Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient temples in Haridwar, nestled atop the Bilwa Parvat of the Shivalik Hills. It is revered as one of the three Siddh Peethas (places where wishes are fulfilled) in the region, along with the Chandi Devi Temple and the Maya Devi Temple. Dedicat ed to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as the Goddess of Snakes (Nagas), the temple is a spiritual powerhouse. The name Mansa is derived from 'Manasa' (wish), signifying her ability to grant the earnest desires of her devotees. A unique ritual performed here is the tying of a sacred thread (sutra) to the branches of an ancient tree within the temple premises while making a wish; devotees return to untie the thread upon the wish's fulfillment. This tradition draws thousands of pilgrims daily. The temple houses two principal forms of the Goddess: one with eight arms and another with three heads and five arms. The journey to the temple is an experience in itself, offering devotees a choice between a picturesque trek uphill or a scenic cable car ride (Mansa Devi Udan Khatola), providing breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Haridwar city and the meandering Ganga River below. The temple was historically established between 1811 and 1815 by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra, built upon the site where local legends say a cow once offered milk to three holy stones, which were revealed to be the divine shilas imbued with Sati's essence.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
2 - 3 HoursPlace Type:
Temple, Hilltop Temple, Siddh Peetha, Ropeway DestEntry Fees:
Temple Entry: Free (No entry fee for basic darshan/entry). As a major pilgrimage site, the primary spiritual access is granted freely to all devotees.
Udan Khatola (Ropeway) Fees: Ropeway tickets are mandatory for the ride. The fees vary f...Temple Entry: Free (No entry fee for basic darshan/entry). As a major pilgrimage site, the primary spiritual access is granted freely to all devotees.
Udan Khatola (Ropeway) Fees: Ropeway tickets are mandatory for the ride. The fees vary for a one-way or round-trip ticket, and combo tickets for both Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi are often available, with current round-trip prices typically ranging from Rs.150 to Rs.300 per person. Tickets for children or senior citizens may be discounted.
Special Darshan Tickets: During peak season or festivals, there might be options for a paid Special Darshan (skip-the-line), which has a higher fee (e. g. , Rs.51 to Rs.251) but significantly reduces waiting time in the queue.
Offerings: Cost of ritual items (Prasad, flowers, etc. ) is separate, bought from vendors outside.Timing:
Regular Timings (Winter): 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM.
(Temple Darshan: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM;
Ropeway: 05:30 AM - 07:00 PM).
Note: Temple often closes for a short period (approx. 1...Regular Timings (Winter): 05:00 AM to 09:00 PM.
(Temple Darshan: 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM;
Ropeway: 05:30 AM - 07:00 PM).
Note: Temple often closes for a short period (approx. 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM) for Bhog and rest.
Regular Timings (Summer): 04:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Early Morning (between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM) is the most ideal time to visit, especially for a peaceful darshan and to avoid the massive crowds and heat, especially for those opting to trek. The evening time, before sunset, is also popular for witnessing the city lights from the hilltop.
Aarti Timings:
Morning Aarti (Summer: 4:30 AM/5:00 AM;
Winter: 5:30 AM/6:00 AM).
Evening Aarti (Summer: 7:00 PM/7:30 PM;
Winter: 6:00 PM/6:30 PM).Special Events:
Navratri Festivals: Both Chaitra Navratri (Spring) and Sharad Navratri (October) are celebrated with immense grandeur, special Aartis, extended hours, and massive religious processions, attracting the largest crowds of the year to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother.Navratri Festivals: Both Chaitra Navratri (Spring) and Sharad Navratri (October) are celebrated with immense grandeur, special Aartis, extended hours, and massive religious processions, attracting the largest crowds of the year to seek the blessings of the Divine Mother.
Shravan Month: The holy Hindu month of Shravan (usually July-August) is highly significant, particularly due to Mansa Devi's association with Lord Shiva and the Nagas (snakes); special Pujas are performed during this time.
Ganga Dussehra: The festival marking the descent of the holy Ganga River also sees significant crowds and special rituals at the temple due to its prominent location overlooking the river.Best Photo Spots:
Ropeway Viewpoint: The best location is from the cable car itself or the viewing decks at the top station, offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the city and the vast plains, ideal for landscape photography.
The Sacred Tree: Capture ...Ropeway Viewpoint: The best location is from the cable car itself or the viewing decks at the top station, offering a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the city and the vast plains, ideal for landscape photography.
The Sacred Tree: Capture the ancient tree, adorned with hundreds of red and yellow wish-fulfilling threads, symbolizing the deep faith of countless devotees (be mindful of taking close-ups of people performing the ritual).
