Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Temples
There are two very famous Siddhapeeth Devi temples in Haridwar – Mansa devi Temple at the top of the Bilwa mountain and Chandi Devi Temple atop the Neel Mountain. Both of these are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Shakti (a form of Goddess Durga) and offer excellent views of the town as well as the valley.
There are two very famous Siddhapeeth Devi temples in Haridwar – Mansa devi Temple at the top of the Bilwa mountain and Chandi Devi Temple atop the Neel Mountain. Both of these are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Shakti (a form of Goddess Durga) and offer excellent views of the town as well as the valley.
The lane leading to the Mansa Devi temple - The base of the Bilwa Mountain
Udan Khatola or Cable car ropeway to reach
the Mansa Devi or Chandi Devi temples
Views from the Udan Khatola Cable Car
A convenient way to reach them is through the Udan Khatola or cable cars for which you will have to pay a nominal amount of charge. Tickets are available at the base of the hill. Round trip
tickets are cheaper than the single round fare. If you are
planning to visit both the temples, then combo tickets are also
available at the counters. However, alternatively one can even decide to walk all the way to the temples (approx 1-1.5 km trek distance).
Bhim Goda
Bhim Goda
Bhim Goda Tank with a temple in the background
Located in close proximity to the Har Ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar, this tank bears significance from the Mahabharta period. It is said that while Pandavas were on their journey from Haridwar to the Himalayas, Pandava brother Bhim had made this tank with a single powerful blow of his knee. Inspite of the place having such a historic relevance, it is sad to see this place lying in a mismanaged and a poor shape today.
Daksh Prajapati Shiva Temple
The Daksh Prajapati Temple
An image of Lord Shiva holding His consort Sati in the temple compound
Associated with Lord Shiva, His consort Sati and Her father Daksh Prajapati, this temple also known as Daksheshwar Mahadeo Temple is a major historic spot in Kankhal, around 3 kms from Haridwar. This is the same place where Goddess Sati is believed to have immolated herself following an insult of Her Husband by none other than Her father Daksh Himself.
Related Posts from the Archives:
Ashrams in Kankhal around Haridwar
37 Comments
No doubt a silly question that will probably have an obvious answer but I have to ask .... You mentioned that the Goddess Shakti was a form of the Goddess Durga, can I ask if the forms differ in appearance? I have tried googling for more information but to be honest I wasn't really satisfied with any of the sites suggested and would prefer to know your thoughts anyway.
ReplyDeleteI had been to Puri twice and I liked my trip very much...Whenever read your post, i feel very happy by just seeing these photographs...I can only imagine how much do you enjoy :)
ReplyDeleteall the best for your future :)
I am so feeling like going right now after seeing ur pics....
ReplyDeleteDo check out this post on my blog:
http://headacheandtension.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-central-bengal-trip.html
Another marvelous, informative post for the day and terrific captures, Arti! Always look forward to, and enjoy the wonderful tours you take us on! Hope you have a lovely evening!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
wonderful... the amount of information you have compiled in these articles is immaculate... take my bow :)
ReplyDeleteLove that Bhim Goda picture Arti - what a magical place!
ReplyDeleteLovely pics from the cable car! And I love the water reflection you caught at the temple. Is this temple pink?
ReplyDeleteA journey to that place through your words :) I especially love the photos, and of the Bhim tank! Looks serene in spirituality!
ReplyDeleteLeo @ I Rhyme Without Reason
On your blog, you have 12 posts with the label Haridwar. It's like an encyclopedia. I think whenever anyone wants to plan a trip to Haridwar, they should read all your posts first. Thanks for all this!!!
ReplyDeleteA ride in that cable car sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! All the temples in Haridwar are so wonderful. The image of Lord Shiva is really very beautiful, quite huge as well. Nice pics.
ReplyDeletenice and interesting post on haridwar
ReplyDeletephotos are awesome esp photos from cable car
thanks for sharing
@...Petty Witter The chief feminine divine being is referred to as Goddess Shakti in Hinduism. She is the main source of female Godhead, who is then represented by different forms and appearances – like Goddess Kali and Goddess Durga – to which we pray.
ReplyDeleteWe have a festival in India, Navratri where we worship 9 different forms of Goddess Shakti in her varied appearances. Each one of them has a different form, each is known for Her peculiar characteristics and features but at the base of it all, they are all ONE – A manifestation of Shakti.
I went to mansa devi way back..may be in 69, there was no cable car then only steps:)
ReplyDeleteI would love a ride on the rope car..I have never been on one yet.. Very good post Aarti as usual. I liked reading it ..!
ReplyDeleteEach one of the photograph that u click is so wonderful to view Arti..they are really good..loved the post ...I have been to Haridwar with my parents long back...u always bring back my memories :)
ReplyDeleteThis time around the pictures take the limelight;) The Bhin Goda tank looks stunning and the view from the cable cars are amazing. Astounding narration, as usual:) Do keep up the good work, Arti!
ReplyDeleteSo gorgeous! I love the pond with the pink temple in the background...
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Arti hi
ReplyDeleteAmazing place and your photos really nice!
In thanks for the interesting tour!
Many greetings
is it telepathy? I am planning to go to HAridwar next week and was going to mail you asking about the places there. And you post the very same thing! thanks Arti!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that answer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful landscape!
ReplyDeleteI would like to climb the mountain and see around the town. :)
u hv a very great info,which anyone need it at somepoint of time
ReplyDeleteVery nice post Arti! Love the photo of Shiva and Sati - very interesting - will be a nice doll for a Golu, don't you think? Brought back memories of reading the story of Shiva and Sati in Amar Chitra Katha! My post on Navratri still pending!
ReplyDeletei think i'd prefer to walk than ride on the cable car.
ReplyDeletehave a great weekend, arti. :)
The view from the cable cars looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSimply beautifully captured shot...lovely ride through the place!
ReplyDeleteA nice description of the lovely places!
ReplyDeleteHope to see Haridwar some day.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. Thanks!
been there 4-5 times...nice place :)
ReplyDeleteNice description and informative .
ReplyDeletegood one... photographs r awesome... the views from the cable car r great and the idol of Lord Siva is superb....
ReplyDeleteI loved the post. It seems you have spent quite some time there.
ReplyDeleteI had visited all the places many times during my stay at Haridwar.
ReplyDeleteDuring those days Udan Khatolas
were not there. It usually took
20-30 minutes to go up to Mansa Devi temple by stairs.There were no stairs for chandi devi temple and it was far away with quite lonely path/pagdandi.
Thanks for a nice presentation.
Pictures are charming.
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ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
If you have asked a question, please give me at least 2 days to reply back. Thank you :)