Mansa Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in northern India and is considered to be of great religious significance.
The history of Mansa Devi Temple dates back to the 16th century when the temple was constructed by King Mansa Devi of the local royal family. The temple was built on the top of the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, overlooking the city of Haridwar. The temple was later renovated by the British in the 19th century.
Legend has it that Mansa Devi Temple was the site where the heart and navel of the goddess Sati fell after her body was dismembered by Lord Shiva’s Trishul. It is believed that the temple is the place where devotees can fulfill their wishes by offering prayers to the goddess.
The temple is also known for its unique tradition of tying sacred threads or “kanthas” to the branches of a tree in the temple complex. Devotees believe that tying a knot on the tree fulfills their wishes and brings good luck. The temple is especially crowded during the Navratri festival when thousands of devotees visit to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess.
Mansa Devi Temple Aarti Timing
| Day | Morning Aarti Timing | Evening Aarti Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 5:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, Sunday | 4:00 AM | 7:00 PM |
Note: Aarti timings may be subject to change during festivals and special occasions. It’s always recommended to confirm the timings with the temple authorities before planning your visit.
Things to do in Mansa Devi Temple
There are several things to do in Mansa Devi Temple that are popular among visitors.
- Darshan: The primary activity for devotees visiting Mansa Devi Temple is to offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple is open from early morning till late in the evening, and visitors can take part in the daily Aarti and Puja rituals.
- Tie a Sacred Thread: Another popular activity at the temple is to tie a sacred thread or “kantha” on the branches of the sacred tree in the temple complex. Devotees believe that tying a knot on the tree fulfills their wishes and brings good luck.
- Take the Cable Car Ride: The temple is situated on a hill and can be reached by a cable car ride. The ride offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and the city of Haridwar.
- Explore the Temple Complex: The temple complex is vast and has several other small shrines and temples dedicated to various deities. Visitors can explore the complex and offer prayers at these smaller shrines.
- Attend the Navratri Festival: The Navratri festival is a nine-day long festival celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. The festival is especially popular at Mansa Devi Temple, and thousands of devotees visit the temple during this time to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
- Visit the Mansa Devi Museum: The temple complex also houses a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the temple. Visitors can learn about the temple’s history, architecture, and the significance of the goddess Mansa Devi.
Visiting Mansa Devi Temple is a spiritual and cultural experience that offers a glimpse into the rich tradition of Hinduism in India.
Places to Visit Near Mansa Devi Temple
There are several places to visit near Mansa Devi Temple that are worth exploring. Some of them are:
Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat located in Haridwar, situated on the banks of the River Ganges. It is one of the most visited places in Haridwar and is considered to be a highly sacred site for Hindus.
Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is another famous temple located in Haridwar and is dedicated to the goddess Chandi Devi. The temple can be reached by a cable car ride and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple located in the town of Kankhal, just a few kilometers from Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important temples in the region.
Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park is a famous wildlife reserve located near Haridwar. The park is home to several species of animals and birds, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and several species of deer.
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird sanctuary located near Haridwar and is home to several species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a famous pilgrimage town located near Haridwar and is considered to be the “Yoga Capital of the World”. The town is home to several temples, ashrams, and yoga centers, and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers and yoga enthusiasts.
These places offer a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife and nature to spirituality and culture, and are a must-visit for anyone visiting Mansa Devi Temple and the surrounding region.
How to Reach Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is located in the city of Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India, and can be reached by several means of transportation.
By Air: The nearest airport to Haridwar is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 36 km away. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haridwar.
By Train: Haridwar is well-connected to major cities in India by rail. The Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Mansa Devi Temple, and several trains connect Haridwar to major cities in India.
By Road: Haridwar is well-connected to major cities in India by road. Several state-run and private buses operate between Haridwar and major cities in India. Visitors can also hire a taxi or drive to Haridwar.
