Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Overview

The Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, India is one of the many prominent Hindu pilgrimage sites located in the sacred grounds of the country. Situated atop the Bilwa Parvat and visible from all of the city below, the Mansa Devi Temple is a spiritual destination for many devotees from all across the nation.The exact age of the temple is unknown, however many archaeological research reports suggest that the shrine is of great antiquity. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to have manifested herself in the form of a serpent, and is locally referred to as ‘Maya Burhi’ or ‘Mother Serpent’.

The temple is also associated with Goddess Durga, as one of the forms she took on when she had killed the demon Mahishasur.Reaching the temple from the city center is made easy by the availability of cable cars and trekking routes. The cable car service operates regularly and takes visitors to the top of the Bilwa Parvat in no time. Trekking is also an option for those looking to take in the serenity of the surroundings and experience the beauty of the area firsthand.

It usually takes two to three hours by foot from the city to reach the temple.The Mansa Devi Temple consists of two main deities – Shri Ma Mansa Devi Ji and Ashtadhatu Ma Bhavani Devi. It also houses several other idols, including Lord Shiva, Hanuman and various avatars of Vishnu. Offerings such as coconuts, flowers, incense sticks and other items are accepted as recompense for the goddess’s blessings.The religious monument is also home to several religious gatherings such as Chaitre Chaudas, Navratri, Ram Navami and Teej, which attract huge numbers of pilgrims from all over northern India. It is also a common practice for devotees to go around the temple three times and then tie a red thread around the nearby tree, as an act of reverence and to fulfill their wishes.One of the most striking features of the Mansa Devi Temple is an image of Nandi, the bull-vahana of Lord Shiva, which is carved on a huge rock. The temple is particularly renowned for its majestic architecture and is considered to be an architectural marvel.The many legends and myths of the temple, combined with the spiritual air of the area and the spectacular views, make the Mansa Devi Temple a must-visit destination in Haridwar, especially for those looking for a spiritual retreat. Whether you decide to take the cable car or choose to trek up to the temple, you are sure to be left both spiritually rejuvenated and in awe of its grandeur.