this lake. Since then, Goddess Nanda, the wife of Lord Shiva, has been worshipped here in the form of Naina Devi.

Another popular legend states that when sages Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha could not find water in Nainital, they dug a pit and filled it with water brought from Lake Mansarovar.

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Tallital and Mallital

Roads surround both sides of Naini Lake. The upper part of the lake is known as Mallital, while the lower part is called Tallital.

Mallital has an open ground where tourists from the plains gather during evenings. The view of Nainital from this area is truly beautiful.

Various entertainment activities and events are organized here regularly, making it a popular tourist spot.

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Nainital Zoo

The Nainital Zoo is considered one of the highest-altitude zoos in India.

Its official name is Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo.

The zoo houses several rare species of animals and birds, including:

• Himalayan Black Bear
• Red Panda
• Leopard
• Tiger
• Deer
• Various Himalayan bird species

The zoo remains closed on Mondays and all national holidays.

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How to Reach Nainital

Nainital can be reached by air, rail, and road.

By Air

The nearest major airport to Nainital is Delhi Airport, which is connected with all major cities across India.

After reaching Delhi, travelers can continue their journey to Nainital by rail or road.

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By Rail

The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station.

Kathgodam is well connected with major cities like Delhi and Mumbai, making train travel convenient for visitors.

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By Road

Road travel is the most convenient way to reach Nainital.

After reaching Kathgodam or Haldwani, visitors can easily reach Nainital through state transport buses, taxis, or private vehicles.

Nainital is also well connected by road with nearby cities, including Delhi.

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Nainital is a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and Himalayan charm, making it one of the most loved pilgrimage and tourist destinations in India.