The city of holy
Ganges, Haridwar is lies on the
foothills of the
Himalayas, is the point from
where the legendary Ganges reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient
revered pilgrimage site for centuries. It is the gateway to the Himalayan
pilgrimage shrines of
Badrinath and
Kedarnath. Several temples and ashrams dot this sacred town and a visit to
Haridwar is like stepping into the abode of God. Haridwar has earned fame as
being the place which has been blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu
and Brahma. It is also one of the major Shaktipeeths.
Though one can visit this holy town through out the year, the town in
packed with the pilgrims, when the sun reaches the zodiac sign of Aries.
Haridwar is also the venue of the Kumbha Mela celebration, once in twelve
years, when Jupiter transits to the zodiac sign of Aquarius. The pilgrims
throng the Ghats of the Ganges to take a holy dip at this time. It is
believed that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the
ultimate freedom (Nirvana).
Har Ki Pauri
This ghat is one of the most sacred ghats in India. People say that this
ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This
ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the evening a Maha Aarti is performed
on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.
Mansa Devi
This temple is located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple
can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to
the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.
Kavand Mela
The fair is held ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of
Shravan & Phalgun.
Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the
other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed by the King of
Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the
Chandi Ghat.
Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is
known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.
Maya
Devi:
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi is
also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was
carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her
husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
Four kms from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. Mythology says that the
king of this place King Daksha Prajapati performed a yagya. His daughter,
Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage
and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.
But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the insult
and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On hearing this the followers of Shiva
killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha
temple is an attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred
places in Haridwar.
Chila
A popular destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Piran Kalier
On the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali
Ahmed 'Sabir'.
Deoprayag
95 km from Haridwar is one of the sacred places for the Hindus.
Location
: On the banks of the river Ganga.
Language : Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and considerable % of people
speak English.
Climate : Moderate
Best time to Visit : September to June, though it can be visited
through out the year
The Gateway to God or Heaven
Getting There
By Air : Jolly Grant, 10 km from the city centre.
By Rail : Convenient railway connection to all major
cities, which includes - Mumbai,
Delhi,
Dehradun,
Kashi / Varanasi, Ujjain,
Gorakhpur, Mussorie.
By Road : Haridwar, on highway No 45, is connected to all
major centres in the region and other parts of the country by roads.
Not to Overlook - Excursions
Rishikesh - 24 kms
from Haridwar is Rishikesh, the popular pilgrimage for the Hindus. This
place is known as the Tapo Bhumi or the place for meditation of the Sages.
Mussoorie - The queen of hill stations is just 89 kms
from Haridwar. The healthy climate and deep woods makes it an ideal hill
station.
Dehradun - Dehradun is located in the Shivalik hills,
just 54 kms from Haridwar. This hill station is unique with thick woods and
scenic beauty, enough to capture the imagination of any traveler.
Related Traveller's Storie(s)
Allahabad - The City Of Sangam-
By Ankit Surekha
Badrinath - A Confluence Of
Spiritual Fervor- By Ramashish Chaturvedi
Chakrata – A gift Of
Nature To Dehradun- By Dheeraj Deewedi
Nainital- Paradise Of North-
By Niranjan Kumar
Haridwar - Sacred Place Of
Uttarakhand- By Ginny Bansal
Dhanaulti – A Paradise
In Uttarakhand- By Abhishek Kumar
