Haridwar

'The gateway to the Gods' – that’s what Haridwar means. The holy river Ganges descends to the plains in Haridwar. One of the oldest cities of India, Haridwar is the gateway to the four most important pilgrimages of Hindu religion.

Haridwar has a special mention in ancient Hindu scriptures and epics as it is believed to be the land sanctified by the footprints of the Lord. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places of Hindus and indeed is a kaleidoscope of Indian civilization and culture.

It is believed that Haridwar was sanctified by the powerful trinity of Hindu mythology - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Therefore, it is claimed to be ever-refreshing mystic destination for purification of the mind, body and soul.

From the time immemorial, Haridwar holds immense significance for devout Hindus and is one of the main center of Hinduism.

As per the mythology, Bhagirath brought river Ganga from heaven to earth to purge the earth from its sins. Haridwar is a famous place for Ayurveda treatments and Yoga and has some of the most famous Ayurveda and Yoga institute in the city.

Badrinath and Kedarnath shrines are situated in the Himalayas and Haridwar represents as a gateway to these places.

Kumbha Mela falls after every twelve years at the time of transition of Jupiter to the zodiac sign of Aquarius and celebrations in Haridwar are famous all over world.

The Aarti procession at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar is attended by thousands of people every day. People offer lamps and flowers to the holy Ganges and one is moved to watch the religious rituals and the sight of thousands of miniature lamps floating along the river creates a splendid aura.

 

Places to see

Hari-ki-Pairi (or Har-ki-Pauri)

Believed to be entry point into the northern plains of India, Har Ki Pauri is also known as Brahm Kund. Har ki Pauri is the focal point of the holy city of Haridwar. Legends has it that Har Ki Pauri is the place where a drop of nectar fell at the time when the world was created after the churning of oceans.

The spot was constructed by king Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother as his brother Brithari, often visited Haridwar to meditate on the banks of Ganges.

Har Ki Pauri represents the most enchanting sight providing golden reflection of floral lamps in the Ganges River during the Aarti procession.

 

Maya Devi Mandir

A temple of great religious importance, Maya Devi Temple is located on the upper road. As per the Vedas, a vital part of Goddess Sati fell at this place when the process of her divine dismemberment came.

Haridwar derives its other name Mayapur, another name of Haridwar is also derived from due to the temple. It is the its the presiding deity of Haridwar and considered as one of the Siddhapethas.

 

Mansa Devi Mandir

Mansa Devi Temple or Durga temple, is located in the southernmost hill of the Shivalik ranges on the top of Bilwa Parvat. With Ganges flowing in the middle of the city, the temple offers a beautiful view of Haridwar.

A unique temple, one of the statues of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while other statues of Durga always have eight arms everywhere.

 

Bharat Mata Mandir

A wonderful eight-storey structure was consecrated in 1983. The temple houses statues of different historical and mythological legends, religious deities, leaders and heroes of different eras on each floor. The temple was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri and traces the Indian history from the times of Ramayana till the independence of India.

The map of India on a raised platform and the statue of Bharat Mata or Mother India have been placed on first floor. On the other hand, the other floors have been stacked with renowned figures of mythology and Indian history.

The temple is the best place to preview the heritage and culture of India.

 

Chandidevi Mandir

The king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh built the “Chandidevi Temple” in 1929 on Neel Parvat, situated on the other bank of Ganges River. The temple is dedicated to goddess Chandi devi, who killed the demon brothers Shumbh-Nishumbh

It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue in the shrine in 8th century AD. To access the temple, one has to take the ropeway from the Gauri Shankar Temple. The entire city looks beautiful from the top of the hill.

 

Saptrishi Ashram

The place of Saptrishi Ashram is located at a distance of 5kms from the city center. As per the mythology, seven sages prayed here for the sake of humanity

These Saptrishis or Sages had trapped the Ganga and released it on the request of King Bhagirath, allowing itself to split into seven streams to avoid any disturbance to them while meditating.

An ancient ashram and having mythological origin, the ashram is considered to provide spiritual peace and growth to the people. The Ashram has a big significance for Hindus.