Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Parvat)
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Mansa Devi Temple crowns Bilwa Parvat, a spur of the Shivalik Hills that rises directly above Haridwar's ghats and the Ganga. It is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti believed to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva — her name derives from the Sanskrit manas (mind or wish), and she is revered as the goddess who fulfils the sincere desires of her devotees. In tradition she is also honoured as the sister of the serpent-king Vasuki, and the temple is counted among Haridwar's three Siddh Peeths (places where worship is believed to bear certain fruit), alongside Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. As Bilwa Tirth, it is also one of the city's revered Panch Tirth (five pilgrimages), making a visit here part of the classic Haridwar circuit.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Prasad and sweet stalls at the ropeway base and hilltop - simple pure-veg pedas, laddoos and packaged prasad for pilgrims; buy sealed items and check freshness.
- ✦Mathura Wale / Bara Bazaar sweet shops (near Upper Road, below the hill) - long-standing pure-veg mithai and snack counters; reported reliable, confirm the specific outlet on arrival.
- ✦Long-standing pure-veg thali houses and bhojanalayas around Upper Road and Har Ki Pauri (confirm the specific outlet on arrival) - satvik North Indian meals; Haridwar is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free.
- ✦Bara Bazaar street stalls - kachori-sabzi, chole-bhature, aloo-puri and hot jalebi; all vegetarian, best eaten hot and freshly fried.
About
Mansa Devi Temple crowns Bilwa Parvat, a spur of the Shivalik Hills that rises directly above Haridwar's ghats and the Ganga. It is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti believed to have emerged from the mind of Lord Shiva — her name derives from the Sanskrit manas (mind or wish), and she is revered as the goddess who fulfils the sincere desires of her devotees.
- In tradition she is also honoured as the sister of the serpent-king Vasuki, and the temple is counted among Haridwar's three Siddh Peeths (places where worship is believed to bear certain fruit), alongside Chandi Devi and Maya Devi.
- As Bilwa Tirth, it is also one of the city's revered Panch Tirth (five pilgrimages), making a visit here part of the classic Haridwar circuit.
- The inner sanctum enshrines two forms of the goddess — one depicted with eight arms and another with three heads and five arms.
- The temple's most distinctive living custom is the tying of a sacred thread (mauli) to the branches of a tree within the complex while making a wish; devotees return, sometimes years later, to untie the thread once the wish has been granted, and to offer thanks.
- During Navratri (twice a year, in spring and autumn) and on Ganga-related festival days, the hilltop fills with pilgrims and the queues lengthen considerably, though the mountain breeze and panoramic view over the Ganga temper the wait.
- The shrine is reached two ways.
- Most visitors take the Mansa Devi Udan Khatola, a ropeway (cable car) that climbs about 178 metres over a 540-metre span, delivering sweeping views of Haridwar's rooftops and the river below in a few minutes.
- The alternative is a stone-paved trek of roughly 30 to 45 minutes up the forested hillside — steady rather than steep, and rewarding for those who prefer to arrive on foot.
- A popular approach is to ride the ropeway up and walk down.
- The same hill system connects toward Chandi Devi, and pilgrims often pair the two Siddh Peeths in a single day.
- Haridwar is a Saptapuri holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by long custom, so every eatery around the temple and along Upper Road and Bara Bazaar is purely vegetarian, much of it satvik (no onion or garlic).
- Simple prasad stalls near the base and the ropeway station sell sweets, and the bazaar lanes below serve kachori-sabzi, chole-bhature, aloo-puri and hot jalebi to pilgrims.
- Modest dress, removal of footwear before the sanctum, and quiet conduct during aarti are the usual courtesies; the temple welcomes visitors of every background.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Bilwa Parvat, Shivalik (Sivalik) Hills, above Upper Road near Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249401
How to Reach: Bilwa Parvat, above Upper Road near Har Ki Pauri, about 3 km from Haridwar Junction Railway Station. From the railway station or bus stand, an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw to the ropeway base costs roughly INR 40-80 (10-15 minutes). From the base you either ride the Mansa Devi Udan Khatola ropeway (paid, round-trip) or trek up a stone-paved path in about 30-45 minutes. The temple pairs naturally with Har Ki Pauri and Chandi Devi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar?
The temple is generally open in the morning and reopens after a midday break, with reported hours around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter and extended into the evening (roughly to 6:30-7:00 PM) in summer. The ropeway typically runs about 7:00 AM to noon and 2:00 to 7:00 PM, shorter in winter. Timings shift by season and festival, so confirm locally before you set out.
Is there an entry fee for Mansa Devi Temple?
No, entry to the temple itself is free, as with most Hindu temples. However, the Mansa Devi Udan Khatola ropeway is a paid, separate service (a round-trip ticket has been reported in the range of roughly INR 100-150 per person, with combined and family packages available). Confirm the current fare at the ropeway counter, as prices are revised periodically.
How do I reach Mansa Devi Temple atop Bilwa Parvat?
The temple sits on Bilwa Parvat, about 3 km from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, above Upper Road near Har Ki Pauri. Take an auto- or e-rickshaw to the ropeway base (about INR 40-80). From there you can ride the ropeway up in a few minutes, or trek up a stone-paved path in roughly 30-45 minutes. A popular option is to take the ropeway up and walk down.
What makes Mansa Devi Temple special?
It is one of Haridwar's three Siddh Peeths (with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi) and one of the five Panch Tirth of the city, known as Bilwa Tirth. Dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti said to fulfil sincere wishes, its most distinctive custom is tying a sacred thread to a tree in the complex while making a wish, and returning to untie it once the wish is granted. The hilltop also offers a sweeping view over Haridwar and the Ganga.
Can I trek up to Mansa Devi instead of taking the ropeway?
Yes. A stone-paved path leads up the forested hillside and takes most walkers about 30 to 45 minutes at a steady pace. It is a moderate climb rather than a technical trek. Many pilgrims ride the ropeway up to save time and walk down, enjoying the views on the descent. Carry water and wear comfortable footwear, especially in warmer months.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Mansa Devi Temple?
Haridwar is a holy city that is entirely vegetarian and alcohol-free, so every option nearby is pure-veg, much of it satvik. Simple prasad and sweet stalls sit at the ropeway base and hilltop, while the Upper Road and Bara Bazaar lanes below have long-standing mithai shops and thali houses, plus street stalls serving kachori-sabzi, chole-bhature and hot jalebi. Choose freshly cooked, hot food and sealed prasad.
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