Manasa Devi Temple, Haridwar (Uttarakhand)| Timings, Ropeway Charges

Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Overview

The Mansa Devi Temple is a famous temple in Haridwar in Uttarakhand that is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, who is considered to be a form of Shakti and is believed to have emerged from Lord Shiva's mind. Thousands of Hindus flock to the temple every year in large numbers to this temple, which is one of the 'Panch Tirths' or the five pilgrimages in Haridwar. The temple is also popularly known as Bilwa Tirth and is perched on the top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills.

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.

The Mansa Devi Temple holds immense religious importance, 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 elixir fell accidentally while they were being carried by Garuda, Lord Vishnu's vehicle. This is perhaps why this grand temple has one of the highest footfalls of all temples in north India. The ropeways that lead up to it are yet another feature that adds to the magnificence of the temple and attracts tourists from all across the country.

History of Mansa Devi Temple

The Mansa Devi Temple was constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra between 1811 A.D. and 1815 A.D. The goddess Mansa Devi, to whom the temple is dedicated, is believed to be a form of Shakti, who emerged from the mind of sage Kashyap. She is also the sister of the serpent Vasuki.

The place where the temple is located that is Haridwar; itself has a rich history attached to it. Haridwar is one of the most ancient centres of pilgrimage all across the country. According to Indian mythology and legends, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of elixir, or Amrita, accidentally spilt from the pitcher that Lord Vishnu's vehicle - the celestial bird Garuda was carrying.

Another belief associated with the temple is that the two goddesses Mansa and Chandi, who are the two forms of goddess Parvati, always reside close to each other, and hence one can find the Chandi Mandir near the Mansa Devi Temple.

Rituals at Mansa Devi Temple

The inner shrine of the Mansa Devi Temple has two deities installed in it, one of which has eight arms, and the other has five arms, but three heads. It is firmly believed that goddess Mansa Devi fulfils the wishes of all ardent devotees who visit the temple to seek the blessings of the goddess. Thus, people who want their specific desires to be fulfilled tie threads on the branches of a large tree that is located inside the complex. When these wishes are granted, they visit the temple yet again to untie these threads and to thank the Almighty. In order to please Mansa Devi, devotees also offer her coconuts and other fruits, garlands and incense sticks.

Ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple

Ropeway service is available to take devotees and visitors up to the Mansa Devi Temple. This service is known as 'Mansa Devi Udankhatola' and was introduced primarily for the benefit and convenience of the pilgrims. The ropeway journey begins from the lower base station and goes directly till the temple while covering a total length of 540 metres at the height of 178 metres. One can also use the ropeway to visit the Chanda Devi Temple as well.

The first cable car to the Mansa Devi Temple starts running at 7:00 AM during the months between April and October, and at 8:00 AM for the rest of the year.
A round trip to and from the temple will cost you around INR 150 per person.

Tips For Visiting Mansa Devi Temple

1. Steer clear of the priests there who wish to extract huge amounts of money from the devotees.
2. Beware of the monkeys around the temple, and do not offer them food.

How To Reach Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

The Mansa Devi Temple is located at a distance of 3 kilometres from Haridwar and can be reached either by a cable car or on foot. The walk up to the temple is an uphill trek of one and a half kilometre and is quite exerting, which is why a lot of people prefer the cable car. Alternatively, taxis and auto-rickshaws are also frequently available to reach the temple.