Mansa Devi, Uttaranchal, IN

Deity: Mansa Devi
Location: At the top of Bilwa Parvat (Hill), Uttaranchal, India
Significance: One of the Siddha Peethas
Constructed by: Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra
Best time to visit: between October to February.

Mansa Devi Temple, in a way, enhances the holy tradition of Haridwar which persists in the place from many past centuries. Mata Mansa Devi Temple at Panchkula is a symbol of Himalayan culture and faith. The shrine located on the foot hills of Shivalik is an epitome of age old tradition of ‘Shakti’ worship in northern India. Himalaya being the abode of Shiva and his consort’shakti’ became centre of Shakti worship. In the vicinity of Panchkula there are numerous Shakti worshipping centers known by their names such as Chandi, Kalika, Mansa, and Bhima etc.

Hence, mythological speaking, Chandigarh-Panchkula region undoubtedly continued to be living legends of Shaktism where its practices are in vogue. However, the present temple which stands a witness to the exciting past of the Shivalik region is about two hundred years old. The archeological treasures unearthed from Chandigarh-Panchkula region throw eloquent light on the history and culture of the area from the prehistoric to the recent times. Although owing to the onslaught of times and climes many tangible realities of the cultural manifestations of the region have been lost in the oblivion, yet there are certain things which never die out. One such reality is the Mansa Devi Shrine and the tradition of Shaktism practised in this part of the country.

Actually, the term 'Mansa' is the altered form of word 'Mansha', which means 'wish'. On the top of the hill, there are many shops where coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks are available. These things are offered to the Goddess.

Two temples are located in the complex of Mansa Devi. The main temple is dedicated to Mansa who is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum both in the form well as in her anthropomorphic form executed on a marble. In the sanctum sanctorum she is worshipped with Devi Saraswati and Lakshmi in the form of Pindi (Stone pebbles). Originally the pindis were only worshipped by the devotees. However, in modern times a marble bust of the deity was got sculpted for giving an attractive human look (form) to the deity. She is beautifully decorated with crown and other ornaments. Interestingly the architecture of the main temple (Mansa Devi) is not in consonance with the Shivalik region where usually. This is in sharp contrast to the environment of the region as the main temple manifests a typical Moghul architecture represented by domes and minarets. Architecturally speaking the temple has been built in Panchayatana pattern in which at four cardinal corners stand four shrines with the main shrine (fifth shrine) being located the centre.

To visit the temple, pilgrims have to follow a queue for the 'darshan' of the Goddess. Mansadevi is said have born from the mind of Saint Kashyap. She is regarded as the wife of Nag Raja Vasuki. This temple is one of the most prominent temples of North India. Mansa Devi is one of the famous Siddh Peethas (Holy Places where one's wishes are fulfilled) along with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi in Haridwar.

How to reach:
One can easily reach Mansa Devi Temple by taking local Buses, rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring taxis from Haridwar.

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