More facilities for pilgrims at Mansa Devi shrine

Panchukla, Apr 6 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today said that more facilities would be provided to pilgrims at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi shrine complex here including a "sarovera" and a car parking.

The Chief Minister was interacting with mediapersons shortly after paying obeisance at the shrine on the occasion of first "Navratra" today as the Navratra Mela commenced today with religious fervour.

A large number of pilgrims had queued since morning to pay obeisance at the shrine, which is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths mentioned in the "Tanter Chudamani".

Mr Hooda said that a sum of Rs 11 crore had already been spent by Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board on various developmental works and Rs four crore was being incurred to add more facilities.

The Chief Minister, who was amongst the first few to pay obeisance at the shrine, said that he prayed for the prosperity of the people in the country.

He said that the wheel of progress was now moving faster.

Haryana had the highest per capita investment, highest per capita income among the big states and it also had the highest production of wheat and milk in the country.

The on going developmental works at the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine complex included ceremonial entrance gate known as the Mata Mansa Dwar, Luxmi Bhawan-a Dharamshala, staff quarters- Shanti Kunj and installation of a tubewell. The Baba Balak Nath Temple has recently been renovated.

Four prasad shops are being set up to avoid exploitation of the devotees by those who sell prasad of poor quality. The use of polythene bags has been banned in the shrine area and use of bags made of paper,jute and cloth is being promoted. New stairs have been constructed near Sati Temple.

The developmental works undertaken by the Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board included Sat Sang Bhawan, Puja Bhawan, Yagyashala, Pravachan Sthal in front of Patiala Temple, levelling of land, Library, Committee Room, Lajwanti Guest House, Dhayan Kendra and setting up of a fiber shed.

About 35 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine complex every year to pay obeisance. The legend of this Shakti Peeth is similar to other Shakti Peeths and it is said that the forehead of Sati had fallen at this place. Goddess Mansa Devi is being worshipped since Sat Yug.

The Pandavas in Dwaper Yug, during their exile, had established Pinjore and worshipped this Goddess.

Navratra festivals are organised twice in a year at the shrine complex, during "Chaiter" and "Ashvin" months.During Chaitra Navratras, about 10 to 11 lakh pilgrims visit the shrine.

Similarly, during Saravan, six to seven lakh pulgrims and devotees throng the shrine. The district administration and Shri Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board makes elaborate arrangements during these festivals to facilitate pilgrims.

UNI HS MMS1551