Explore Haridwar
Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the
seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as
the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar.
Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as
the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of
Uttarakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar
The list of attractions in Haridwar is endless.
Har-Ki-Pauri, the sacred ghat was constructed by King
Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari.
The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river
Ganges is the most enchanting sight in the twilight
during the Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghat.
Several festivals are celebrated in Haridwar. Haridwar,
one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India,
is also the place that plays host to around eight to ten
million devotees during the Kumbh melas.
The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation
of the Universe and as a show of their faith, Hindus
from all over the country assemble to take a holy dip in
the Ganges.
PLACES TO VISIT IN HARIDWAR
Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory
of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to
Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This
ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri ( The ghat
is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to
bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6
year Ardh Kumbh.
Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt
Sarovar
According to legend the Saptarshis (seven sages) were
deep in meditation here. The Ganga, not wanting to
disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt
Sarovar) around them.
Mansa Devi Temple
This ancient temple dedicated to Mansa Devi is of great
importance to the followers of Hinduism. It is situated
on the top of Bilwa Parbat and can be reached by foot or
by a trolley through the ropeway. Mansa Devi is said to
have emerged from the mind of Saint Kashyap and is
regarded as the wife of Nag King Vasuki. The Holy Idol
of the goddess has three mouths and five arms while the
other statue has eight arms. As one of the famous Siddha
Peetha temples, Mansa Devi is supposed to grant all the
wishes of a sincere devotee. (In fact, Mansa is derived
from the word 'Mansha' which means 'wish'. There is a
holy tree in the vicinity of the temple. Devotees who
want their wishes to be fulfilled by the Goddess tie
threads to the branches of this tree. Once their wishes
are fulfilled people come back again to the temple to
untie the thread from the tree. This is one of the most
popular and most visited temples of Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple
Haridwar Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on
river Gang's banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of
Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from
Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was
established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD.
It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on
the other bank of River Ganga.
Bharat Mata Temple
Haridwar Bharat Mata Temple Sited in Sapt Sarovar near
ashram at Haridwar, Bharat Mata Temple is a holy place
of its own kind. Bharat Mata Mandir was founded by Swami
Satyamitranand Giri. On 15th May 1983, the temple was
instated by Late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi. The
temple is also unique in the sense that it is built in 8
stories, each of which represents a specific theme and
is devoted to various legends and deities of India. The
eight-storey temple rises up to a height of 180 ft.
Bhimgoda Kund
Haridwar Bhimgoda Kund enlightens the travelers on the
rich religious heritage and mythological legacy of the
bygone best time. Legend has it that while the Pandavas
were here, Bhim with one blow of his horse's hoof drew
water from the rocks at this spot.
Bara Bazaar
Haridwar Bara Bazaar on the north-side of the canal,
between Har Ki Pauri and the Upper Road, is
multi-colored Bara Bazaar. Along with the spiritual
paraphernalia or prasaad (foodstuff offered to the gods,
photos of the deities, religious pamphlets etc) are
scores of tiny stalls crammed along both sides of bazaar
selling an variety of goods including brassware, shawls,
wooden whistles, glass bangles, bamboo canes and can
baskets.
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary
Haridwar Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, part of Rajaji
National Park, covers an area of approximately 240 sq.
km. which attracts wildlife lovers with its perfect
scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. It has 23 species
of mammals and 315 fauna species.
One may watch a herd
of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may
find oneself excited by a wildlife of many kinds
including tigers, wild boar, ghural, langur, sloth bear,
leopard, jungle cat, samber, cobra, Himalayan yellow
throated marten, barking dear, cheetal, king woodpecker,
etc.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Haridwar Daksh Mahadev temple is situated at a distance
of 6 km from Haridwar. The very old temple of Daksh
Mahadev is positioned in the south of Kankhal town. This
temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 AD.
Kankhal has several temples and ashrams. Most important
temple of Haridwar.
Shantikunj
Haridwar Shantikunj is the headquarters of the spiritual
and social organization All World Gayatri Pariwar.
Recognized in 1971 at Haridwar, it has emerged over the
years as a center of the global movement of Yug Nirman
Yojana for moral-spiritual regeneration in the light of
hoary Indian heritage.
Sited at the bank of holy Ganges
and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, it's
also a place of attraction for tourists and seekers of
spiritual guidance.