Thursday, October 13, 2011

Temples in Haridwar - Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Daksh Prajapati Temple and Bhim Goda Tank

Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi Temples

There are two very famous Siddhapeeth Devi temples in HaridwarMansa 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.


Entrance lane to the Mansa Devi Temple
The lane leading to the Mansa Devi temple - The base of the Bilwa Mountain

Cable car chairs all the way upto the Mansa Devi and the Chandi Devi Temples in Haridwar
Udan Khatola or Cable car ropeway to reach
the Mansa Devi or Chandi Devi temples

View of the Haridwar city from the Cable car chair to the Mansa Devi and the Chandi Devi Temples in Haridwar
View of the Haridwar city from the Cable car chair while going upto the Mansa Devi and the Chandi Devi Temples in Haridwar
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 Tank in Haridwar
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


Daksh Prajapati Shiva Temple in Haridwar
The Daksh Prajapati Temple

Daksh Prajapati Shiva Temple in Haridwar - Lord Shiva holding His consort Sati
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.

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34 comments:

....Petty Witter said...

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.

its me!!! sharan :) said...

I 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 :)

all the best for your future :)

Prateek Sur said...

I am so feeling like going right now after seeing ur pics....
Do check out this post on my blog:
http://headacheandtension.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-central-bengal-trip.html

Sylvia K said...

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!

Sylvia

Santosh said...

wonderful... the amount of information you have compiled in these articles is immaculate... take my bow :)

Martina said...

Love that Bhim Goda picture Arti - what a magical place!

Ginny said...

Lovely pics from the cable car! And I love the water reflection you caught at the temple. Is this temple pink?

Leo said...

A journey to that place through your words :) I especially love the photos, and of the Bhim tank! Looks serene in spirituality!

Leo @ I Rhyme Without Reason

Saru Singhal said...

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!!!

Farmchick said...

A ride in that cable car sounds interesting.

Aakash Kokz said...

Amazing! All the temples in Haridwar are so wonderful. The image of Lord Shiva is really very beautiful, quite huge as well. Nice pics.

Krishna said...

nice and interesting post on haridwar

photos are awesome esp photos from cable car

thanks for sharing

Arti said...

@...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.

We 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.

Renu said...

I went to mansa devi way back..may be in 69, there was no cable car then only steps:)

Sridharan said...

I 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 ..!

Sushma Mallya said...

Each 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 :)

Cloud Nine said...

This 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!

ladyfi said...

So gorgeous! I love the pond with the pink temple in the background...

magda said...

My dear friend Arti hi
Amazing place and your photos really nice!
In thanks for the interesting tour!
Many greetings

zephyr said...

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!

....Petty Witter said...

Thanks for that answer.

cocomino said...

What a beautiful landscape!
I would like to climb the mountain and see around the town. :)

kranthi said...

u hv a very great info,which anyone need it at somepoint of time

Lady In Read said...

Very 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!

Angeli said...

i think i'd prefer to walk than ride on the cable car.

have a great weekend, arti. :)

Technosyncratic Travel said...

The view from the cable cars looks wonderful!

Kalyan said...

Simply beautifully captured shot...lovely ride through the place!

Rahul Bhatia said...

A nice description of the lovely places!

Indrani said...

Hope to see Haridwar some day.
Great pictures. Thanks!

SUB said...

been there 4-5 times...nice place :)

Team G Square said...

Nice description and informative .

Karthick said...

good one... photographs r awesome... the views from the cable car r great and the idol of Lord Siva is superb....

P.N. Subramanian said...

I loved the post. It seems you have spent quite some time there.

Rakesh Kumar said...

I had visited all the places many times during my stay at Haridwar.
During 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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