Temple Facade Against the Sky: Capture the vibrant red temple structure against the blue sky, with the Shivalik Hills forming a natural, dramatic backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Views of Har Ki Pauri: Find a spot that offers a clear view of the winding Ganga River and the main Har Ki Pauri Ghat area, capturing the spiritual heart of Haridwar from above.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Ascend via Udan Khatola (Ropeway): Take the exhilarating cable car ride from the base station near Har Ki Pauri to the temple, enjoying the mesmerizing aerial views of the city, river, and mountains.
Perform the Wish-Tying Ritual: Participate in the traditional ritual of tying a sacred thread around the branches of the ancient tree while making a heartfelt wish (Manokamna).
Offer Puja and Darshan: Offer flowers, coconuts, and sweets to the Goddess Mansa Devi in the main sanctum and seek her blessings for prosperity, fertility, and protection from snake bites.
Trek the Bilwa Parvat Trail: For a more physically and spiritually challenging experience, choose the paved pedestrian path to trek up the hill, often done as a form of penance or devotion, and enjoy the nat...
Information
-
Why Famous:
Wish-Fulfilling Deity: It is most famous for being a Siddh Peetha, where Goddess Mansa Devi is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees, leading to the popular ritual of tying and untying the thread on the sacred tree.
The Holy Triad: ...Wish-Fulfilling Deity: It is most famous for being a Siddh Peetha, where Goddess Mansa Devi is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees, leading to the popular ritual of tying and untying the thread on the sacred tree.
The Holy Triad: It is a key part of the sacred triad of Siddh Peethas in Haridwar (Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, and Maya Devi Temple), making it a mandatory visit for any pilgrim.
Panoramic City View: The hilltop location atop Bilwa Parvat provides stunning, uninterrupted panoramic views of Haridwar city, the Ganga River, and the surrounding plains and forests of the Rajaji National Park.
The Ropeway Experience: The Mansa Devi Udan Khatola (cable car) is a famous draw, offering a thrilling and scenic alternative to the trek, attracting both devotees and general tourists seeking adventure and views. -
Architecture:
Traditional Shakti Peetha Style: The architecture of Mansa Devi Temple is characteristic of a traditional Shakti Peetha, situated atop a hill (Bilwa Parvat) with a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The structure itself is a humble yet robust design, typical of h...Traditional Shakti Peetha Style: The architecture of Mansa Devi Temple is characteristic of a traditional Shakti Peetha, situated atop a hill (Bilwa Parvat) with a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The structure itself is a humble yet robust design, typical of hill temples, focusing on the sanctity of the inner sanctum (Garbha Griha).
Construction and Dimensions: The temple, built in the early 19th Century, primarily utilizes stone and plaster, painted in the quintessential vibrant red/ochre color associated with Shakti temples, making it stand out against the lush green backdrop of the Shivalik Hills. The inner sanctum houses two murtis (idols) of the Goddess: one eight-armed form and one three-headed, five-armed form, both adorned in rich fabrics and jewelry. The temple compound includes the sacred tree for the thread-tying ritual. The overall complex is designed to manage large crowds, with the focus on the path of pilgrimage—the steps (for the trek) or the cable car route. The hilltop location gives it a considerable elevation (over 500 feet), impacting the structural design's emphasis on stability. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun - DED), approximately 35-40 KMS away. One can hire a taxi to the Mansa Devi Temple ropeway base station, which is located near Har Ki Pauri.
By Train: The nearest major railway st... -
Near Tourist Places:
Chandi Devi Temple (4 KMS - via combo ropeway), Har Ki Pauri (3 KMS - base station), Maya Devi Temple (4 KMS), Daksheshwara Mahadev Temple (6 KMS), Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar (4 KMS), Ganga Aarti Sthal (3 KMS), Shantikunj Ashram (7 KMS), Pawan Dham (5 KMS), Parad Shivling (5 KMS), Vaishno Devi Temple (Lal Mata Mandir) (8 KMS).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & safety: Be extremely cautious of monkeys near the temple; do not carry food openly or make direct eye contact. Use the ropeway if traveling with the elderly, very young children, or those with mobility issues, as the trek is steep.
Pa...
Reviews
Mansa Devi Temple Tourism:-
Information about New and Updated Locations(769+) of Uttarakhand Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Adbhut Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Anandamayi Maa Ashram
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bara Bazaar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bharat Mata Mandir
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhimgoda Tank
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Birla Ghat
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chandi Devi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Crystal World
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities