Mansa Devi Temple

Uttarakhand , Haridwar, Dehradun

Atop the hills of Bilwa, with the flowing Ganga and sprawling plains of Haridwar below it, stands one of the most revered pilgrims of North India, the Mansa Devi temple. She is considered the manifestation go Goddess Shakti herself. The shrine is regarded as one of the Siddhpeeths, and Goddess Mansa, is said to be benevolent to her devotees, fulfilling their wishes.

Legend

Mansa, the form of Shakti is said to have emerged from the mind of Shiva. Mythology regards her as the sister of the serpent Vasuki. She is believed to fulfil the wishes of her devotees. Not much is known about the temple though there are legends that describe that Sati devi's body part to have fallen here.

This Temple is part of famous Nava Shakthipeeth Yatra, Saptapuri Yatra, Haridwar Rishikesh Yatra and Maha Kumbh Mela.

Architecture

The temple is built on a hill top. The hustling streets lined with small shops, takes one to the boarding point from where the cable car runs to the temple. The panoramic sight of Haridwar plains can be seen below. The temple has shrine for Mansa Devi as well as smaller shrines for Anjenya, Vinakay etc. The inner shrine has two deities installed, one with eight arms and the other one three headed with five arms. There is a tree on which the devotees tie red thread fro their wishes to be fulfilled.

Darsan Info

Mansa Devi Temple timings : 7 AM to 12 PM, 2 PM to 8 PM The first cable car starts running at 7 AM.

during April to October, and 8 AM the rest of the year.

Tickets to Mansa devi and Chandi devi can be taken together as a combination ticket. During peak season and festival days, it is advisable to go as early as possible because of the long wait for the cable car

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire

Famous Festival

October - Navratri

Culture

Haridwar is famous for its many temples, religious occurrences and spirituality. It is one of the seven holiest places of Hindus and one of the four places where Kumbamela is conducted. During the Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.