Mansa Devi Temple Haridwar

In the state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is known as the "Gateway to God'' or "Hari ka Dwar." Haridwar, famous worldwide for the Kumbh Mela, hosts several ancient mythological temples. One of these is the ancient Mansa Devi Temple. Located on the Bilwa Parvat hill in the Shivalik mountain range, 3 kilometres from Haridwar, this temple is one of the 52 Shaktipeeths. The name "Mansa" translates to the Goddess who fulfils wishes. It is believed that Goddess Mansa fulfils the desires of her devotees here, and throughout the year, her temple attracts a crowd of worshippers. During Navratri, the temple shines even brighter, and it's said that those who visit this temple in Haridwar never forget it.

According to historical records, King Gola Singh constructed the Mansa Devi Temple between 1811 and 1815 in Haridwar. This temple is one of the four places where a few drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrit, fell during the churning of the ocean, as mentioned in ancient scriptures. Goddess Mansa is worshipped as the daughter of Lord Shiva in the Puranas. She is also known as the sister of Vasuki, the King of Snakes. Skanda Purana also provides information about Mansa Devi Temple. Goddess Mansa is considered the 10th goddess. It is said that when the demon Mahishasura defeated the gods, they remembered Goddess Mansa, and after their prayers, she appeared and vanquished Mahishasura. After being liberated from the demon, the gods worshipped Goddess Mansa and said, "Goddess, just as you fulfilled our desires, please fulfil the desires of your devotees in Kali Yuga and remove their misfortunes." After fulfilling the desires of the gods, it is said that Goddess Mansa rested near the main peak of the Shivalik mountain range in Haridwar. Subsequently, a temple was established there, and later, the temple was expanded. Different Puranas provide various descriptions of Goddess Mansa. According to some Puranas, she was born from the mind of Sage Kashyapa and was more powerful than any poison, which is why Brahma named her Vishahari (poison remover). In Vishnu Purana, there is a story of a serpent girl who later became famous as Mansa. According to the Brahmavaivarta Purana, Mansa Devi was a serpent girl who was a devotee of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.

It is believed that tying a thread on the Snuhi tree in the temple complex fulfils the wishes of devotees. Women from far and wide come here to seek the blessings of the Goddess for the happiness of their children. It is said that just by visiting the Mansa Devi Temple, all sorrows and troubles vanish.

This temple, situated at the entrance of the Shivalik mountain range on the Bilwa Parvat hill, looks beautiful even from a distance. The temple houses two idols of the Goddess. It is said that these two idols represent the power of Goddess Mansa. One idol has five arms and three faces, while the other has eight arms. In the temple complex, there is an ancient Snuhi tree. From the temple, you can enjoy a splendid view of the River Ganga and Haridwar.

In this temple of Mansa Devi, devotees offer coconuts, fruits, flowers, sarees, bangles, sindoor, and camphor to the Goddess.

By Air The nearest airport to Mansa Devi Temple is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 41 kilometres away. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to the temple. By Train The nearest railway station to reach Mansa Devi Temple is Haridwar Railway Station, which is approximately 3 kilometres from the temple. Haridwar is well-connected to major cities in India by train. By Road Haridwar is well-connected to all major cities by road. Buses for Haridwar are easily available from cities like Delhi and Lucknow. To reach the temple from the Haridwar bus stand, you'll need to walk approximately 2 kilometres.