This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi and is one of the three shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell) in Haridwar. The other two are Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples. Legend has it that once king Daksh Prajapati hosted a holy yajna (a fire ritual). However, he failed to invite his son-in-law Lord Shiva to the ceremony. Offended, his daughter, Goddess Sati immolated herself in her father's yajna. Lord Shiva was grieved and enraged and began pacing the universe and performing tandava, his dance of cosmic destruction. Fearing that he would destroy everything in his path, Lord Vishnu severed the body of Sati with his chakra. It is believed that the heart and navel of the goddess fell at this temple.

The temple premises host the idols of Goddess Maya, Goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali. The temple is particularly crowded during the Navratri festival (a holy nine-day period) and the Kumbh mela.

The Daksh Mahadev Temple lies to the south of Kankhal town and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is named after king Daksh Prajapati, the father of Lord Shiva's wife, Goddess Sati. Legend has it that once the king hosted a holy yajna (a fire ritual) at this site. However, since he did not invite Lord Shiva, Goddess Sati felt insulted and immolated herself in his yajna. Out of anger, the ganas (Lord Shiva’s followers) killed king Daksh. Lord Shiva then brought him back to life and put the head of a male goat on him. The king later realised his mistake and repented before the lord, who declared that during the month of Saavan (June-August), he would live in Kankhal. The Sati Kund located on the banks of River Ganga is also considered sacred and has been mentioned the epic Mahabharata.

Sapt Sarovar is the spot where River Ganga splits into seven different streams. Legend has it that seven sages, Kashyap, Vashist, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bhardwaj and Gautam were once meditating here. And in order to avoid disturbing their prayers, the holy river separated itself into different streams and flowed on. Today, an ashram, called the Sapt Rishi Ashram, stands at this place, about 5 km from Haridwar. The ashram acts as a retreat for many sages and saints who come here to meditate in the peaceful surroundings. It was established by Goswami Guru Dutt in 1943. There are several rooms available for accommodation for those who want to stay over and have a more immersive experience. The spot is both spiritual and serene and ideal for meditation.