This is possibly the reason why this magnificent temple has one of the greatest foot traffic counts among all temples in north India. The ropeways that ascend to it are another feature that enhances the temple’s beauty and draws visitors from all across the nation. You can stay in Ganga Ashram, Paramarth and many other Dharmasthalas. They are available at cheap rates. The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 8°C in winter.
History of Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
The city of Haridwar, where the temple is situated, has a long and interesting history. Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra built the Mansa Devi Temple between the years 1811 and 1815 A.D. The goddess Mansa Devi, to whom the temple is devoted, is thought to be a manifestation of Shakti who emerged from sage Kashyap’s thoughts. Additionally, she is Vasuki,the serpent’s sister. The oldest pilgrimage sites in the nation are located in Haridwar.
Haridwar is one of the four locations where Amrita, or droplets of the elixir, unintentionally spilled from the pitcher that Lord Vishnu’s steed, the heavenly bird Garuda, was transporting. This is according to Indian mythology and tradition.The two goddesses Mansa and Chandi, who are the two manifestations of goddess Parvati, are believed to constantly live adjacent to one another, which explains why the Chandi Mandir is located close to the Mansa Devi Temple.
Two goddesses are situated in the Mansa Devi Temple’s inner shrine, one of whom has eight arms and the other of whom has five arms but only three heads. All fervent followers who come to the temple to ask for the goddess’ blessings genuinely believe that Mansa Devi grants their requests. As a result, those who are seeking a specific outcome tie threads to the branches of a big tree inside the compound. When their wishes come true, people return to the temple to untie the threads and express their gratitude to God. Devotees also present Mansa Devi with garlands, incense sticks, coconuts, and other fruits in hopes to win her favour.
Another legend claims that a cow used to provide three shilas with milk each day. The Shivalik highlands were home to these shilas. A local observed this, and eventually people began to worship it. At some point, a temple was built here. It is thought that the Sudarshana Chakra caused the forehead of Devi Sati to fall at this location.
Significance of Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. The temple is considered a must visit for the pilgrims going to Haridwar. It enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries. It offers views of the River Ganges and the plains of Haridwar. To reach the shrine one has to either follow the trekking route up to this holy shrine or ride on the recently introduced rope-way service.
The rope-way service known as “Mansa Devi Udankhatola” was introduced for the benefit of the pilgrims and it caters to the pilgrims also to the nearby located Chandi Devi shrine. The rope-way carries the pilgrims from the lower station directly to the Mansa Devi Temple. The total length of the rope-way is 540 metres and the height it covers is 178 metres. The word Mansa means wish, and devotees firmly believe that the goddess Mansa fulfils all the wishes of a dedicated and sincere person who visits the temple. Thus, the magnificent temple is regarded as a ‘Siddh Peetha’, which is the term that is used to refer to places where desires and wishes get fulfilled. Together with the Maya Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, the three temples constitute the three Peethas that are located in Haridwar.
Thousands of devotees from all over the country come to this temple and the adjoining Chandi Devi temple, notably during the Navratri and The Kumbha Mela in Haridwar. A Siddh Peetha is a site of worship where one’s desires are granted, and Mansa Devi Temple is one of these. In Haridwar, there are three such Peethas; the other two are Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. Two deities have been erected in the inner temple, one with eight arms and the other with three heads and five arms.According to legend, the two goddesses Parvati takes on, Mansa and Chandi, always live adjacent to one another. The Chandi Mandir in Chandigarh is close to the Mata Mansa Devi Mandir in Panchkula, Haryana, hence this notion can be confirmed in another instance as well.
Festivals at Mansa Devi Temple
Navratri : Navratri, also known as Durga Pooja, is observed as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. According to folklore, it was on this day when Goddess Durga slew the monster Mahishasura. This brought back Dharma and protected the world from evil. On this day, the Mansa Devi shrine is lavishly decked. Stage decorations, storytelling, story reenactment, and scripture reciting are all done. Throughout this holiday, the temple is very busy.
Kumbh Mela : The Kumbh Mela is celebrated in Haridwar every twelve years. Hindu astrology is used to establish the exact day. After six years, an Ardh Kumbh (“Half Kumbh”) Mela is also celebrated. Hindus attach religious significance to the fair. It is also the largest business event that merchants from around the world attend. The most recent Kumbh Mela was in 2010, and the following one was planned for 2021.
How to Reach and Ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport by air to the temple, which is 37 kilometres away. The closest train station, in Haridwar, is three kilometres from the temple. You can also get to the temple by bus from ISBT, Kashmere Gate in New Delhi, which is three kilometres away. The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. You can get an e-rickshaw from Har ki Pauri to the main entrance of Mansa Devi. You have two options for transportation from there: walking or using a ropeway service.
Visitors and worshippers can ascend to the Mansa Devi Temple using a ropeway service. Mansa Devi Udankhatola is the name of the service, which was first offered primarily for the pilgrims’ comfort and advantage. The 540-meter-long ropeway ride, which travels at a height of 178 metres, departs from the lower base station and goes straight to the temple. The Chanda Devi Temple is another place that may be reached via ropeway.
In order to get to the Mansa Devi Temple, which is three kilometres from Haridwar, you can either take a cable car or walk there.Many people prefer the cable car because the one and a half kilometre uphill hike to the shrine is extremely taxing. You can also commonly find cabs and auto-rickshaws to go to the temple. In the months of April through October, the first cable car to the Mansa Devi Temple begins service at 7:00 AM; the rest of the year, it begins service at 8:00 AM. You can expect to pay about INR 150 per person for transportation to and from the temple.
Mansa Devi Temple Timings
Mansa Devi is open for darshan from five in the morning to twelve in the afternoon. Between 12 and 2 in the afternoon, there is a break. At 2 PM, the evening darshan will resume, and the temple will close at 9 PM. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, ropeway service is available. It typically works throughout the entire day. It shuts down at midday, when the temple shutters. Booking online is not possible.
The ticket counter makes it simple to obtain the tickets. The maximum wait time for tickets is 20 minutes. Early in the morning, at 7:00 AM, ropeway service is available. It typically works throughout the entire day. When the temple shuts, it closes. It typically works throughout the entire day. It shuts down at midday, when the temple shutters. Combination tickets are available for darshan at both temples.
