Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar is one of the most popular and sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. It is located on the top of Bilwa Parvat, a hill in the holy city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, the goddess of snakes and the daughter of Sage Kashyapa. She is also considered as a form of Shakti, the supreme power and energy of the universe.
The temple is one of the three Siddh Peethas (places where wishes are granted) in Haridwar, along with Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra (four sacred journeys) in Uttarakhand, which includes Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar, such as its history, legend, significance, rituals, festivals, and how to plan your visit. Whether you are a devotee or a tourist, you will find this temple to be a divine destination for your next trip.
How to Reach Mansa Devi Temple
The first step to visit Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar is to reach Haridwar, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can take a bus, train, or flight from nearby towns and cities such as Delhi (220 km), Rishikesh (20 km), Dehradun (55 km), etc.
Once you reach Haridwar, you have two options to reach the temple: trekking or taking a ropeway. The trekking route is about 3 km long and takes around 45 minutes to an hour. It is a steep and rocky path that offers scenic views of the Ganges river and the surrounding hills. You can also spot some monkeys and peacocks along the way.
The ropeway service is also known as Udan Khatola or Mansa Devi Udankhatola. It is a cable car that takes you from the base station near Har Ki Pauri to the temple in about 5 minutes. It operates from 7 am to 7 pm and charges Rs. 84 per person for a round trip. The ropeway can carry up to 12 people at a time and has safety measures such as emergency brakes and backup generators.
What to See and Do at Mansa Devi Temple
Once you reach the temple, you will be amazed by its beauty and grandeur. The temple has two main structures: the old temple and the new temple. The old temple was built in the 11th century by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned Hindu philosopher and reformer. The new temple was built in 1984 by Swami Ramanandacharya.
The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Mansa Devi, which is made of marble and has three faces and five arms. She is adorned with jewels and flowers and holds a trident, a lotus, a snake, and a pot in her hands. She is also flanked by two lions on her sides. The devotees offer prayers and offerings to the goddess at the sanctum sanctorum. They also tie threads or red cloths on the branches of a sacred tree near the idol.
Another highlight of the temple is its bells or ghantas that are hung all over the premises. These bells are rung by the devotees as they enter or exit the temple. The sound of these bells creates a soothing and spiritual atmosphere that fills the air with positive vibes.
The temple also celebrates various festivals and events throughout the year. The most important ones are Navratri, the nine-day festival of the goddess, and Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world. During these occasions, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and witnesses a huge influx of pilgrims and tourists.
Other Places to Visit in Haridwar
Haridwar is not only a holy city but also a tourist destination that offers many attractions and activities for visitors. Some of the other places to visit in Haridwar are:
Har Ki Pauri: This is the most famous ghat (river bank) in Haridwar, where millions of people take a dip in the Ganges river to wash away their sins and attain salvation. It is also the site of the evening Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual that involves chanting, singing, lighting lamps, and offering prayers to the river goddess.
Chandi Devi Temple: This is another Siddh Peetha in Haridwar that is dedicated to Chandi Devi, the goddess of power and strength. It is located on the top of Neel Parvat, a hill opposite to Mansa Devi Temple. It can be reached by trekking or taking a ropeway. The temple was built by King Suchat Singh in 1929 and has a captivating view of the city and the river.
Rajaji National Park: This is a wildlife sanctuary that covers an area of 820 sq km and houses various animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, etc. It also has a rich flora and fauna that includes over 400 species of birds, plants, and trees. It offers activities such as safari, camping, birdwatching, etc.
Bharat Mata Mandir: This is a unique temple that honors India as a motherland and showcases its culture, history, and diversity. It has eight floors that depict different aspects of India such as its freedom fighters, leaders, saints, heroes, etc. It also has a huge map of India on its ground floor that visitors can walk on.
Best Time to Visit Mansa Devi Temple
The best time to visit Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. However, you can also visit during other months if you don’t mind the heat or rain. You should avoid visiting during peak seasons such as Navratri and Kumbh Mela as it can get very crowded and chaotic.
Where to Stay in Haridwar
Haridwar has many options for accommodation that suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, guesthouses, ashrams, etc., depending on your needs and comfort level. Some of the top hotels and resorts in Haridwar are Radisson Blu Hotel Haridwar, Ganga Lahari by Leisure Hotels, Haveli Hari Ganga by Leisure Hotels and Aalia Resort.
Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar is a divine destination for your next trip. It is not only a place of worship but also a place of wonder and adventure. You can experience the beauty and power of the goddess, the charm and culture of Haridwar, and the thrill and joy of nature. Whether you are looking for spirituality or entertainment, you will find it all at Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar today and make your wishes come true.
