Haridwar, in Uttaranchal, is one of the four main pilgrimage destinations in India India
Places to visit in Haridwar:
HAR KI PAURI
Har Ki Pauri is the most famous ghat on the banks of the holy river Ganga in Haridwar in Uttarakhand in India.This is so because this is the place where most of the Indian saints and rishis are headed, in search of peace and nirvana. River Ganga is considered as the most sacred river in the world and is personified as a Goddess in Hindu mythology. Ganga is worshipped by Hindus as they believe that bathing in this river and particularly in Har Ki Pauri causes remission of sins and facititates from the cycle of life and death.Devotees travel long distances to immerse the ashes of their beloved ones in this ghat in order to bring their spirits closer to moksha.
The river Ganga actually originates from the jata(hair) of lord Shiva. This revered place is a major landmark in the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, ‘hari’ means ‘lord Shiva’. So har Ki Pauri means The steps to reach to lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is said to have visited the Brahmakunda, in this ghat along with lord Shiva in the vedic times. There is a large footprint, which is said to belong to lord Vishnu on a stone wall.
The River ganges, after flowing for 253km.(157mi.) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Hardwar, which gives the city its ancestral name, Gangadwara.Therefore, Har Ki Pauri is the spot where this river falls from the laps of the mountains to the plains In order to meet the needs of the people and wash their sins(according to Hindu mythology). It is the place where millions of devotees, pilgrims as well as tourists flock to celebrate the prominent festivities like Kumbh Mela(occurs every twelve years), Ardhkumbh Mela(occurs every six years), somavati amavasya, Punjabi harvest festival baisakhi, every eclipse of the year etc. A large number of devotees converge here with their kavar(bamboo stick with a basket at each end) like that used by Shravan Kumar in mythological story. They come in the month of Sawan(August in hindi calendar is called sawan) to carry gangajal from Har ki Pauri to their destinations of Shiva temple and offer this gangajal to lord Shiva on the great festival of Shivratri. This they do in order to get boon or after getting what they wanted in order to express their love and devotion towards God and purify their soul. They come from all over India and move to far off places on foot happily along with dancing on the prayers and rhymes of praises to lord Shiva and keep on saying ‘bam bam bhole’ the whole way. This spectacle is mind blowing towards the way to God.
This ghat is so old that it is said to have been built in the first century B.C.by king Vikramaditya, in memory of his brother Bharthari who had come here in order to meditate.
It is the same place where the evening Ganga Arti takes place which is considered very sacred. This spot is also called ‘Brahmakund’ where drops of Amrit(the elixir of immortality) fell accidentally from over the sky, while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird, Garuda after the samudramanthan. Consequently, everyday this ghat witnesses thousands of people taking a drip in water of Ganga. This place is considered very auspicious. Over the years, this ghat has undergone major extensions and renovations as the crowds increase every year in Kumbh Melas.Many temples have been built on its steps.
There is a Godess Ganga’s statue in the middle of the river Ganga at this ghat, which looks so fabulous.The city of Haridwar is surrounded by the Himalayas and then the whole scenery of Shiva In Ganga amidst the mountains becomes so awesome that the visitor wants to visit this place again and again and wants to spend his idle or time of tension in Haridwar in order to be calm and in a state of mental peace. Each evening at sunset, priests perform Ganga Arti on this ghat, when lights are set on the water to drift downstream.This is the most amazing and soul-touching-spectacle, not to be seen anywhere else. A large number of people gather at both the banks of this ghat to sing the arti of its praises. The priests hold large bowls of fire in their hands, the gongs in the temples start ringing and the praising chants flow out of their lips that fill the whole atmosphere of that place. People float earthern diyas put in the bowls made with leaves filled with beautiful flowers. This golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the holy Ganga outpour the most enchanting sight. This spiritual aura, revolving round the Ganga, gives the spontaneous feeling of invoking lord Shiva and goddess Ganga to come out and wash away our soul of all the sins we have committed and lead our way to heaven. Even alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not allowed at this place.This purity is the faith and reason with which every devotee goes to Haridwar and this visit proves that Uttarakhand is the abode of Gods.
SHEESH MAHAL RAM DARBAR MANDIR
Temples are widespread in each and every place of the city of Haridwar. The temples of Haridwar are highly revered. Haridwar has many small and big temples, spread in the mean streets of city. Sheesh Mahal Ram Darbar Temple is one such temple. This temple has awesome beauty, but very few people know about this temple because it is very new and it is still under construction.
