Mata Mansa Devi Temple, one of the prominent Shakti Peeth temples of North India, is situated in the Panchkula district of Haryana. According to Hindu Mythology, the forehead of Sati has fallen at this place., when locals visited the place they started worshipping it in the form of Shillas.
If you talk about the exact locations of the temple, then the Shrine complex spread over an area of 100 acres, is in Bilaspur village, near Sector 13 of Chandigarh. Chandi Mandir, another noted shrine, is 10 km from the temple.
History of Mata Mansa Devi Temple
The temple complex was constructed in three phases, which resulted in three temples. The main temple and oldest temple, Shri Mansa Devi Temple, was constructed by Maharaja Gopal Das Singh of Mani Majra during 1811–15. The other temple, Patiala Shivalaya Temple or Patiala temple, at a distance of 200 m from Mansa Devi, was constructed by Karam Singh, Maharaja of Patiala, in 1840. The Shiva temple is adorned with 38 panels of wall paintings.
Neglect after Independence
After independence, princely states were merged into PEPSU (the Patiala and East Punjab States Union). The pujaris of the temple became independent to control the affairs of the temple. But unfortunately, they could not maintain the facilities and administration of the temple. When pilgrims visited places during Navratras, it caused havoc.
After the formation of Haryana, the administration and management of temples come under the government of Haryana. who, owing to the popularity of the temple, set up the “Shri Mansa Devi Shrine Board (SMMDSB) Panchkula” by the enactment of Haryana Act No. 14 of 1991.
SMMDSB also manages the Chandi Mandir, after which Chandigarh city is named, and Chandigarh cantonment.
Festivals
During Navratri mela, lakhs of Hindus flock to the Mansa Devi temple. The months of Ashvin (winter Navratri) and Chaitra (spring Navratri) witness the Navratri festival for nine days. During these two months, accommodation, stay facilities and make elaborate arrangements are done by the shrine board so that devotees can do darshan of the Mata Mansa devi mandir. The number of visitors to the melas is so great that the duty magistrate and nodal officers look after the conduct of the meal.
Timing
MANDIR TIMINGS
MANDIR OPENING CLOSING TIME
Summer Timings: 4 AM to 10 PM
Winter Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM
ARTI TIMINGS
MORNING: 5 AM / 6 AM
EVENING: 6 PM / 7 PM
How to reach Mata Mansa Devi Temple
By car: The temple is 4 kilometers from the Panchkula bus station.
By train: Chandigarh railway station
By air: Chandigarh airport