History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Social & Religious Activities, Interesting Facts, Best time to Visit and Travel Guide of Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula, Haryana, India
The Shivalik foothills in Haryana end up in the beautiful cosmos of the Mata Mansa Devi temple complex. Situated in Panchkula, the goddess’ shrine is considered to be the one removing all sufferings from a worshipper’s life. The magic the place creates is itself unmatched to any other temple in the country, and therefore attracts a number of Hindu devotees across the world.
The goddess–focused Hindu Tradition, Shaktism, roots for the Goddess Mansa Devi’s shrine as one of the most important pilgrimage sites (Shakti Peetha) for Hindus. The Mandir thus encapsulates the divine feminine personification of the essential cosmic energy that is said to embody and rule the universe.
Popular beliefs and History of Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula
According to popular belief, a cow used to arrive every day in the Shivalik Hills and offer milk at three adjoining stones placed there. It was then observed by native residents that there were 3 Holy Shilas which originated there which was found to be the forehead of Goddess Sati. Manimajra’s Maharaja Gopal Singh then patronised the construction of the present temple during the 1811-1815.
After the merger of princely states into Patiala and Eastern Punjab States Union, the assistance of the then state government ended and the temples were left to deteriorate. Neither the shrine could be upheld nor could the required facilities for the visitors be provided. The local priests who were tasked with its maintenance often had personal disputes and disagreements.
The Government of Haryana then took over the temple and decided to set up the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board trust which was tasked to manage the temple complex along with the neighbouring Shri Patiala Devi temple and Shri Chandi Devi temple. All these three temples forms the essence of visiting Panchkula.
The main temple has thirty-eight panels of beautiful wall paintings and floral designs over the walls and ceiling. Devotees can get enthralled with such intrinsically carved out sculptures telling the ancient and Puranic traditions without words. The region stretches to an area of 100-acres, which encircles the main shrine. Picturesque aesthetics highlight it from all directions. One can find profound solace in the place, and come to terms with deep faith.
The main attraction of the temple is the auspicious peepal tree, around which devotees tie threads of sanctity to get their prayers answered.
Shrines of Shri Patiala Devi temple and Mata Chandi Devi temple are also installed inside the temple premises with their distinct significance and mysticism.
The temple is now revered as a heritage site by the government, which is leaving no stone unturned in its maintenance.
Soaked to its skin are the legends and myths of the place where a vibrant atmosphere is ever-present, especially during the auspicious nine days of Navratri. The temple is crowded with millions of believers, all getting united for the blessings of the goddess. Cultural performances, plays, and demonstrations are all worth to see.
Interesting facts and Timings of Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula
Mata Mansa Devi temple was earlier known as the temple of Mata Sati.
It is also in popular belief that Maharaja Gopal constructed a cave from his fort residence to the temple about 3 kilometers long and used to worship the shrine daily.
The temple is made to open for all days of the week, with summer timings from 4 AM to 10 PM and winter timings from 5AM to 9 PM. Aartis occur regularly at 5 AM and 6 AM.
The temple accepts donations in online mode, which is also the platform for its online bookings for darshan and rituals.
How to Reach Mata Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula, Haryana, India
The temple’s most convenient mode of access is the Railway Station Panchkula, from where the distance to the temple is just 5 kilometres. Panchkula being one of the major city and district of Haryana, India, thus it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. As Panchkula is just 11 km from Chandigarh and 19 km from Mohali you can get flights to various cities like Delhi, Bengalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune etc. Also Panchkula is well connected with railway network which connects to all major cities of India. Panchkula is very well connected with all other cities of the country by roads through national highway or the state highway. Panchkula is located at 104 km from Shimla, 250 km from Delhi.