As the name indicates, this temple is a palace of made of mirrors and is devoted to lord Ram. It has the finest mirror work on all its walls and most importantly on all its roofs. The multicoloured mirrors innovation on the walls behind the statues of God and Goddesses is really outstandingly beautiful. The mirrors form the most appropriate scenery suited the statue of the deity standing in front of it, like there is the famous tree of Kadam at the back of idols of Radha-Krishna.There is a series of statues or smaller temples of various deities like Ganesh ji, Ram-Sita-Lakshamana, Shiva-Parvati, Radha-Krishna, Vaishno Devi Mata( Shera Waali Mata), Devi Saraswati(with veena in her hands), Hanumanji and so on.
The Mirror work on the sceneries , which represent the symbolic places of Gods and Goddesses (according to Hindu Mythology) and most importantly on the roofs is so natural that there exists indeed a pulling attraction in them because nowhere else there is so special mirror work on the roofs of any building.
Once the building work of this temple is complete, there is no doubt that this temple will be ranking among the most beautiful and charming temples in Haridwar and it will surely become a famous temple.
PAWAN DHAM
Pawan Dham Temple is situated just two km. from Haridwar on Rishikesh Dehradun road, and is only three km. from Har ki Pauri, the greatest attraction of Haridwar.
Pawan Dham, as the name indicates, is holy place of God. It is a branch of Geeta Bhawan Trust Society,Moga in Punjab.This society performs various activities like sant seva,cow seva, providing food for sants and others free of cost and it is running since 1970. Its founder was Swami Vedantanandji. At present, Swami Sahaj Prakash is the president of Pawan Dham.
This beautiful temple has many adorned ornamental idols. The glasswork designed on the temple and on the idols is mind blowing,one can’t escape from being still and speechless and one can only say wow… Its exquisite mirror work is a fun for kids. The parallelly placed mirrors provide infinite pictures of the idol, certain lences in the temple provide thinner, while others provide shorter pictures of the visitors. Even the elders enjoy them. Wonderful glass work and aesthetic design carved on the idols of Radha-Krishna,lord Shiva, chariot of Arjun and Krishna, Hanumanji, Ganeshji and so on is more than worth seeing. There is a large and very beautiful idol made of mirror pieces of lord Krishna teaching ‘Geeta Updesh’(about the mortality of body and immortality of soul), inside this temple, which can’t be seen anywhere else.
This frequently visited temple is a must-see for all tourists and it is one of the most ancient temples of Haridwar. Its aesthetic design and glass-work represent rich culture an heritage of india. It instills the visitors with a great sense of gratification.
BHARAT MATA MANDIR
Bharat Mata Mandir (meaning mother India) was founded by Swami SatyamitranandGiri on the bank of river Ganges in Haridwar, Uttarakhand in India.This holy shrine was inaugurated by the late Indian Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi on 15th May, 1983. The temple has eight floors and is 180 feet tall.
It is one of the most unique places in Haridwar and is a major attraction for the visitors who know about its beauty and theme. It is the only shrine that is dedicated to our motherland, its unity, integrity, values and rich heritage, without any barriers of caste, creed, race, language, area or states etc. Its purpose is to alive the feelings of love for mankind and patriotism.
This great temple has eight floors and each floor represents a specific theme. It has the facility of elevator for the visitors to go to the top.
The first floor features the gorgeous statue of Bharat Mata and hence the temple gets its name. The second storey named ‘Shoor Mandir’ is dedicated to the renowned freedom fighters of India.The third floor or Matru Mandir is dedicated to certain most revered women of India like Mira Bai, Savitri and Maitri. The fourth floor or Sant Mandir, as the name depicts, is dedicated to saints of various religions like Jainism, Buddhism and Sikkhism. The fifth floor has the Assembly Hall. It has the walls that outpour the symbolic co-existence of all the religious faiths in India and the lively paintings portray the heightened history and beauty in various provinces of India. The sixth floor is dedicated to the various forms of Goddess of Shakti, Maa AmbeGauri. The seventh floor is devoted to the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The uppermost eighth floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva, the supreme God in Hindu tradition.
In addition to visiting all these eight floors, we can go to terrace of the temple and enjoy the panoramic view of Himalayas, Haridwar and the terrains of Rajaji National Park and the splendour of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar.
This magnificent temple has manifolded significance and it can be visited all the time one visits Haridwar.
DOODHARI BARFANI MANDIR
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple is located in the Doodhaddhari Barfani Ashram. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in Haridwar. This temple is famous not only for its spiritual and aesthetic values, but for its beautiful and magnificent constructive work also.
