Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is a famous temple in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to be an embodiment of Shakti. Thousands of Hindus visit this temple in large numbers every year, which is one of the ‘Panch Teerths’ or the five pilgrimage centers of Haridwar.
The temple is also popularly known as Bilwa Tirtha and is situated on the top of Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik hills. The word Mansa means to wish, and devotees strongly believe that Goddess Mansa fulfills all the wishes of a dedicated and sincere person who visits the temple. Thus, the grand temple is regarded as a ‘Siddha Peetha’, which is a term used to refer to places where wishes and desires are fulfilled. Along with Maya Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, the three temples form the three Peethas located in Haridwar.
The Mansa Devi Temple has immense religious significance, not only because of the temple itself but also because it is located in Haridwar, which is believed to be one of the four places where drops of nectar accidentally fell when they were being carried away by Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle. Perhaps this is the reason why this grand temple receives the highest number of pedestrians among all the temples in North India. The ropeway leading to it is yet another feature that adds to the grandeur of the temple and attracts tourists from across the country.
Mansa Devi Temple History
Goddess Mansa Devi, to whom the temple is dedicated, is believed to be a form of Shakti, who emerged from the mind of Sage Kashyapa. She is also the sister of the serpent Vasuki.
The place where the temple is situated is Haridwar; It has a rich history attached to it. Haridwar is one of the oldest centers of pilgrimage in the entire country. According to Indian mythology and legends, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of nectar or amrita accidentally fell from the pitcher carrying the celestial bird Garuda – the vehicle of Lord Vishnu.
Another belief associated with the temple is that the two goddesses Mansa and Chandi, who are two forms of Goddess Parvati, are always close to each other, and hence the Chandi Devi Temple can be found near the Mansa Devi Temple.
Rituals at Mansa Devi Temple
Two deities are enshrined in the inner shrine of the Mansa Devi Temple, one with eight arms, and the other with five arms, but three heads. It is strongly believed that Goddess Mansa Devi fulfills the wishes of all the ardent devotees who visit the temple to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
Thus, those who wish to have their specific wishes fulfilled tie threads on the branches of a large tree located inside the premises. When these wishes are fulfilled, they visit the temple again to untie these threads and thank the almighty. To please Mansa Devi, devotees also offer coconut and other fruits, garlands, and incense sticks to her.
Places to Visit near Mansa Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Chandi Devi in the holy city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat on the eastern peak of the Shivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain range of the Himalayas.
Chandi Devi Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh during his reign as the king of Kashmir. However, the main idol of Chandi Devi in the temple was installed in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest priests of Hinduism. The temple, also known as Neel Parvat Tirth, is one of the Panch Tirths located within Haridwar.
Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is a prominent historical place and a famous ghat on the banks of the river Ganga in Haridwar. A center of attraction among devotees in Haridwar, Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the origin of the holy river Ganges from the mountains. The world-famous Ganga Aarti takes place in the Brahmakund area of Har Ki Pauri, a sacred place where it is believed that Amrit (nectar) fell on earth. The biggest fairs of the Hindus, Kumbh, and Ardh Kumbh also take place in Har Ki Pauri.
How to Reach Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is located at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar and can be reached by cable car or on foot. The walk to the temple is a one-and-a-half-kilometer uphill climb and is quite laborious, which is why many people prefer the cable car. Alternatively, taxis and auto-rickshaws are also often available to reach the temple.
Mansa Devi Temple is located at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar and can be reached by cable car or on foot. The walk to the temple is a one-and-a-half-kilometer uphill climb and is quite laborious, which is why many people prefer the cable car. Alternatively, taxis and auto-rickshaws are also often available to reach the temple.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Mansa Devi Temple like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in Jim Corbett National Park, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
