Haridwar

Haridwar

Haridwar or Hardwar is an ancient city and a popular Hindu pilgrimage place in Uttarakhand state. Haridwar is situated on bank of the Ganga River, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Haridwar hosts important religious events. Most important of the events is the Kumbha Mela that is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During Kumbh Mela, lots of pilgrims and tourists gather in Haridwar to take bath in Ganga to wash away their sins to achieve Moksha.

According to the Hindu rituals, During Samudra Manthan, a few drops of the elixir (Amrit) fell over from the pitcher while being carried by the bird Garuda in these four places Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj.  It is called Brahma Kund where the Amrit fell. It is situated at Har ki Pauri (footsteps of the Lord) and is the most sacred Ghat of Haridwar.  Har ki Pauri is the main point of Kanwar pilgrimage who takes Ganga water to offer to Siva shrines.

History

In Sanskrit language, Hari means Lord Vishnu and Dwar means gateway. Thus Haridwar is "The Gateway to God Vishnu".  The glacier is the original source of the Gangotri River. It is believed that Lord Shiva to have got the Ganges (called Bhagirathi) in his locks.

From here Pilgrim's start their trip to visit a Badrinath. Haridwar is the beginning point for going to the Chota Char Dham places-Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Char Dham (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath) are one of the most religious places for the Hindus in India. These places are in the lap of Himalayas and the center of religious activity in India.

According to the Garuḍa Puraṇ these seven places Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kasi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwaraka are holy places as the giver of Moksha. Haridwar is one of the seven best sacred Hindu places. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not allowed in Haridwar.

Places of interest

Har Ki Pauri

Har ki Pauri Ghat was made by King Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in memory of his brother Bharthari. It is said that Bharthari meditated on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar.  After his death, King Vikramaditya made a Ghat in his name that later came to be well-known as Har Ki Pauri.   Evening Aarti offered to Goddess Ganga at Har Ki Pauri is a charming experience for any tourist. A show of sound and colour is seen during the ceremony. Pilgrims float Diyas and incense on the river. Thousands of people attend this prayer.  At present there are a lot of Ghats were largely developed in the 1800s. On the night of Dussehra, Ganga Canal is dried in Haridwar. The water is restored on Dewali. It is said that on Dussera, Ganga goes to her father's house and returns after Bhai Duj.

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Mandir is made on the 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of the Ganga River in 1929. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi. It is made by the king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. Accordking to Skanda Purana, Chanda-Munda who was the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbha and Nishumbha were killed by Chandi. After that this place was known as Chandi Devi that is a 3 km walk from Chandighat. Ropeway is also available to reach the temple.

Mansa Devi Temple

Maa Mansa Devi Mandir is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat. It is the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, exactly meaning the Goddess who complete desires (Mansa). The main temple has two idols of the Goddess. It is a famous tourist Place because of the cable cars on which city views can be seen.

Maya Devi Temple

Haridwar was earlier recognized as Mayapuri because of the Goddess Maya Devi. It is one of ancient temples in Haridwar.  This ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhishthatri Devi of Haridwar is considered one of the Siddhapithas.

Bhimgoda Tank

Bhimgoda tank is away about 1 km from Har Ki Pauri. It is belived that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas, the Bhima drew water from the rocks in Haridwar by pushing his knee to the ground.

Ganga Aarti

Aarti is a Hindu religious customs of worship that is a part of puja. This includes fire, songs, flowers, incense, music, etc. The purpose of Aarti is to show humbleness and gratefulness towards God. Ganga Aarti is offered to Goddess Ganga.

The evening Aarti is also known the Maha Aarti and is done from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM each day. It is one of the most famous customs of Haridwar.  Ganga Aarti is held every day on the bank of the Ganga River at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Mandir is a eight floor temple dedicated to Bharat Mata. It was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi on the banks of the Ganga in 1983. It is located next to the Samanvaya Ashram. Each floor shows an era in the Indian history. First floor has the statue of Bharat Mata. The other floor is dedicated to the well-known heroes of India. Next floor is dedicated to the achievements of India's women, such as Radha, Mira, Savitri, Draupadi, Maitreyi, Gargi etc. another floor shows saints from many religions, including Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism. Another floor is devoted to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Shopping

In Haridwar the famous markets for shopping is Bara Bazar, Moti Bazar, Upper Road and Ranipur Mor. There are numerous shops in Haridwar. Tourists usually buy ranging from Rudraksha ornaments, Religious pictures and deity statues, music cd of devotional songs  and Garments which attract them more.

How to Reach

By Air : Nearest Airpot is Jolly Grant Airport to Haridwar. It is away from 21kms. Taxis and buses are simply available from Jolly Grant Airport to Haridwar.

By Train : The nearest Railway station is Haridwar Railway Station. Haridwar is well connected by railway networks with major railway stations of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Lucknow. 

By Road : Haridwar is well connected by roads and highways with northern states of India. Ac and normal Buses and private cars to Haridwar are easily available from Delhi and other parts of North India.

Best time to visit

The best time is to visit February to March and August to October. The summer months between March and June get hot but the night stay cool and pleasant.