Mansa Devi Temple, located in the holy city of Haridwar in the Uttarakhand state of India, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti. It is perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, the southernmost mountain chain of the Himalayas. The temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The ideal time to visit Mansa Devi Temple is from October to April, during the post-monsoon and winter seasons when the weather is pleasant with minimal rainfall. October marks the onset of autumn, and the weather remains cool and comfortable for the pilgrims. The winters, spanning from November to February, are cold, but the clear weather offers a serene experience and a spiritual ambiance amidst the chilly breeze.
Visiting during the festival seasons can also be quite enriching. Particularly significant are the Navaratri and the Kumbh Mela. Navaratri occurs twice a year, once in the months of March-April (Chaitra Navaratri) and again in September-October (Sharad Navaratri), and is considered a highly auspicious time to worship the Goddess. During this period, the temple witnesses a dramatic surge in devotee attendance. The Kumbh Mela, which is held every twelve years in Haridwar, sees millions of devotees pouring in from all over the country, and the Mansa Devi Temple becomes an especially important pilgrimage spot. The last Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was in 2021, and the next will be in 2033. If one wishes to experience the grandeur of Indian religious festivities, these periods are particularly recommended, although they are also marked by increased crowd density and higher accommodation costs.