Once in Haridwar, visitors can take a cable car ride from the base station at the foot of the hill to reach Mansa Devi Temple. The cable car ride offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and the city of Haridwar. Alternatively, visitors can also hike up the hill to reach the temple. The hike takes about 30-40 minutes and offers a scenic trek through the forested hills.
How to book cable car ticket for Mansa Devi Temple
There are two ways to book a cable car ticket for Mansa Devi Temple
Online Booking: Visitors can book their cable car tickets online through the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) or the official website of the Mansa Devi Temple Board. Visitors need to select the date and time of their visit and make the payment online. Once the booking is confirmed, visitors will receive an e-ticket that they need to carry with them during their visit.
On-site Booking: Visitors can also book their cable car tickets on-site at the base station of the cable car ride. The ticket counter is located near the base station, and visitors can purchase their tickets by paying in cash or using a card.
It is advisable to book the cable car tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or festivals, to avoid long waiting times. Visitors can also opt for a round trip ticket, which allows them to take the cable car ride up to the temple and back down to the base station.
Should We Book Combo Trolley Ticket for Mansa & Chandi Devi
If you are planning to visit both Mansa Devi Temple and Chandi Devi Temple, it is recommended to book a combo trolley ticket that covers both the temples. The combo trolley ticket includes a round trip on the cable car to both the temples, which saves time and provides a hassle-free experience.
By booking a combo trolley ticket, you will not have to stand in line to purchase separate tickets for each temple, which can be time-consuming, especially during peak seasons. The combo trolley ticket is also more economical compared to purchasing separate tickets for each temple.
Moreover, the trolley ride between Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills and the River Ganges, which is an experience in itself. So, if you are planning to visit both the temples, booking a combo trolley ticket is a convenient and cost-effective option.
What Time Mansa Devi Cable Car( Trolley) Start and Close
The timings for the cable car (trolley) ride to Mansa Devi Temple are as follows:
Summer Season (April to October): The cable car ride starts at 6:30 am and operates until 7:00 pm.
Winter Season (November to March): The cable car ride starts at 7:00 am and operates until 5:00 pm.
However, it is recommended to confirm the timings before planning your visit as they may be subject to change during special occasions and festivals.
Also, visitors are advised to reach the cable car base station well in advance to avoid long waiting times, especially during peak seasons. It is advisable to plan your visit in the morning hours to avoid the rush and get a beautiful view of the surrounding hills and the River Ganges.
FAQs about Mansa Devi Temple
Why is Mansa Devi famous?
Mansa Devi is a Hindu goddess who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is one of the most popular and revered temples in North India, visited by millions of devotees every year. It is believed that offering prayers at the temple can fulfill one’s wishes, and hence the temple is famous for being a wish-fulfilling shrine.
How to reach Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar?
Mansa Devi Temple is located in the city of Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The temple can be reached by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 35 km from Haridwar. The nearest railway station is Haridwar Junction, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the railway station or bus stand, one can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or take a local bus to reach Mansa Devi Temple. The temple can also be reached by a ropeway from Haridwar.
How many steps are there in Mansa Devi Temple?
The Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar has two ways to reach the temple – by foot or by a ropeway. If you are planning to climb the stairs to reach the temple, there are approximately 1000 steps to reach the shrine. It is a strenuous climb, but many devotees consider it an act of devotion and penance.
How long is Mansa Devi Haridwar ropeway?
The Mansa Devi ropeway is a popular way to reach the temple without climbing the stairs. The ropeway covers a distance of about 540 meters and takes around 5 minutes to reach the temple. The ropeway offers panoramic views of the city and the river Ganga, and is a memorable experience for visitors.
What is the cost of ropeway in Mansa Devi Temple?
The cost of the ropeway ticket to Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar varies based on the type of ticket and age group of the visitor. As of 2021, the cost of a one-way ticket for adults is Rs. 110 and for children (ages 3-7) is Rs. 55. The cost of a round-trip ticket for adults is Rs. 180 and for children (ages 3-7) is Rs. 90. The ticket prices are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the authorities before planning your visit.