About Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple sits on top of Bilwa Parvat, a hill of the Shivalik range overlooking Haridwar and the Ganga in Uttarakhand. Mansa Devi is worshipped as the goddess who fulfils the wishes (mansa) of her devotees. Almost every pilgrim who comes to Haridwar for a dip at Har Ki Pauri also climbs or rides up to her shrine, and from the hilltop there are wide views of the city, the river and the plains.
Mansa Devi is honoured as one of the three Siddh Peeths of Haridwar, together with Chandi Devi on the opposite Neel Parvat and Maya Devi in the town; the three form a sacred triangle around the city. The temple is not usually counted among the classical Shakti Peethas, though some traditions link the Maya Devi temple in Haridwar with Sati. According to tradition, Mansa Devi was born from the mind of the sage Kashyapa, and she is also regarded as a sister of the serpent king Vasuki and as a form of Shakti. The age of the shrine is not precisely known, but it has long been part of the Haridwar pilgrimage.
The temple has two main images of the goddess: one with eight arms and another with three heads and five arms. The shrine itself is modest, with a bright, crowded hall, and a large sacred tree in the compound where devotees tie threads while making a wish; they return to untie a thread when the wish is fulfilled. A ropeway (udan khatola) runs from the foot of the hill near the town centre, and a paved footpath of about 1.5 km also leads to the top.
Mansa Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer, with slightly shorter hours in winter and a short midday break. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mansa Devi Temple
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 35 km away.
By train
Haridwar Junction is about 2 km from the foot of the hill.
By road
Haridwar is well connected by road with Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh. The ropeway station and the footpath start near Upper Road in the town centre.
Festivals at Mansa Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
- Shravan month (Kanwar season)Jul/Aug
- Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Mela (in their years)Jan/Apr
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan. The ropeway is ticketed separately, and a combined ticket with the Chandi Devi ropeway is often available.
- Go early in the morning to avoid long ropeway queues, especially on weekends.
- If walking up, wear comfortable footwear and carry water; the path is steep in places.
- Watch out for monkeys on the hill and keep food and bags closed.
- Combine Mansa Devi with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi to complete the Siddh Peeth darshan.
Places to visit near Mansa Devi Temple
- Har Ki PauriMain ghat of Haridwar, famous for the evening Ganga aarti, about 1.5 km away
- Maya Devi TempleAncient temple of the presiding goddess of Haridwar, about 1.5 km away
- Chandi Devi TempleHilltop shrine on Neel Parvat, reached by ropeway, about 5 km away
- Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, KankhalTemple linked with the legend of Daksha and Sati, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Mansa Devi Haridwar a Shakti Peetha?
It is not usually counted among the classical Shakti Peethas, but it is one of the three Siddh Peeths of Haridwar along with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi.
How to reach Mansa Devi Temple?
Take the ropeway from near Upper Road in Haridwar, or walk up a footpath of about 1.5 km. Haridwar Junction is about 2 km away.
What are the Mansa Devi Temple timings?
The temple is usually open from early morning till late evening, with slightly shorter hours in winter. The ropeway has its own timings.
Why do devotees tie threads at Mansa Devi?
Devotees tie a sacred thread on the tree in the temple compound while making a wish, and many return to untie it after the wish is fulfilled.
What is the aarti time at Mansa Devi Temple?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Mansa Devi Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended.
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