MANSA DEVI TEMPLE, HARIDWAR

As the Legends said, when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu-more so, the devout, who would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. Haridwar, due to its geographical location stands as the gateway to the pilgrimages of Uttarakhand. Haridwar has always remained as a major Shaktipeeth for the devotees. And one such prominent most visited Temples of North India; in Haridwar is Mata Mansa Devi.

Mata Mansa Devi is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, the consort of Vasuki who is the king of snakes. The Temple location on the Bilwa Parvat Hill adds much to its overall beauty. Though the Temple lies on hilltop, visitors do not face any difficulty in reaching the Temple. The Temple magnetizes hordes of devotees and pilgrims from all over due to its ancient history and religious significance. 

The Temple is constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh and the year of construction of Temple is 1811-1815AD. The main Temple is dedicated to Mansa, who is workshiped in the Sanctorum in the form of “Pindi”, as well as in her anthropomorphic form executed on a marble. In the sanctum sanctorum she is worshiped with Devi Saraswati and Lakshmi in the form of Pindi (stone pebbles). Originally the pindi’s were only worshiped by the devotees. However in modern times, a marble bust of the deity was got sculpted for giving an attractive human look (form) to the deity. She is beautifully decorated with crown and other ornaments.  

Interestingly, the architecture of the main Temple is not consonance with the Shivalik region where usually typical Nagara or Curvilinear spirals Temples were erected. This is in sharp contrast to the environment of the region architecturally, speaking the Temple has been built in panchavati pattern in which at four cardinal corners stand four shrines with the main shrine(fifth shrine) being located at the centre. 

Hindus believe that if; you pray to the Goddess with a pure and grateful heart, she is sure to fulfill your wishes. For a “Darshan” (visit) of the Goddess, devotees need to stand in the queue at the Temple site. The prime attraction of the Mansa Devi Temple includes two awe-inspiring sculptures. While one of the Goddess of Mansa Devi Temple of Haridwar has eight arms, the other one stands in the shrine with five arms and three mouths. The unique traits of the two presiding deities make Mansa Devi Temple one of the outstanding religious appeals of Haridwar. 

Close to the Temple on the hilltop is a holy tree, around which devotees tie threads to get their wishes fulfilled. They seek the blessings of Goddess Mansa Devi. Not only in Haridwar, but Temple of Mansa Devi is known and reverted in the whole of Northern India. Apart from getting glimpse of the Goddess at the Temple, visitors can also feast their eyes upon the magnificent view of the town of Haridwar from hilltop.

Twice in a year millions of devotees pay obeisance during Navratra Mela held in Ashwin and Chaitra months and Temples remain open throughout the day. These mela’s are of 9 days duration each time and concludes on the 9^th day. On the 7^th and 8^th day of Navratras the Temples of shrine complex are closed only for two hours during the night for cleaning and maintenance of the Temples. For the rest of

Navratras the Temples remain open for Darshan from 5:00am to 10:00pm. 

To reach the hilltop you can use the cable cars. Otherwise if, you are looking for a light dose of adventure, you can choose to trek up to the Temple. However, arrangements of ropeway and trolley are also available to arrive at the Temple premises. The shrine Board makes elaborate arrangements for the comfortable stay and Darshan for the devotees.

Known for ubiquitous Shrines, Ashrams and Ghats, Haridwar is one of those tourists’ sites of India, where infinite numbers of devotees come every year. Each and every Temple of Haridwar tells of a distinct Mythological Saga. The local people of Haridwar have deep faith in the Gods and Goddess of these Temples. Such is the charm of the sacred locals of Haridwar that even tourists from other countries visit the place in large numbers.

Thus, Mata Mansa Devi Temple, in a way, enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries.