Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti, in Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated on the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is one of the three Siddh Peethas (places where wishes are fulfilled) in Haridwar, along with Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is also one of the Panch Tirthas (five sacred places) in Haridwar, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to seek the blessings of the goddess and witness the grand festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi . One day Haridwar and Rishikesh Local Sightseeing by Private cab
Location of Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is located about 5 km from Haridwar railway station and bus stand. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 35 km away. The temple can be reached by road or by ropeway from various parts of Haridwar.
Timing / Entry Fees of Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day, except for a lunch break from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The temple also performs a daily aarti at 5:30 am and 7:00 pm. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple or offering prayers to the goddess. However, there may be charges for some services or facilities such as lockers, changing rooms, prasad (sacred food), etc. The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening hours, when the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is spiritual.
How to Reach at Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir can be easily reached by various modes of transport from different parts of Haridwar and nearby cities. Some of the options are:
- By Bus: There are frequent buses that ply between Haridwar bus stand and Mansa Devi Temple. The bus fare is nominal and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
- By Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are another convenient and affordable way to reach Mansa Devi Temple from anywhere in Haridwar. The fare depends on the distance and bargaining skills of the passengers.
- By Cycle-Rickshaw: Cycle-rickshaws are also available for short distances within Haridwar. They are eco-friendly and cheap, but may take longer time than other modes.
- By Taxi: Taxis can be hired from Haridwar railway station, bus stand or airport to reach Mansa Devi Temple. They are comfortable and fast, but may charge higher than other modes.
- By Ropeway: One can also take a ropeway ride from Chandi Devi Temple or Upper Road to reach Mansa Devi Temple. The ropeway service known as “Mansa Devi Udankhatola” was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and tourists who want to avoid the steep climb to the temple. The ropeway ride offers a scenic view of the river Ganga and the city of Haridwar. The ropeway fare is INR 100- INR 333 per person depending on the package .
Things to Do / Must See at Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and must see at Mansa Devi Temple are:
- Offer Prayers to the Goddess: Offering prayers to Goddess Mansa Devi is the main purpose of visiting the temple for most devotees. The goddess is believed to fulfill all the wishes of a sincere and dedicated person who worships her with faith and devotion. The devotees tie threads or bangles to a sacred tree in the temple premises as a symbol of their wishes. Once their wishes are fulfilled, they come back to untie or remove them as a gesture of gratitude .
- Receive Prasad from the Temple: Receiving prasad from the temple is another way of seeking the blessings of the goddess. Prasad is a sacred food that is offered to the deity and then distributed to the devotees. The prasad at Mansa Devi Temple consists of coconut, ladoo (sweet balls), chunri (scarf) and sindoor (vermilion). The devotees can either buy the prasad from the temple or bring their own.
- Enjoy the Panoramic View of Haridwar: Enjoying the panoramic view of Haridwar from the temple is a bonus for the visitors. The temple is situated on a hilltop and offers a splendid view of the river Ganga, the Har Ki Pauri ghat, the city skyline and the surrounding hills. The view is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset, when the sky and the water are painted with different hues .
- Visit the Nearby Attractions: Visiting the nearby attractions is another option for the visitors who want to explore more of Haridwar. Some of the nearby attractions are:
- Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple is another Siddh Peetha in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, a form of Shakti. The temple is located on the Neel Parvat on the opposite side of Mansa Devi Temple. The temple can be reached by road or by ropeway from Mansa Devi Temple. The temple is famous for its miraculous powers and its scenic location .
- Maya Devi Temple: Maya Devi Temple is another Siddh Peetha in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, a form of Shakti. The temple is located on the Birla Ghat on the banks of the Ganga. The temple is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar, dating back to the 11th century. The temple is also one of the Shakti Peethas, where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell after her self-immolation. The temple has idols of Goddess Maya Devi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Kamakhya .
- Har Ki Pauri: Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar, where thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather to take a dip in the sacred river, witness the evening Ganga Aarti, and participate in the festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi. Har Ki Pauri means “the steps of Lord Vishnu (Hari)”, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu visited this place in the Vedic times. It is also considered to be the spot where the drops of Amrit fell from the sky during the Samudra Manthan .
Significance of Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir holds immense significance for Hindus as well as other faiths. Some of the reasons why Mansa Devi Temple is important are:
- It is one of the three Siddh Peethas in Haridwar, where Goddess Mansa Devi fulfills all the wishes of her devotees who worship her with sincerity and devotion .
- It is one of the Panch Tirthas in Haridwar, where millions of pilgrims and tourists visit every year to seek the blessings of the goddess and witness the grand festivals such as Kumbh Mela, Ardh Kumbh Mela and Vaisakhi .
- It is one of the places where Goddess Mansa Devi emerged from Lord Shiva’s mind as a form of Shakti, who is worshipped as the mother of all living beings and the source of life .
- It is one of the places where Goddess Mansa Devi is regarded as the sister of Naga Vasuki, who offered his body as a rope to churn the ocean of milk during the Samudra Manthan .
FAQ’s
Q: What are the timings of Mansa Devi Temple?
A: Mansa Devi Temple is open from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm every day, except for a lunch break from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The temple also performs a daily aarti at 5:30 am and 7:00 pm.
Q: What are the best months to visit Mansa Devi Temple?
A: The best months to visit Mansa Devi Temple are October to March, when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, one can also visit during April or May, when Vaisakhi festival takes place, or during July or August, when Kumbh Mela or Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place.
Q: How long does it take to visit Mansa Devi Temple?
A: It takes about 2 hours to visit Mansa Devi Temple, including the ropeway ride, the darshan (viewing) of the goddess, the prasad (sacred food) distribution, and the panoramic view of Haridwar.
Q: What are the things to carry while visiting Mansa Devi Temple?
A: Some of the things to carry while visiting Mansa Devi Temple are:
A valid ID proof for security purposes.
A camera or a smartphone to capture the scenic beauty and the memorable moments.
A water bottle and some snacks to stay hydrated and energized.
A scarf or a shawl to cover the head and shoulders as a mark of respect for the goddess.
Some money to buy prasad, souvenirs, or donate to the temple.
Conclusion
Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is a wish-fulfilling temple of Goddess Shakti in Haridwar, where one can experience the essence of Hinduism and spirituality. It is a place where history, mythology, culture and nature converge to create a sublime and sublime atmosphere. Whether one wants to offer prayers to the goddess, receive prasad from the temple, enjoy the panoramic view of Haridwar, or visit the nearby attractions, Mansa Devi Temple has something for everyone. It is a place that can inspire, enlighten and transform anyone who visits it. Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is not just a temple, but a gateway to the divine.
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