Mansa devi temple haridwar: Mansa Devi Temple, situated on the top of the Shivalik ranges in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is situated at an altitude of more than 500 feet above sea level and is considered one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India. This temple is dedicated to Maa Mansa Devi, who is considered a protector from the goddess of wish fulfillment and snakebite. This temple is one of the three major Siddhpeeths of Haridwar – the other two are Chandi Devi and Maya Devi Temple. As a Shakti Peeth, it is a symbol of the divine woman energy of Goddess Shakti.
Devotees come here to see their wishes to fulfill their wishes and tie ‘Mansa Dhaaga’ (holy thread) on a special tree in the temple premises. When their wishes are fulfilled, they come and open that thread. The spiritual importance of the temple is at its peak in Navratri and Shravan month, when millions of devotees come here to visit, including Kanwariya, who offer holy water from the nearby Ganges river and offer it to the goddess. This temple is one of the five pilgrimages (five holy pilgrimage sites) of Haridwar and is the main center of devotees who bring hope of divine grace and spiritual peace.
Crowd control challenge
The excessive popularity of the Mansa Devi temple in the pilgrimage season like Shravan and Navratri creates serious challenges of crowd management. The narrow stairs and walking routes of the temple are filled with pilgrims, which increases security risk. On 27 July 2025, a tragic incident of stampede in the temple complex exposed these dangers and emphasized the need for better crowd control measures to ensure safety of devotees. Now the administration is focusing on strengthening the infrastructure and implementing strict guidelines to maintain a balance between the sequence and security of the temple.
historical background
Mansa Devi Temple is mythological and rich in historical importance. According to Hindu scriptures, Mansa Devi is an incarnation of Shakti – a kind Devi, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees and especially protects them from snakebite. Although the exact date for the construction of the temple is not available, it is believed that this temple has existed for many centuries and has been deeply created in the spiritual tradition of Haridwar.
The position of the temple is on the Shivalik hills, from where the scene of the holy Ganges river appears – it increases its purity and importance even more, especially during events like Kumbh Mela. There are two routes to reach the temple – one is ‘Udan Khatola’ (ropeway) which is a beautiful modern feature, and the other is about 2 kilometers long walking routes with stairs – which gives devotees experience traditional pilgrimage experience.
The inclusion of this temple with pilgrimage sites like Har Ki Pauri, Chandi Devi etc. of Haridwar makes it an integral part of the religious landscape of Haridwar. Here devotees pray for prosperity and security by joining the divine energy of the Goddess.
Cultural and religious importance
The architecture of the temple and its natural surroundings reflect its spiritual dignity. The main sanctum sanctorum has two major sculptures – one in one Mansa Devi with eight arms, which holds various objects, and the other five faces and three arms, which symbolize the multidimensional forms of the goddess.
The Shivalik hills around the temple and the river flowing near the temple create a calm and powerful atmosphere, which becomes the center of spiritual practice. Here the traditions of offering gifts like coconut, flower and Mansa thread are deeply associated with the religious culture of the temple and awaken a sense of devotion.
In the form of a Siddhpeeth, this temple not only attracts common devotees, but also focuses on Acharyas, Sanyasis and scholars, which makes Haridwar the identity even stronger as a spiritual city.
Especially during the Navratri Festival, there are vigorous celebrations, chanting, hymns, and processions, which distinguish it as a vibrant center of Hindu tradition.
