Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar

Getting there

• By air

  Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is about 37 km from Haridwar. Taxis run from the airport into the city.

• By train

  Haridwar railway station has frequent trains from Delhi and other major cities. Take an auto or taxi to the foot of the hill.

• By road

  From the foot of the hill, walk about 3 km uphill or take the Udankhatola ropeway. It runs 540 metres and climbs 178 metres to the temple.

Rules to know

• Remove footwear before entering the shrine.
• Wear modest clothes that cover shoulders and knees.

Why devotees come here

Mansa Devi Temple crowns Bilwa Parvat in the Shivalik hills above Haridwar. Mansa means wish, and devotees come to ask the Devi for one. You can walk up about 3 km or ride the Mansa Devi Udankhatola ropeway straight to the temple.

Mansa Devi is a form of Shakti, said to have been born from the mind of Shiva. She is regarded as the sister of Vasuki, king of the Nagas. Her name means wish, and devotees believe she fulfils the wishes of those who pray with a sincere heart.

The custom here is simple and personal. Devotees tie a thread to a tree in the temple and make their wish. When the wish comes true, they return to untie it. Offerings are coconuts, fruit, garlands and incense. The inner shrine holds two images of the Devi, one with eight arms and one with three heads and five arms.

The hill is also called Bilwa Tirth, one of the five Panch Tirth of Haridwar. Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi on Neel Parvat and Maya Devi make up Haridwar's triangle of Siddh Peeths.

Festivals

• Spring and autumnNavratri

  The main festival of the Devi; plan for long queues.

Tips for your visit

• Take the ropeway if you are with an elderly parent; the walk is a steady 3 km climb.
• Many pilgrims visit Chandi Devi and Maya Devi the same day to complete the Siddh Peeth triangle.
• Plan to be at the ghats for the Ganga aarti, held every morning and evening.
• Haridwar is also the gateway to the Char Dham, so you can pair this darshan with the Himalayan yatra.

Questions people ask