About
Haridwar
Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest pilgrimage destinations of
Hindu religion. A place of pilgrimage since time immemorial, Haridwar is
situated on the foothills of Himalayas. The holy pilgrimage destination now
lies in the newly carved state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Also known
as ‘Gateway to the Gods’, Hindu mythology proclaims that Gods have
left their footprints in Haridwar. There is a great mention of Haridwar in
the ancient Hindu religious scriptures. Ancient traveller Hyuen Tsang
praises Haridwar as mayura (peacock) on the eastern banks of the Ganges.
With uncountable temples, ashrams and ghats, holy Haridwar takes tourists to
a mystical world of spirituality.
It may also be mentioned that Kumbh fair is organised in Haridwar at an
interval of every 12 years. Lakhs of pilgrims from all over India and abroad
come to participate in the Kumbh. In ancient scriptures, Haridwar has been
mentioned as Mayapur. Haridwar also represents the point where river Ganga
reaches the plains.
Best Time to Visit
Anytime during the year
How to Reach
Air : Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is the nearest
landing facility from Haridwar at a distance of 41 kms. There are flights to
Jolly Grant from Delhi and a few other destinations.
Rail : Haridwar is well connected to the rest of
Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh with rail network.
Road : Deluxe bus services regularly operate to Haridwar
from Delhi and most destinations of Uttar Pradesh. National highway 45
connects Haridwar with the rest of India. The holy town is at a distance of
214 kms from national capital of Delhi.
Where To Stay
Haridwar has a few good hotels in the top-end category. Mid-range and
budget hotels are in plenty. Some people also stay in the ashrams and
dharamshalas of the place. A good hotel in the luxury category is Classic
Residency while Sagar Ganga Resort is a government approved hotel offering
good facilities.
Attractions in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri : Also known as Brahmakund, Har Ki Pauri is
one of the most sacred ghats of Haridwar. Many religious rituals are
performed on this ghat by devotees. The one thing that devotees do not miss
is a holy dip in the ghat waters which is believed to rid them of all past
sins. Legend has it that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of
his brother Bhartrihari. The Ghat is always illuminated in the evening
during a Maha Aarti performed on this ghat. This is a spectacular sight
which tourists must not miss.
Mansa Devi : Mansa Devi is one of the most visited temples
of Haridwar. Perched on top of the Bilwa Parvat, tourists can reach the
temple through ropeways. A nice way of combining spirituality with
adventure! Most devotees also trek to the top of the temple.From the top of
Bilwa Parvat, a splendid view of Haridwar is available.
Daksha Mahadev Temple : One of the most ancient temples of
Haridwar is the Daksha Mahadev temple. The temple is also regarded as one of
the five sacred places of Haridwar. Religious rituals are carried out very
strictly in the temple.
Maya Devi : At the famous Maya Devi temple, the goddess is
worshipped as an embodiment of power or shakti. The temple is one of the
saktipeeths of India. According to ancient scriptures, when Lord Shiva was
carrying his burnt wife Sati, the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this
place.
Vaishno Devi temple : The temple dedicated to Vaishnoo
Devi is the newest of Haridwar temples. The temple is a true replica of the
original Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu & Kashmir. Devotees visit the
temple in large numbers.
Bharat Mata Temple : Unlike the ancient temples of
Haridwar dedicated to religious deities, this temple pays tribute to the
heroes who played a pivotal role in securing India's independence and laying
her foundations. It is a huge eight storey building. The temple was founded
by Swami Satyamitranand Giri.
Sapt Rishi : The best place to offer prayers to holy river
Ganges in Haridwar is Sapt Rishi. This is the point where river Ganga
divides herself into seven small streams.The beauty of the place is
breathtaking.
Excursion places near Haridwar
Rishikesh :
Rishikesh is another holy pilgrimage place near Haridwar having many big and
small temples. It is located at the confluence of rivers Ganga and
Chandrabhaga. Rishikesh is also called the ashram capital of Hinduism.
Rishikesh is also a hub of yoga, meditation and ayurvedic treatments. These
activities are promoted by numerous ashrams of Rishikesh located in serene
surroundings. The place is at a distance of 28 kms from Haridwar.
Triveni Ghat : The Triveni Ghat is a sacred bathing ghat
located few kilometres away from Haridwar. After sunset, many rituals are
performed on the ghats. Earthen lamps are set floating on the water to mark
the aarti ceremony.
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary : Situated at a distance of 10
kms from Haridwar, Chila Wildlife Sanctuary is home to some rare varieties
of Himalayan flora and fauna. The sanctuary brings some diversity to the
pilgrimage centre of Haridwar.
Shopping in Haridwar
Shopping in Haridwar is also a delightful experience. The main market place
is a long, winding street free of all vehicular traffic. The tiny but
attractive shops on both sides of the road are full of religious items like
bead necklaces, clay images of gods and goddesses, Shiva lingams, sacred
texts and ritual designs. Other items include shells, pearls, bangles,
chains, ear and nose rings.
