When is Mansa Devi Temple Open
The temple is open daily from early morning until evening.How to Get to Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Walking requires a one and a half kilometer hike uphill. The track is sealed but the exertion can be draining during the hot months. Hence, many people prefer to take the cable car (also referred to as a ropeway) up, and walk down. The first cable car starts running at 7 a.m. during April to October, and 8 a.m. the rest of the year. Tickets cost 48 rupees per person, return. The departure point is centrally located in town.How to Visit Mansa Devi Temple
Devotees who visit the temple usually like to take some prasad (offerings) for the Goddess. There's no shortage of sellers, either where you board the cable car or outside the temple. Bags containing a coconut and flowers sell for around 20 rupees, and it's possible to buy plates of flowers for around 10 rupees. The entry to the temple is also lined with vendors peddling everything from jewelry to music.Inside the temple, you'll reach the footsteps of the Goddess. Give some of the prasad to the pandits (Hindu priests) and you'll receive a blessing. However, do note that these pandits are very money hungry and are known to openly demand donations (with threats that wishes won't be fulfilled unless you comply). From there, you'll be herded into the inner sanctum where the idol of the Goddess resides. The rest of your prasad will be taken, and you'll be given some broken pieces of coconut in return. Quickly make a wish to the Goddess before again being herded onwards. At the exit, you'll find idols of other gods and goddesses (accompanied by eager pandits) that you can pray to as well.
