About Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
The Mata Mansa Devi Mandir stands in the village of Bilaspur near Mani Majra in Panchkula district, Haryana, at the foot of the Shivalik hills just outside Chandigarh. It is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti who is believed to fulfil the wishes (mansa) of her devotees. It is one of the most important goddess temples in North India, and during the Navratri fairs held twice a year, devotees come from Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
Some traditions hold that this is a Shakti Peetha where a part of Sati's body, often said to be her forehead, fell; other lists of Shakti Peethas do not include it, so traditions differ. Local tradition also connects the goddess with Mansa Devi at Haridwar. The present main temple was built between about 1811 and 1815 by Raja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra. A short distance away, on a hill, stands a second temple built in 1840 by Maharaja Karam Singh of Patiala, also part of the shrine complex.
The main temple has a simple sanctum with a domed roof, where the goddess is worshipped in the form of a pindi, with images of the goddess in silver. Pilgrims climb a series of steps to reach it, passing courtyards with shrines and halls. The Patiala temple on the hill is noted for its wall paintings in the Pahari style, showing scenes from mythology. The complex has been greatly expanded in recent decades with wide paths, halls and facilities to manage the large Navratri crowds.
Mata Mansa Devi Mandir timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) to around 10:00 PM, with longer hours during Navratri. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning, around opening (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
By air
Chandigarh International Airport is about 15 km away.
By train
Chandimandir and Chandigarh railway stations are within about 5–10 km.
By road
The temple is just off the Panchkula–Saketri road. Local buses, autos and taxis run from Chandigarh and Panchkula, with extra services during Navratri.
Festivals at Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
- Chaitra Navratri fairMar/Apr
- Sharad (Ashvin) Navratri fairSep/Oct
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is expected; covering the head is common. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- During Navratri, expect long queues; arrive very early or late at night.
- Visit the Patiala temple on the hill to see its old wall paintings.
- Use designated parking and footwear counters provided by the shrine.
- Carry water in summer; the climb and queues can be tiring.
- Combine the visit with Chandi Mandir and Chandigarh's sights.
Places to visit near Mata Mansa Devi Mandir
- Chandi MandirAncient temple of Goddess Chandi, about 10 km away
- Gurudwara Nada SahibHistoric Sikh shrine on the Ghaggar river, about 10 km away
- Sukhna LakePopular lake at the foot of the Shivaliks, about 10 km away
- Rock Garden, ChandigarhFamous sculpture garden, about 12 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Mansa Devi Panchkula a Shakti Peetha?
Some traditions count it as a Shakti Peetha where Sati's forehead fell, but other lists do not include it, so traditions differ.
What are the Mansa Devi Mandir timings?
It is usually open from early morning to late evening, with longer hours during Navratri. Check locally.
How to reach Mata Mansa Devi Mandir?
It is about 10 km from Chandigarh. Autos, taxis and local buses run there, and Chandigarh airport is about 15 km away.
When is the Mansa Devi Navratri fair held?
Fairs are held twice a year, during Chaitra Navratri (Mar/Apr) and Sharad Navratri (Sep/Oct).
What is the aarti time at Mata Mansa Devi Mandir?
Morning aarti: Early morning, around opening (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 Mata Mansa Devi Mandir?
Modest clothing is expected; covering the head is common. Remove footwear before entering.
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