Haridwar, The Gateway to Land of God is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The city is known by different names as Panch tirth, Mayapuri, Gangadhar and kapila. Haridwar is situated on the right bank of Ganga at the hills of Shivalik Ranges. Further, The holy river Ganga is believed to enter the northern plains from here. Hindu pilgrims and devotees gather here to take dip in the water of Ganga.
Location: Haridwar,Uttarakhand
Entry Fee: free
Visiting Time: 1-2days
Best Time: October- Feburary
Haridwar welcomes it's visitors with the chimes of the temple bells and the religious chanting of the priests. The holy city is believed to be the abode of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
According to Hindu Mythology, The holy river Ganga enters Indo Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time in Haridwar. Also, it is believed that It is the same spot where the drops of Amrit fell over from the sky, while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird, Garuda after the Samudra Manthan. Devotees gather here to take dip in the holy river to achieve salvation and go to heaven.
Haridwar also one of the four site to hold the sacred kumbh Mela. Also, the city is the primary centre of kanwar yatra. Moreover, Thousands of pilgrims come here for just taking a bath. Also, many devotees carry the holy water of Ganga in auspicious occasion of Shivratri. The beauty of this holy city lies in its blend of being a holy place with a beautiful natural environment.
The holy city houses many pilgrimage sites and is known as Panch tirth. These include Gangadwara (Har Ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Biswas Tirtha( Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). Haridwar is also famous for its awful Ganga Aarti especially during evening.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
- Gangadwara (Hari ki Pauri)
Hari ki Pauri is a famous holy ghat in Haridwar. Here, Hari ki Pauri symbolises the Footprint of lord Vishnu. It is believed that having a bath here can make a person achieve salvation.
- Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi)
The holy shrine is dedicated to lord Chandi. According to the Hindu Mythology, Chanda-Munda ,the aarmy chief of demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha were killed here by Goddess Chandi.
- Biswas Tirtha (Mansa Devi)
The Mansa Devi Temple is the most visited temple in Haridwar. The Goddess Mansa literally means the goddess of fulfilling desires. It is believed that a visit to this shrine is a must for pilgrimage yatra in Haridwar.
- Kankhal
- Kushwart (Ghat)
Kushwart Ghat is the most famous among all the ghats of Haridwar. All the rites and rituals including shraddha rites are performed here. The kushwart Ghat is thus considered as one of the most sacred ghat among other ghats.
- Maya Devi Temple
Haridwar got its name Mayapuri from this holy shrine. Maya Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Maya ,The Adhishthatri Devi (Patron Goddess). It is also believed that heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen here. Thus, Haridwar is also one of the Siddhapithas.
- Ganga Aarti
Haridwar is most popular for its Ganga Aarti held every day in the dusk and dawn. The religious prayer takes place at the holy ghat Har ki Pauri. Tourists gather here to get a glimpse of floating "diyas" (small candles) and flowers, all surrounded by the chanting of the mantras. The beauty of river Ganga increase by the reflection of these diyas and lights off the surface of the flowing river.
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