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.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.

Bharat Mata Mandir, Haridwar, Uttaranchal, IN

Deities: Bharat Mata (Mother India)
Attraction: Design element
Location: Sapt Sarovar, Haridwar, Uttaranchal
Built by: Swami Satyamitranand Giri
Inaugurated on: 15th May 1983
Attraction: Eight floors with different themes
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 0542

Ratnakaradhautapadam Himalyakirtitinim I
Brahmarajarsiratnamdhyam vande Bharatamataram II

Meaning:
"I pay my obeisance to mother Bharat, whose feet are being a washed by the ocean, who wears the mighty Himalaya as her crown, and who is exuberantly adorned with the gems of traditions set by Brahmarsis and Rajarsis."

The Bharat Mata temple at Varanasi is the only temple dedicated to Mother India. It is located in the Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth campus. The Goddess of India or Mother India is generally illustrated as a woman dressed in a saffron-colored sari and holding the flag in one of her hands.

The Bharat Mata Temple is a massive eight-storey structure consecrated in 1983. Each floor of the temple houses statues of different mythological and historical legends, religious deities, leaders and heroes who played important role in the formation of the modern India. The temple was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. Inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi. For those who are true patriots the Bharat Mata Temple is a must see. A unique concept led to the building of the temple.

The statute of Bharat Mata is built in marble and is a model of undivided India, depicting the mountains, plains and oceans. The most peculiar thing about the Bharat Mata Temple is that instead of the customary gods and goddesses, it houses a relief map of India, carved out of marble.

The temple is unique as it is dedicated to Mother India or Bharat Mata, as the name suggests. The temple is dedicated to those who have defined the cultural, spiritual and social history of India over the ages. Majestically standing on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, the temple is rises to a height of 180 feet. All those who honor Mother India, irrespective of caste, creed, nation and religion are attracted to one of the must visit places in Haridwar. The vast spectrum of India is reflected in the various displays that the Haridwar Bharat Mata temple houses.

The 1st floor salutes all the brave sons and daughters of Mother India who dedicated their lives to maintain and enhance her honor. A statue of the mother herself stands amidst all these gallant personalities, which include Subhash Chandra Bose, Veer Savarkar, Mahatma Gandhi, Chatrapati Shivaji, Guru Govind Singh, Rani of Jhansi and more.
The 2nd floor is dedicated to the glory of Indian women and the holy wedlock of India.
The 3rd floor of the Bharat Mata Mandir in Haridwar upholds Indian philosophy and the concept of sainthood while.
The 4th floor showcases the harmonial co-existence of all religions.
The 5th floor celebrates female prowess through Indian Goddess as mother and as the savior from the perils.
The 6th floor displays the avatars and incarnations of the Indian God, Vishnu.
The 7th floor is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his various manifestations.
The 8th floor or top floor is graced by a Kalasha that offers a splendid view of the Himalayas and the whole complex of Sapt Sarovar.

Other tourist attractions:
Monkey Temple (Durga Temple)
Sankat Mochan Temple
Bharat Mata Temple
Bharat Kala Bhavan etc.

How to reach:
by Road: One can easily reach Bharat Mata Temple by taking local Buses, Tonga’s, rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Haridwar.
by Rail: Haridwar Railway junction is connected with major part of India.
by Air: Nearest Airport: Varanasi Airport, then drive to Haridwar

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.

Chandi Devi Mandir, Haridwar, Uttaranchal, IN

Deity: Chandi Devi
Location: At the top of Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Built in: 1929 A.D
Significance: One of the Siddha Peethas
Best time to visit: October to March
STD Code: 0133

Located atop Neel Parvat, Chandidevi temple is one of the most ancient temples of north India. This is a Siddhapeeth (holy places where one's wishes are fulfilled). Chandidevi along with Mansadevi and Mayadevi temple form a Siddhapeeth triangle in the holy city of Haridwar.

The main deity is said to have been installed in the 8th century by Adishankaracharya.Goddess Chandidevi has been fulfilling wishes of millions of devotees for thousands of years. In the earlier days, people used to reach the shrine by trekking through the steep path, which incorporates bit difficulties. With the passage of time, a ropeway has been made for the convenience of the pilgrims. This ropeway takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the temple complex. In this manner, people can also enjoy the panoramic view of the natural beauty. Every year, this temple receives millions of people from far and near. Pilgrims come to this holy shrine to seek blessings from the Goddess.

Legend:
Demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh had captured the kingdom of Lord Indra and thrown out gods from heaven. After intense prayers to gods, incarnation of power and strength, Chandika Devi appeared from the cells of the body of Goddess Parvati. She assumed the form of an exceptionally beautiful woman and Shumbh desired to marry her. On being refused, Shumbh sent his demon chief Chanda and Munda to kill her. Kalika Devi born out of Chandika Devi’s anger killed them. Shumbh and Nishumbh then tried to kill Chandika Devi but were slain by the Goddess. Thereafter Chandika Devi is said to have rested for a short while at the temple location. Surprisingly, the two peaks near the Neelkanth mahadev temple in this mountain range are called shumbha and nishumbha. 200 metres from Goddess Chandidevi temple, the temple of Anjanadevi, mother of Hanuman is located. The temple of Mansa Devi is exactly on the other side of the hilltop. It is said that Mansa and Chandi, the two forms of Devi Parvati always reside close to each other.

Other important places in Haridwar:
Har-ki-Pairi: The most important and sacred bathing ghat of Haridwar, is also the site of Kumbh festivals. Ganga Aarti performed every evening is worth attending.

Bhimgoda Tank: Associated with the Pandavas, of Mahabharata, the tank is said to have been created by a blow of Bhima's knee.

Gurukul Kangri University: An old institution known for following the traditional Indian system of imparting education. The university precincts also house Ved Mandir Museum with many archaeological exhibits.

Beauty Point: 2 km. On the way to Mansa Devi Temple, it is a vantage point with wonderful views of Haridwar and its forested surroundings. Temples and Ashrams There are a large number of temples and ashrams in Haridwar.

Mansa Devi Temple: on top of Vilwa Parvat, accessible also by ropeway carriage.

Manav Kalyan Ashram: the temple here depicts all the 24 avatars with Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna in ardhnarishwar form.

Bharat Mata Mandir: 6 km, devoted to Bharat Mata or Mother India. Its eight floors are decorated with scenes and images of events and people associated with the country.
Pawan Dham: has Hanuman temple made of pieces of glass.

How to reach:
by Air: Jolly Grant Airstrip, is located at Dehradun, which is 35 kms away.
by Rail: It is connected to all the major cities of India by trains.
by Road: Haridwar on highway No. 45 is connected to all major centres in the region and other parts of the country by well-maintained roads. One can easily reach Chandi Devi Temple by taking local Buses, Rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring Taxis from Haridwar.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.