TEMPLES OF HARIDWAR
Mansa Devi Temple
Ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill wishes (mansa).
Location: Atop Bilwa Parvat hill, overlooking Haridwar city.
History:
- Established in 1811-1815 by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Mani Majra
- Shakti Peetha temple with ancient origins
- Two idols: one with three mouths and five arms, another with eight arms
Unique Features:
- Accessible by cable car (ropeway) or 1.5 km trek
- Two main deities (Pindi forms): Mansa and Vaishnavi
- Devotees tie sacred threads on trees while making wishes
- Panoramic views of Haridwar and Ganga
- Popular ritual of untying thread after wish fulfillment
Best Time: Throughout the year, especially during Navaratri
Chandi Devi Temple
Another major Shakti temple in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
Location: Neel Parvat hill on the eastern bank of Ganga.
History:
- Main idol installed in 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya
- Temple rebuilt by King Suchat Singh in 1929
- Legend: Chandi Devi killed demons Shumbha and Nishumbha here
Unique Features:
- Accessible by cable car or 3 km trek through forest
- Original idol believed to be self-manifested
- Lion statue representing Goddess’s vehicle
- Peaceful hilltop location with scenic views
- Ancient trees and natural surroundings
Festival: Special celebrations during Navaratri and Kumbh Mela
Maya Devi Temple
One of the oldest temples in Haridwar and considered the presiding deity of the city. One of the three Shakti Peethas in Haridwar.
History:
- Ancient temple; Haridwar was called Mayapuri after this goddess
- Mentioned in ancient texts and scriptures
- One of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Sati’s heart and navel fell
Unique Features:
- Three deities: Maya, Kali, and Kamakhya
- Ancient structure with traditional architecture
- Located in the heart of Haridwar
- Considered the Adhisthatri Devi (presiding deity) of Haridwar
- Significant during Navaratri
Cultural Importance: Central to Haridwar’s spiritual identity
Daksha Mahadev Temple (Daksheshwar Mahadev)
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and associated with the tragic tale of Daksha Prajapati and Goddess Sati.
Location: Near Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar.
History & Legend:
- Site of King Daksha’s yajna (sacrifice) where Sati immolated herself
- Ancient temple rebuilt multiple times
- Connected to the origin story of Shakti Peethas
Unique Features:
- Shiva linga installed by Adi Shankaracharya
- Ancient kund (pond) where rituals are performed
- Sculptures depicting the mythological story
- Site of annual fair during Karthik Purnima
- Peaceful atmosphere away from main city
Mythological Importance: Central to understanding Shakti Peetha tradition
Sapt Rishi Ashram and Temple
Ancient site where seven great sages (Sapt Rishis) meditated.
Location: About 5 km from Haridwar on the banks of Ganga.
Legend:
- Ganga divided into seven streams to avoid disturbing the meditating sages
- Associated with sages: Kashyapa, Vashishtha, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, and Gautama
Unique Features:
- Peaceful ashram environment
- Temples dedicated to the seven sages
- Ganga flows through rocky terrain here
- Less crowded compared to main ghats
- Natural beauty and tranquility
- Ideal for meditation
Best For: Those seeking peaceful spiritual experience
Bharat Mata Temple
Unique temple dedicated to Mother India rather than a specific deity.
Location: Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar.
History:
- Built in 1983 by Swami Satyamitranand Giri
- Inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
- Modern concept temple celebrating Indian culture and freedom fighters
Unique Features:
- Eight-story temple structure
- Each floor dedicated to different aspects:
- Ground: Bharat Mata
- First: Shoor Mandir (heroes and freedom fighters)
- Second: Matri Mandir (women achievers)
- Third: Sant Mandir (saints and spiritual leaders)
- Fourth: Shakti Mandir (goddesses)
- Fifth-Seventh: Various deities and devas
- Eighth: Panoramic view of Himalayas
- Relief maps of India
- Statues of national heroes and freedom fighters
- No traditional deity worship; patriotic theme
Unique Aspect: Only temple of its kind dedicated to the nation
Pawan Dham Temple
Modern glass temple complex showcasing Hindu mythology.
History: Built by Geeta Bhawan Trust, relatively modern construction.
Unique Features:
- Elaborate glass work and mirror decorations
- Colorful paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata
- Idols of various deities
- Beautiful architecture
- Well-maintained gardens
- Evening illumination
- Mythological sculptures
Appeal: Popular with tourists for its artistic and architectural beauty
Vaishno Devi Temple, Haridwar
Replica of famous Vaishno Devi shrine of Jammu & Kashmir.
Location: Located on Bilwa Parvat near Mansa Devi Temple.
Unique Features:
- Cave structure similar to original Vaishno Devi
- Accessible for those unable to visit the original shrine
- Peaceful pilgrimage experience
- Combined visit possible with Mansa Devi Temple