Maa Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple, a symbolic landmark of the Hindu faith, is situated in Haridwar. Dedicated to Goddess Mansa, the Mansa Devi Temple is situated atop Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills at a height of about 500 feet. It is one of the most revered shrines in Haridwar, along with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the shrine to seek the goddess's blessings. Although the temple is open throughout the year, the temple atmosphere is filled with utmost devotion during festivals, especially Navratri, where devotees keep chanting the goddess's name.

Goddess Who Fulfils Wishes

Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is situated around 6 km from Har Ki Pauri, one of Haridwar's prominent sites. Devotees on their pilgrimage to Haridwar often visit the shrine to offer their prayers. The word Mansa means "Wish", and it is believed that the deity fulfils the wishes of all devotees if they wish with a true heart. To symbolise their wishes, worshippers tie a thread on the branch of a tree in the temple courtyard. Once their wish is fulfilled, they return to untie this thread and bow down before the deity in gratitude.

Siddh Peeth

In mythology, Maa Mansa Devi is revered as the daughter of Lord Shiva, the mother of Astika and the wife of sage Jaratkaru. She is the sister of Shesha and Vasuki, the king of serpents (Nagas). Being the sister of Nagas, she is highly regarded as Vishahari, the destroyer of poison. After Chandi Devi and Maya Devi, Haridwar Mansa Devi Temple is the third siddh peeth, which is prominently known for fulfilling worshippers' desires.

Haridwar's Panch Tirth

Mansa Devi (situated in Bilwa Parvat) is also one of the Panch Tirth (five sacred sites) of Haridwar. It is believed that pilgrims should visit these five sacred sites during their pilgrimage. Apart from Mansa Devi, the other four in the list are: -

• Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Mandir)
• Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri)
• Kushavrat
• Kankhal

Inside the Sanctum

Inside the shrine, there are two idols of the deity, one with eight arms and the other with three heads and five arms. Usually, the deity's upper right hand holds a Conch (Shankh), and the left hand holds with lotus flower. She also holds a snake in one hand, while the other hand is kept in the Varada Mudra (Gesture of blessing).

How to access the Shrine?

From Haridwar city, the Mansa Devi Temple is located around 4 km and is easily accessible by the local public transport service. However, to reach the shrine, pilgrims can either use the ropeway service or do a short trek, which can be easily covered within half an hour. The ropeway length is around 540 meters and is considered to be an ideal mode to reach the shrine. Ropeway provides the enchanting and picturesque view of Haridwar and the Ganges.

Opening and Closing Time

If we talk about Mansa Devi Haridwar Timings, then the shrine has different opening and closing timings for both summer and winter. However, the exact time given may vary as per the decision of the temple committee.

Ropeway Service

Like Chandi Devi, Haridwar's Mansa Devi also offers a ropeway service. Such services are managed by the Udan Khatola, who are prominent for their ropeway services. Visitors can book the Mansa Devi Ropeway Ticket Online from the Udan Khatola Portal or offline from their dedicated booking counters.

Ropeway Timings

Udan Khatola provides its ropeway service daily, which remains operational for limited hours only. As per the latest update, Mansa Devi Haridwar Ropeway Timings are shared in the table below: -

Ropeway Charges

Note:

• Normal tickets are valid only on the day of purchase.
• The combined tickets (both Mansa and Chandi Devi) are valid for two days.
• Children above 110 cm will be treated as adults and are charged the full ticket price.
• A maximum of 4 people can be accommodated in one cabin.
• Identity proof is a must for people booked their ticket online.

Mythology

The temple is linked with several folklores, one of which is a girl named Mansa, unaware of her true identity, who decided to meet Lord Shiva for answers after getting no response from his guardians. She started penance for years, seeking his devotion. Lord Shiva appears.
 

Upon seeing Shiva, she learned the truth about herself. Post learning the truth, she receives the power to work for the welfare of the world. That's why she is known for fulfilling worshippers' wishes. Usually, pilgrims offer Prasad, coconuts, red chunari, makeup kit (Shringar Daan), fruits, incense sticks, etc. Deity is worshipped in many states, including Jharkhand, Bihar, Bengal, South of Assam, Uttarakhand and Northeastern India for protection from snakebite, fertility and prosperity.
 

As per the mythologist's belief, the eldest son of King Pandu, Yudhishthira, visited this temple and worshipped the deity before the commencement of the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata also recounts the story of Mansa's marriage. After performing austerities, the sage Jaratkaru decided not to marry. One day, when he was passing through a forest, he found a group of people (all males) hanging upside down from a tree.
 

After knowing, Sage gets to know that these men are his ancestors who have been doomed by their children and didn't perform their last rites. They persuaded Jaratkaru to marry so that his son could free them from their miseries. Vasuki offered his sister, Mansa's hand to Jaratkaru. Mansa gave birth to Astika, who later freed the Jaratkaru ancestor from their miseries.

Location and Accessibility

Mansa Devi Temple is located near the Industrial Area in Haridwar District, about 6 km from Har Ki Pauri and 3 km from the bus stand. Since the shrine is not directly accessible by road, pilgrims either take a trek or use the ropeway service.

Accommodation

Several accommodation options are available in Haridwar, where one can enjoy a perfect stay while exploring the sacred city.

• Hotel Ganga Vilas
• Hotel Ganga Gaurav
• Hotel City Heritage
• Hotel Himalaya
• Pleasant Stayz Hotel
• Hotel Ganga Exotica
• Hotel Namay Inn
• Hotel Trishul
• Hotel La Casa
• Hotel Ganga Dhara
• Antarman Ganges

Important Tips for Travellers

• Use the local transport (auto, tempo, and E-rickshaw) to access the base of the temple.
• Pilgrims can either take the ropeway or the trek route to reach the shrine.
• Prasad and food stalls are available near the temple premises.
• To avoid the long queues, book ropeway tickets online.
• Beware of monkeys and keep your handbag, purse and prasad safely.
• Photography and videography are not allowed inside the sanctum.
• Expect heavy crowds on weekends, Navratri and other festivals.
• Keep the ropeway ticket safe until the round trip is completed.
• Leather items like purses and bags are not allowed inside the temple.
• Toilets and drinking water are available in the temple.
• A paid parking facility is available near the trekking and ropeway point.
• Avoid visiting during the peak summer and monsoon.

Nearby Attraction

After visiting Haridwar Maa Mansa Devi Temple, you can also explore other popular sacred sites, which we have enlisted below: -

• Chandi Devi Mandir
• Har Ki Pauri
• Maya Devi Temple.
• Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir.
• Anand Bhairav Mandir