Mansa Devi Temple situated in Haridwar on the Bilwa Parvat offers a spectacular view of the panoramic scenery it is surrounded by. It is a sanctity to worship Shakti or Mansa Devi, which is considered the feminine energy present in the cosmos that is used to rule the various forces of the universe or the world we live in. The greenery that is around the temple is not just for environmental or aesthetic purposes; it also serves a spiritual purpose as the devotees tie sacred threads around these trees to fulfil their wishes.
About The Mansa Devi Temple
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This beautifully constructed temple has two very impressive statues of Goddess Mansa Devi. One statue has three mouths and five arms, whereas the other one has eight arms. She is said to be another form of the Goddess Shakti, who was born from the mind of the Great Sage Kashyap. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 shaktipeethas which are temples built for Sati when she died and her body was cut into pieces that were scattered all across the country. Today, in place of body parts, we have temples built where the pisces were dropped.
Those who genuinely pray to the Goddess are said to be granted all their wishes that they had while they tie the sacred thread around the trees. The design of the temple has been well thought out. There are a total of 38 panels of wall paintings, including floral designs across walls and ceilings. Today, the temple is maintained as a heritage site by the government with tourists visiting all year round. It was built during the 19th century by Maharaja Gopal Singh.
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History Of Mansa Devi Temple
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Haridwar itself has a very ancient history. The beauty lies in its name itself, ‘Hari’ refers to Lord and Dwar refers to ‘entrance’. So together this place means entrance to the Lord, also Haridwar is one of the four places where it is believed that a drop of elixir or potion for immortality. The other three places are Nasik, Allahabad, and Ujjain. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every twelve years in succession here, where devotees and pilgrims travel from all across the globe. When the temple was built from 1811 to 1815, they had the patronage of Manimahjra State; however, that did not last for a long time. Once the princely states were merged, patronage ended, and the temples were neglected.
The temples could not be maintained nor could they provide amenities to the temple’s visitors. However, now it is being restored and preserved. Initially, the Mansa Devi was known as Mansa Sati as Sati’s head was dropped at this spot.Another interesting story about this temple is that King Gopaldas of Manimajra had built a cave 3 km from his fort to the temple. To perhaps avoid getting attacked or risking the queen’s safety, they used this passageway or cave to visit Goddess Sati every day to pray and seek her blessings.
Things To Do In And Around The Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
From the enchanting beauty of Ganga Aarti to the conquering of the Ganges Bank Route. Here are some amazing things to do in and around the Mansa Devi temple in Haridwar.
1. Ganga Aarti At Har Ki Pauri
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This aarti or prayer is done for the river Ganga, people gather on the ghats and chant hymns and mantras to pray and pay their respects to Goddess Ganga. The priests light giant lamps, hold giant bowls of fire, people throw flowers in the Ganga, and place floating diyas into the water. This ritual is performed in the evening at Har Ki Pauri which is a famous ghat on the banks of the River Ganga in Haridwar.
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2. Bird-watching In Haridwar
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Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a wonderful place for bird watchers if you are visiting Haridwar. The wilderness of Haridwar is abundant with a variety of flora and fauna. It is 3.5 km away from Haridwar, and during the winters it is a beautiful place as birds are migrating here. You can spot the Siberian Crave from Laljiwala. Alongside the birds, you can view the tranquil Himalayan mountains. There are nearby tourist attractions that you can take note of like Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, and many more places.
3. Trekking In Haridwar Ganges Bank Route
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This trail is a 24 km loop where people partake in road biking, bird watching, and mountain biking. It is a fairly remote route so you will not be disturbed by large groups of people. Technically, this is a biking trail that offers you many famous sites to see such as temples and ashrams. The trail begins at Bhagirath Deep Stambh and goes to Bilvkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Then, you head up to the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Mandir. Even though you can reach via a cab or taxi, trekking here can be fun too. The next stop is the Harki Pauri region, where you follow the River Ganga and loop back to Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar. As you loop back, you have to go through the city of Haridwar, which is a fun and spectacular experience. This riding route is for all daredevils who are not afraid to challenge themselves and have fun.
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How To Reach Mansi Devi Temple
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- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is 37 km from the temple. You can take a bus or a cab to reach the temple.
- By Rail: Haridwar Railway Station is only 3 km from the temple which is extremely convenient as you will not waste time on travelling and reach the temple within a few minutes.
- By Road: The road to Haridwar is well-connected to all the roads to major cities. Once you reach Haridwar it is easy to navigate your way to the temple.
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The beauty of the Mansa Devi Temple does not just come from the temple itself but also the history and energy it exhuberates. And now that you know all about it, it is time to embark on a journey towards self-realisation and discovery. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Haridwar today and enjoy tranquillity and peace, away from the city noise.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mansa Devi Temple
How many ways can you reach Mansa Devi Temple?
You can reach the temple via air, rail, or even the road. According to your comfort, you can choose to travel however you want to.
Is there a dress code to visit the temple?
There is no such dress code however, as it is a place of worship, all visitors, locals or foreigners are requested to wear appropriate clothing. Wearing traditional Indian clothing is the best idea while visiting temples like these in the state of Uttarakhand.
When is the best time to visit Haridwar?
The best time to visit Haridwar would be from the months October to February. This time you get to see a large crowd here so you can also visit from March to June when the weather is not so bad and you will not face crowded places.
Are there any other places to visit in Haridwar?
There are many places that you can visit as you go to Mansa Devi Temple like Saptrishi Ashram, Daksh Prajapati Temple, Shantikunj Gayatru Parivar, and many more places.
What are local cuisines that you should try?
The street food in Haridwar is a must-try. It will keep you wanting for more. Some examples of the street food available in a place like Haridwar include the likes of Kachori, Lassi, Aloo Puri, Rasmalai and Jalebi, chhole bhature, and many more delicious things to eat.
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