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A typical example of North Indian architecture Mansa Devi
Temple, lying in Bilaspur village, about three kilometers east of Mani
Majra in Chandigarh, has two temples dedicated to the goddess. It is
believed that the older temple was built by the ruler of Mani Majra.
The Legend
According to a popular legend, the shrine was originally in the territory
of erstwhile princely state of Nahan. Some hill people cut off the stream,
which supplied water to the pilgrims visiting the temple, causing distress
to the pilgrims. Thereupon, the goddess appeared in dream of Gurbaksh
Singh, ruler of Mani Majra and asked him to construct a temple for her at
this place.
This temple contains thirty-eight panels of wall paintings besides floral
designs painted all over the ceiling and the arches leading into the
temple. The drawings of the temple are not of high standard but a great
variety of themes is illustrated. The other temple is said to have been
constructed by Maharaja Karam Singh of erstwhile Patiala State to
commemorate his success in the battle against the Gurkhas.
The Main Festivity
The fairs are held twice a year in March-April (Chat Shudiashtami) and
September-October (Asoj Shudi Ashtami).