Beyond stampede, revisiting significance of Haridwar’s Maa Mansa Devi temple
Recently, the revered Maa Mansa Devi temple grabbed headlines due to a stampede tragedy. In this context, read more to know the significance of this temple in Haridwar.
New Delhi: Situated atop the lofty Bilwa Parvat at a height of over 500 feet in the sacred land of Haridwar, Maa Mansa Devi temple is one of the five sacred sites or Panch Tirthas of the holy city. However, the revered temple has been grabbing the headlines for a stampede tragedy, reportedly occurring owing to a rumour of an electric shock, triggering widespread panic among the huge crowd on July 27. It is not the first time the temple has been crowded. Every year, devotees in thousands visit the temple.
Considered one of India’s most powerful and ancient Siddhpeeths, this temple dedicated to the Goddess of Snakes is a part of a sacred three-temple visit that is completed by the nearby Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples. It is believed that Maa Mansa Devi grants wishes of the devotees, seeking divine blessings and spiritual fulfilment. While we fully sympathise with the victims and pray for their well-being, here we will revisit the significance of this sacred temple.
Significance of the Maa Mansa Devi temple
It is believed that Goddess Mansa Devi, the embodiment of Shakti’s infinite grace, emerged from the depths of Lord Shiva’s consciousness at this same spot. She is the manifestation of pure and unwavering desire. Along with the Maya Devi temple and Chandi Devi shrine, these three sanctums form the triad of Pithas that bless the holy city.
Maa Mansa Devi temple’s inner sanctum places two divine forms – one, an eight-armed avatar, the other, a three-headed, five-armed embodiment of cosmic unity.
Devotees tie threads upon the branches of the ancient tree within the complex. And when wishes become reality, they come back to untie those sacred knots as offerings of gratitude to the divine. They offer coconuts, fragrant flowers, and burn incense sticks too.
Origins of the Maa Mansa Devi temple
There is an interesting story in the context of the Maa Mansa Devi temple’s origin. Long ago, a cow would walk to the hilltop each morning, offering pure streams of milk to three adjoining stones. The locals witnessed this miracle, realising that these were no ordinary rocks but holy monoliths with the divine essence of Goddess Sati’s brow. In that divine moment, the eternal feminine presence of Maa Mansa Devi was revealed.
After this incident, Manimajra King Gopal Singh took up the sacred work of constructing the Maa Mansa Devi Temple between 1811 and 1815. Since then, the goddess’ sublime energy attracted devotees.
Things to explore near the Maa Mansa Devi temple
Visitors can explore the area beyond the spiritual sojourn. Here, they can enjoy an aerial ride on the Mansa Devi Udan Khatola. It will take them towards the temple’s sacred summit.
Other important nearby sites to visit are the Maya Devi Temple, where goddess Sati’s heart and navel are enshrined, and the Chandi Devi Temple, perched atop the Neel Parvat.
And at the heart of this holy city lies the revered Har Ki Pauri, where devotees take part in the eternal ritual of purification and renewal in the sacred waters of the River Ganga.
Things may turn tragic due to human errors, but the temple's grandeur, divinity, purity and power nevertheless lose significance.