Indian Temples : Maa Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar - Highlights

 

Maa Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Introduction

Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, Maa Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, this temple is considered one of the Panch Tirths (Five Pilgrimage Sites) in Haridwar. It draws millions of devotees every year who come to seek blessings, offer prayers, and fulfill wishes.

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History in Detail

• The temple is believed to have been constructed in the early 19th century by the rulers of the Gorkha Kingdom.

• Goddess Mansa Devi is said to have emerged from the mind (manas) of Lord Shiva, and is closely associated with serpents. She is considered the sister of Naga (snake) King Vasuki.

• The name “Mansa” means “wish”, and it is believed that sincere prayers at the temple lead to the fulfillment of devotees’ desires.

• The temple is part of the triad of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar:

  1. Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Parvat)
  2. Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat)
  3. Maya Devi Temple (City center)

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Religious Significance

• The temple holds deep spiritual meaning, especially for devotees seeking fulfillment of wishes.

• It is common for pilgrims to tie threads on the temple's sacred tree as a symbolic gesture of their wishes. These threads are untied once the wishes are fulfilled.

• Mansa Devi is regarded as the goddess of fertility, snakes, and wish fulfillment. She is also associated with protection from snake bites.

• Pilgrims especially visit during Navratri and the Kumbh Mela, when the shrine becomes a hub of religious fervor.

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Temple Details

• Deity: Maa Mansa Devi, represented by two main idols –

  1. One with three faces and five arms,
  2. Another with eight arms.

• Architecture: The temple follows traditional North Indian hill-style architecture, with a modest yet spiritually vibrant ambiance.

• Main Offerings: Flowers, coconut, red chunri, and snake-shaped silver/metal offerings.

• Ritual Practices: Daily aarti, chanting of mantras, and tying of wish threads on the sacred tree are common rituals.

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Timings

• Opening Period: Open year-round (except during occasional closures for maintenance or weather)

• Daily Timings:

  • Summer: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Winter: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Aarti Timings:
    • Morning Aarti: ~5:30 AM
    • Evening Aarti: ~6:00 PM

Best time to visit: March to June and September to November

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🚡 Connectivity

• By Ropeway (Udan Khatola):

  • A thrilling ropeway ride takes pilgrims from the base to the temple in just 5-10 minutes. It operates from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Ticketed service, also offers combo tickets with Chandi Devi Temple.

• By Foot:

  • A steep trek of approximately 3 km is available for devotees who prefer to walk.

• Nearest Railway Station:

  • Haridwar Junction (2.5 km)

• Nearest Airport:

  • Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~37 km)

• By Road:

  • Well connected to Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and other major towns of North India via NH-58.

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Legacy

• Cultural Importance: As a Shakti Peeth, the temple has long been an integral part of Haridwar’s identity. Many folklore and oral traditions relate to the power and grace of Maa Mansa.

• Spiritual Tourism: Along with nearby shrines like Chandi Devi and Maya Devi, it forms a spiritual triangle—a must-visit for pilgrims in Haridwar.

• Eco-Religious Symbol: Located on a forested hill, the temple is a fusion of natural beauty and divinity, encouraging environmental harmony.

• Festivals:

  • Grand celebrations during Navratri, Shravan, and Kumbh Mela draw lakhs of devotees.
  • Devotees observe fasts, night-long vigils, and recite Durga Saptashati during festivals.