Panchkula: Over 68,000 pay obeisance at Mansa Devi temple

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A cash donation of Rs 12.74 lakh was made at the temple on the first day, along with 76 items of silver. Deputy Commissioner Mandeep Brar said, “A total donation of Rs 12.74 lakh was made — Rs 9.35 lakh donation at the Mansa Devi shrine and Rs 3.39 lakh at the Kalka Kali Mata temple — along with 76 items of silver.”

Last year during Navratras, a total donation of Rs 12.42 lakh was made at the temple — Rs 9.97 lakh at the Mansa Devi temple and Rs 2.44 lakh at the Kalka Kali Mata temple. The counting was done in double RCC Strong Room which has been constructed with a 12-lock door system for safely keeping gold and jewellery offered by devotees.

“Chaitra Navratras are considered to be an auspicious time of the year, which also marks the beginning of the year as per the Hindu Calendar. Apart from the first day, the maximum rush of devotees is witnessed on the last two days of the festival,” said V G Goyal, chairman, Mata Mansa Devi Shrine Board.

The Panchkula police had set up 16 nakas at various points leading to the temple, and metal detectors were kept at the entry points. Over 800 police officials were put on duty for the nine-day festival.

Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki visited the temple along with his wife, and took part in the yajna. He also inaugurated various stalls put up by the departments, including Department of Women and Child Welfare and Ayush, to create awareness about welfare schemes of the government.