On the hills of Shivalik in Haridwar lies the temple of Mata Mansa Devi, one of the Shakti Peeth. Mansa Devi Temple is not just a religious devotion but also an escape to the scenic beauty of nature. Goddess Mansa Devi is believed to be a form of Shakti and the one who fulfils wishes. The temple of Mansa Devi in Haridwar witnesses lakhs of devotees each year, and especially during Navratri and Kumbh Mela, when devotees pay a special visit to Haridwar. If you are planning a trip to Mansa Devi Mandir, this guide can be helpful for you. It has everything you need to know about the Mansa Devi temple, like timing, route, online booking process, and more. 

Mansa Devi Temple's history dates back to the 1800s. In around 1811 and 1815, the Mansa Devi Mandir was built by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra. Mansa Devi's Story dates back hundreds of years, when three natural stones known as pindies were being offered milk by cows. The stones were believed to be Sati Mata’s forehead. When this divinity was noticed one day, the king decided to build the Mansa Devi temple there. Nearby, Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala built one more temple in 1840. Gradually, the temple started declining when the royal support declined. In 1991, the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board was established by the government of Haryana to revive the temple of Maa Mansa Devi. Since then, it has continued to be a major attraction for devotees. 

There are two Mansa Devi Temples in India:

• Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar, Uttarakhand

This is considered the original. This Mansa Devi Temple is situated in Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik Hills.

• Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula, Haryana

This temple of Mansa Devi is located in Bilaspur village, Panchkula district, Haryana. 

If you are planning to visit the temple, it is important to know the Mansa Devi Haridwar timings as well. 

• Summer Timing

The timing of the Mansa Devi Mandir in summer is from 4 AM to 10 PM.

• Winter Timing 

In winters, the Mansa Devi Temple timings is from 5 AM to 9 PM.

• Aarti Time

Aarti is conducted in the morning and evening. During festivals and special occasions, the aarti may be conducted more than twice. 

• Daily Bhog

Daily, Mata is offered bhog at around 11 AM.

One of the best times to visit the Mansa Devi Temple is between October and March, when Navratri is celebrated at the temple. Grand celebrations, decorations, and festivities attract both tourists and devotees. You may visit from April to September when the temple is comparatively less crowded. 

Mansa Devi Mandir holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. Here are the reasons why it is culturally significant:

• Shakti Peeth

Shakti Peeths are the places where the body parts of Mata Shakti fell when she died. One of the Shakti Peeths is the Mata Mansa Devi Temple. It is believed that this is the place where the forehead of Mata Shakti fell. 

• The Temple Architecture 

Temple architecture is another reason why tourists and devotees are attracted here. It also reflects the importance of architecture during the times of Manimajra and Patiala.

• Navratri

Lakhs of devotees are drawn to the Mansa Devi Temple during Navratri. The festival and puja are celebrated in a grand and religious way. 

• Hills

The temple of Mata Mansa Devi is located on the hills of Shivalik in Haridwar. So, the beauty of the hills and the peaceful nature also attract tourists here. 

To manage the crowd and maintain the sanctity of the temple, it is essential for devotees to book their visit beforehand. You can easily book your e-ticket online. Here are the steps involved:

• Visit the official website (mansadevi.org.in) for Mansa Devi online booking 

• Click on ‘Devotee Registration’. You will receive the form which has to be filled and submitted online for registration

• After registration, select the time and slot of your visit. Regular tickets are free of cost

• Sugam Darshan or priority entry is also available via lift/Dwar No. 3. You can book Sugam Darshan for ₹100 per person

• Your E-Darshan token will be generated.

You can book for yourself or for a group with a limited number of people. The primary person has to present the ID and the booking e-message

Some of the things you must be careful about at the Mansa Devi Temple are:

Do's 

• Carry your identity proof

• Modest and traditional attire is preferred 

• Follow the queue and instructions of the officials for entry and exit

• Check temple timings during crowded days. 

Don’ts

• Leather items may not be allowed inside the temple

• Do not litter but maintain cleanliness

• Non-veg food items and intoxicants are not permitted inside. 

Some of the important rituals that are conducted every day in the Mansa Devi Temple are:

• Aarti

Aarti at Mata Mansa Devi Mandir is conducted both in the morning and evening. Devotees can witness the aarti at any time they want. 

• Bhog 

Mata Mansa Devi is offered bhog every day at around 11 AM

• Darshan

The mandir is open for Darshan from 4 AM to 10 PM during the summer and from 5 AM to 9 PM during the winter. 

You can easily visit the Mansa Devi Temple via the following ways:

• Railways

The nearest railway station to Mata Mansa Devi Temple is Haridwar Junction. It is 2KM away from the temple. You may take local transport from the railway station to reach the temple. 

• Airways

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) is 35KM from Mansa Devi Mandir. Local transport is available from the airport to the temple.

• Roadways

You may also take a bus to the following bus stands:

• Haridwar ISBT (2-3KM from temple).

Mansa Devi is surrounded by various tourist and pilgrimage sites. Some of the places that you can cover during the Mansa Devi Temple visit are:

• Har Ki Pauri

Shortly, near Mansa Devi is Har Ki Pauri, where you can witness the Ganga aarti.

• Chandi Devi Temple

The temple is located at Neel Parvat, opposite to Mansa Devi. It is a Siddha Peeth.