Mansa Devi Temple is an important Hindu Temple, which is located in the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. The temple is abode of Maa Mansa Devi, a form of goddess Shakti.
Mansa Devi temple is also known as Bilwa Tirth because it is located on the Bilwa parvat. The temple was constructed by Maharaj Gopal Singh of Mani Majra and is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) of Haridwar.
Meaning of The Temple’s Name:
The name Mansa means “wish”. People believe that Maa Mansa fulfills the wishes of pure-hearted and true devotees.
Mythology of Mansa Devi Temple:
The temple is dedicated to Maa Mansa Devi. According to the mythology, Mansa Devi is considered as the sister of the Naga (Viper) Vasuki. Mansa Devi is an incarnation of goddess Shakti and believed to be emerged from the mind of Kashyapa muni(sage).
Interesting Fact:
Devotees visit the temple from all around the world and tie sacred threads to the branches of a tree located in the temple. People believe Mansa Devi fulfills the wishes of true devotees. If their wishes are fulfilled, people come back again to visit the temple. They untie the thread and worship the goddess.
Things to do:
There are number of sellers who sell prasad, coconuts, Agarbatti and other things for Pooja at the temple. The ropeway to reach the temple is one of the main tourist attractions. It offers breathtaking views and leaves a great experience to the mind and soul of the devotees. This ropeway is known as Mansa Devi Udankhatola. Before you board on the cable car to reach the temple, you might want to purchase these Pooja items. Once you reach on the top of the mountain, the view from there is amazing. The Navatatri festival is celebrated here with great joy and enthusiasm.
Places to Visit near Mansa Devi Temple:
There is another important temple, Chandi Devi Temple. You can purchase combined tickets of these two temples while boarding on the cable car or you can take a bus or auto rickshaw. You may visit Har ki Pauri, which is not very far from here. You can easily take a rickshaw to get there.
Mansa Devi Temple Timings:
Altitude: Approximately 1000 m
Visiting Time: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Entry Fee: Free, only Ropeways are chargeable.
Location of the Temple in Haridwar:
The temple is situated on the top of Bilwa Parvat, located in the Shivalik Hills. These hills are southern most part of the mighty Himalayas.
How to Reach Mansa devi Temple Haridwar:
Nearest railway station and bus station to Mansa Devi Temple is Haridwar. Nearest airports to Haridwar are Jolly Grant Airport (38 kms) via NH 7 and NH34 and Delhi(225 kms).
Mansa Devi Temple is located on the top of Bilwa Parvat. You can reach there either by 3 kms uphill trek from Haridwar or by cable car (Ropeway).