Mansa Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Ma Sati. It is said that, the Right Palm of maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of Right Palm, this temple was constructed. Mansa Shakti Peeth is situated in Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Mansa’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Amar’.
Mansa Devi temple is situated on the Bilwa Parvat and has a very modest art and architecture. In front of the temple there is large tree and a big courtyard that has marble flooring. Then to enter in to the temple, there are couple staircases that leads the main courtyard of the temple. And in the middle lies the idol of Maa sati. There are several other idols too like Lord Shiva and Ganesha. Every year people in exorbitant numbers hoard to this place for offering their prayers to Maa Sati.
History of Mansa Shakti Peeth
History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the Right Palm of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can be taken from with local people. Religious books, Purans etc are worth trying to find out the history about the Shakti Peeth.
Festivals in Mansa temple
- Kumbh Mela is the star attraction here and it attract crowd in exorbitant numbers, both domestic and international as well. It is celebrated after a gap of every 12 years and on this auspicious period, people take bath in the holy water of Ganga River, Haridwar.
- Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days.
- Person (Almost every day) offers their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc.
- Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’ and during this day, people keep fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam and offers ‘Bail’ (A type of fruit) to the god idol.
Where to stay
- Ample amount of accommodation arrangements like Dharamshala, Tourist lounges, Hotels, Guest house are available in Haridwar.
- Shivir, organized by various nonprofit organizations are also available here.
- Beware of the touts those who promise of providing you the best deal at least price.
- Shared rooms like dormitory are also available in ample amount here.
- International chains of hotels can also be seen by the pilgrims, who wish to stay in 5 star accommodations.
Shopping around Mansa temple
- Religious Paraphernalia can be bought from the shops that are located just outside the temple. Just visit Haridwar, and there are lot number shops to buy idols, books etc.
- People buy all sorts of things like idols, brass and copper puja utensils, glass bangles etc from here and handicraft products are quite buzz in this part of country.
- In terms of sweets, this place is great, and you can buy several tongue watering sweets like ‘Pedha’.
- Aam Papad and Handicrafts items are also in great demand, so check out them too.
- Bargaining for the items is really necessary here as shopkeepers tend to ask higher price for the good that you want to purchase. A little knowledge about the prices of the basic things in this country will help travelers a lot.
Other places that can be visited nearby…
- Har-ki-Pairi Ghat, Chandi Devi Temples are some of the other star attractions here.
How to reach the Mansa temple
- Road transportation is the most common means and buses directly to Haridwar are available from major cities of North india.
- Direct trains are available to Haridwar railway station and you get trains from Delhi and other adjacent areas.
- Several deluxe bus services are available to Haridwar and they are worth trying, if you are not getting reservation in the train.
- Bus from Delhi-Rs 140, Agra –Rs 300, Jaipur-Rs 310. Inside the city, to reach Shakti Peeth, Cable cars are there.
- Nearest airport is in the Jolly Grant and national flights are available to this airport. International flights are available till Delhi.
- In winters carry good amount of warm clothes as the temperature falls to unbearable levels.