Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula

It is wonderfully designed with the main temple having thirty-eight panels of wall paintings, besides floral designs all over the walls and ceiling. Constructed during the early 19th century by Maharaja Gopal Singh, it is one of the most renowned Shakti temples in North India. Shaktism is one of the most followed beliefs in this part of the country, with important Mansa Devi shrines in many of the northern states. The temple is now maintained as a heritage site by the government. Drenched in legends and myths, a vibrant atmosphere is ever-present here.

In the sanctum sanctorum, the main deity Mansa Devi is worshipped along with Lakshmi and Sarasvati. There are many legends associated with the region. When Lord Brahma created the universe with the help of Shakti, he decided to give back Shakti to Shiva. Brahma's son, Daksha, carried out different penances and yajna (fire offering) to gain Shakti as his daughter in the form of Sati. She was married to Shiva against his wishes.

Once, when Daksha performed a yajna, Sati and Shiva were not invited. Upon seeing the uninvited guest, Sati, Daksha began berating and reviling Shiva. Not being able to tolerate her father's words against her husband, she sacrificed herself in the fire by committing suicide. Angered and raged by Daksha's insults and her death, Shiva in his Veerabhadra avatar destroyed Daksha's yajna, cut his head off and later replaced it with that of a goat as he was restored to life. Shiva picked up Sati's body and performed the tandava, the celestial dance of destruction and death.

Fearing his rage, other gods called upon Vishnu for help. Vishnu used his Sudarshana Chakra, the fierce disc weapon, which cut through Sati's body. The body was dismembered into 108 various parts, 52 of which are said to have fallen in India and the neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, while the remaining on other planets in the universe. Sati's head is said to have fallen here at Panchkula. These locations are now called Shakti peethas, where a temple is dedicated to the goddess.

Thousands of ardent devotees, pilgrims and tourists flock to the Mansa Devi Temple during the famous NavratriMelaa. The number usually rises to lakhs during the festival. The Navratri celebrations are held twice a year for nine days. They are carried out in the months of Chaitra (first month of the Hindu calendar) and Ashvin (seventh month).

The majestic temple is lively during these times, and pleasant arrangements are made by the shrine board such as providing tented accommodation, blankets, dispensaries, clean toilets etc. for warm stay and darshan of the devotees. On the 7th and 8th days of the festival, the complex is shut down for a couple of hours during the night for maintenance purposes.

1. Prasad and temple offerings can be purchased from shops outside the temple.
2. Beware of pickpockets. Keep your footwear in your vehicle or deposit at the stand.
3. Visit early to avoid the rush.
4. If you wish to stay here for a couple of days, a tourist rest house nearby offers good accommodation. A permanent langar is held here by the Chandigarh Grain Market Association, where a free delicious meal is served to all visitors!

The vast complex is situated just outside Chandigarh at a distance of 11 km and 5 km from the Panchkula bus terminal, from where you can catch regular buses or rickshaws directly to your destination. The nearest railway junction is in Chandigarh.

During peak season such as in Navratri, special buses are organized by the Chandigarh Transport Undertaking and Haryana Roadways for catering to the needs of countless tourists and devotees who travel here.