Mahansu Devata Temple

Mahasu Devata temple

At Hanol is the beautiful temple of Mahansu Devata. This protected heritage site was built in the 9th century. This temple is highly revered by the Garhwal people. Wishes made to the goddess here are believed to come true.

Throw these stones over the shoulder for good luck. 

The temple has 3 chambers. The first chamber is open to all. Only men are allowed in the second chamber and the third chamber is kept aside for the deity. Oracles and fortune tellers in the temple premises cater to the temple visitors. At one corner of the temple are two heavy smooth round stones. Pick them and throw them over the shoulder to make your wishes come true. Only men are allowed to pick these stones. Devotees bring goats and offer it to the goddess for wishes granted. These goats wander freely in the temple premises. Goat droppings are a constant hazard to the barefoot devotees. Not all goats are lucky. Some goats are sacrificially slaughtered and cooked for dinner in the temple’s communal kitchen. This meal on the day of my visit consisted of mutton curry and puri. Meal timings are fluid. Be prepared to wait for dinner until 8-8:30 pm. Devotees eat the sacrificial mutton and then sleep in the temple premises.  Most of the devotees leave the next day.

Parvasi temple

Mahasudevata temple at Hanol is the one of the 4 temples associated with the deity Mahasu. The second temple, Parvasi temple, is also at Hanol. Mahendranath temple (the third temple) is an hour’s drive away from Hanol. The fourth temple is in Haryana and I could not go there. Parvasi temple is located on a hillock beside Mahasu. After offering prayers at Mahasudevata temple the devotees walk barefoot to the Parvasi temple. The tarmac road to Parvasi temple ends at the foot of a suspension bridge. It’s a 15 minute walk from the suspension bridge to the temple.

Mahansu Devata temple

There is a government run GVML guest house at Hanol. This was closed for renovation during my visit. The only other accommodation is behind the only row of shops on the main road at Hanol. It is not sign posted and almost hidden. The 3 rooms offers basic accommodation but amazing views of Mahasudevata temple. The general store owner has the keys to these rooms.

Mahendranath Temple

• Roopkund Trek 

• Babaji's cave & Kauravchina 

• Patal Bhuvaneshwar 

• Gwaldam 

• Chopta

• Chakrata 

• 33 days in Uttaranchal