Nayana Devi of Bakranangal

Lakshmi Lajje Mahavidye Sahasra Nayanojwale |
Maharatri Mahavidye Nayana devi Namosthude ||

 

Nayana devi sthal came to be established at Bakranangal as according to the legend of Dakshayani one eye from her dismembered burnt body fell at this place. Thus it became one of the 51 sacred Devi-sthals (one of the important abodes) of India. (refer to 'Yoga-agni' in 'Abodes of devi' for background story)

The legend is long ago a cowherd by name Nayana lived here and possessed a large herd of cattle. He used to take his cows for grazing every day. Strangely one of his cows daily went under a banyan tree and was secreting milk on to the ground. This went on for a number of days. One day Nayana noticed this and felt there was something special in that place. So he started digging that place and to his surprise Devi appeared before him. She said she was incarnated there and asked him to construct a temple for her in that place. Nayana was very happy and felt previleged to built a temple for Nayana Devi.

The eye from the lifeless body of Gatyayani fell in that place centuries earlier but only when the time came that Nayana devi appeared before the cowherd and asked him to build a temple for herself.

This temple became very famous. Her devotees poured offerings of gold and silver and much wealth. The devi sits there amidst all the hills in majestic splendour benignly granting her devotees all their desires. One can feel the divine presence and aura in this temple.

 

Om Sakthi

 

location:
In the town called Nayana-devi in
Bakra-nangal near Anandpur Sahib railway station.