Mansa Devi Temple Chandigarh

Mansa Devi Temple, Chandigarh

Mansa Devi temple is sited at Panchkula and there is a distance of 8 km between Panchkula and Chandigarh. It is completely devoted to Mata Mansa Devi. According to the myth, there was a downfall of the Devi Sati’s cranium over this shrine. The temple has gained its solid structure in 1815 A.D. and is erected by monarch of Mani Majra. A new shrine was laid down there by Maharaja of Patiala after sometime. Millions of people visit this temple for paying reverence to the Goddess. It is holding a position among the 52 ‘Satipiths'. This temple is attached by a big garden consisting of holy plants. The presiding idol of Mansa Devi is potent enough to accomplish all the desires of the devotees. It is a sign of beautiful architecture of India.

Getting There

One can reach Chandigarh by mean of three modes: Road, Rail and Air. There are many buses which connect Chandigarh to many other cities. There exist many types of buses such as air-conditioned, deluxe, semi-deluxe or ordinary. The railway network also connects Chandigarh to many cities. There are two trains for it; they are Shatabdi Express and Himalayan Queen. Chandigarh is also connected to many cities by mean of air network and the airport is 12 km away from city centre. After reaching one can hire bus or taxi to reach Mansa Devi Temple.

Security And Some Tips

Several security arrangements are made within the temple premises. CCTV cameras are installed here for visualizing the whole activities of the devotees. The metal detectors are installed to avoid the entry of unwanted element like gun, knife etc. Yatris should not carry cash and ornaments with them. Yatris should keep their luggage at safe and secure place.

When To Visit

The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of navaratri. This temple is opened all the days of the week. Its timings are 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summers and 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM in winters. The duration of the visit of this temple is 2 to 3 hours. There is no entry fee to visit the temple.

What To See And Do

The architecture of the temple is characterized by minarets and domes. The errection of the temple is in the form of Panchayatana pattern. The temple’s walls are adorned with stunning paintings. The bhavan of the presiding idol is placed in to the centre of the shrine. The four corners of the shrine comprise four other temples. It follows the ritual of ‘Parikrama’. It covers up the area of 100 acers. The entrance and exit of the temple comprises separate gates. The idol of Mata is made up of marble. It has gained attraction if it is decorated by glittering ornaments at the time of distinct worship and festivals. Makhane and misri etc are distributed as prasad.

Where To Stay

The sanctum consists of one dharamshala which entails 30 rooms and one hall. The stay provided here is free of cost. Free blankets are also provided here. The temple authorities has erected a dharamshala called Lajwanti Dharamshala entailing 15 rooms and charge to maintain each room is Rs 200/= per day. Haryana Tourism Corporation has also erected a Yatrika “called Jatayu” which also provide stay at reasonable price.

Where Else To Stay

Yatri can also have their stay at hotels which provide luxury. These hotels are Hotel Windsor, UNA Smart Mandarin, Hotel Himachal View, Hotel South End, Hotel White Palace, Hotel Sun Park, Hotel Marc Royale and Hotel Alps Chandigarh etc.

Festivals

The festival of Naratri is celebrated here with great zeal of entertainment and its tenure is of nine days. Millions of aficionados visit this temple two times in a year as two fairs of navaratra use to organize here, first in the month of ashwin and second in the month of chaitra.

Side Trips

There are many places to visit near this temple. These places are Patiala Mandir, Shivalik Bird Sanctuary, Prachin Mansa Devi Mandir, Deer Park, Cantonment Chandi Mandir and DT Cinemas DLF City Centre etc.

Travel Tips

Yatris should take a video camera with them in order to snare whole of the visit. Yatris should also take a personal diary so as to have a written record of the whole visit and also to express their feeling and emotions at that moment. They also should hire a tourist guide to have the complete knowledge of the temple including its history. Yatris should also bring a first aid for curing the frequent injury.

Hence, this visit is fruitful only when the worship is done with true devotion.