The whole temple is built using pure, white milky marble. This temple has a rarely found simplicity, elegance and peaceful environment. The main part of this temple houses the idols of Shri Ram and Sita, which are followed by a chain of smaller temples. These temples are dedicated to the various deities of Hindu mythology. Among all these temples of Gods and Goddesses, Hanuman temple is regared by all as the most beautiful and attractive one. The visitor can’t skip being influenced by the overwhelming originality in these statues.
SAPTRISHI ASHRAM IN HARIDWAR
The pilgrimage town of Haridwar is truly a treasure trove of Ashrams. So, visiting an ashram in Haridwar is a dream of many, including both devotees and tourists. Each ashram has its own legendary significance. Saptrishi Ashram or Saptsarovar is situated just 5 Km.from Har Ki Pauri, the landmark in Haridwar. If someone is in search of spiritualism, one should head straight to this sacred Ashram in holy Haridwar.
According to Hindu mythology, Saptrishi Ashram is so named because it is the same place where sapt(meaning seven) rishis(meaning sages) had once performed meditation. These sages include the famous names-Kashyap, Vashisht, Gautam, jamadaji, Vishwamitra, Bharadwaja and Atri.There is shownfore, the devotees hold this ashram in high esteem due to its high religious value. Even today, a number of rishis and saints converge here from different parts of the world.
By visiting this ashram, we can learn good lessons of life.It is also believed that the Pandava brothers on their way to heaven, passed through this place. It is shown in this ashram by the statues of five brothers and their wife, in their standing postures, near the river bank.The statues of seven sages are also very lively built in this ashram, shown in their meditating postures.
It is said that when the sages were meditating here, they were disturbed by the thunderous watering noise of the Ganges.To continue with their meditation in peace, they trapped the river Ganga. Later, the Ganga split herself into seven small streams to avoid any interruption to the meditating sages. Hence, this ashram also came to be known as ‘Saptsarovar’. All the seven streams reunite further ahead and flow as Neeldhara which forms a beautiful channel while entering Haridwar.
Today, the ashram stands at that meditation site to commemorate the whole mythological event.Visitors come from all parts of the globe in hish regard seeking spiritual peace and growth. Sages and rishis as well can be seen here smeared in ashes.It is also believed that constellation of seven stars is actually these seven saints who took this form after leaving their mortal bodies for the heavenly abode. If we are interested in yoga and meditation, we can make a visit to this sacred place and attend the classes offered on a regular basis. Tourists from all across the world come and visit and attend these classes in order to gain spiritual peace and happiness.
TULSI MANAS MANDIR
Tulsi manas Mandir is Loated at the Saptsarover Marg, Bhupatwala, near Pawan Dham(temple most famous for most beautiful mirror work) in the the most sacred pilgrimage place of Hindus, that is Haridwar. This temple occupies a very prominent place on the world of temples not only in Haridwar, but also throughout India. The sculpture work done on its building structure is superb. Its social and spiritual activities are so famous that they make it more than just a temple. It is a holy place which reflects our Indian culture of “Atithi Devo Bhavah” which means that “our guest is like our God”. There are not only prayers thet are offered and religious ceremonies that are performed in this temple, but incredible services to humankind are also offered and this practice makes it a very special one.
This temple was founded on 13th April 1980. At present, the most apprppriate, great hospitality is offered ceremoniously to the saints, guests and the mahatmas in this ashram daily. There are also arrangements provided so that devotees may contribute to help the cause of the poor and bright students, by giving them free education, free education, and free boarding facilities etc.
DAKSHA MANDIR
Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple or Daksha Mahadev Temple is situated in the beautiful town of Kankhal, only four kilometers from Haridwar.The atmosphere is very calm and serene and the Himalayas form a perfect backdrop to the scene.
This temple has been named after king Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati or Dakshayani- lord Shiva’s wife.It was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810A.D. and rebuilt in 1962 and is a place of pilgrimage for devotees of lord Shiva or Bholebhandari. Mythologies relate this temple to Daksha yajna, which was so important that it has been mentioned in all our Vedas and Puranas. It has the very same yajnashala has been confirmed.
There is a pit within the grounds of the temple, which marks the exact location of the sacrificial fire. Therefore, the temple stands as a tribute to the sacrifice of Sati Mata.
This temple has the holy Shiva idol, situated at its centre. This temple is visited by thousands of devotees in the month of August or Sawan, the of Shiva in Hindu calendar.
Nearest international airport is located in Delhi “Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)”.
Bhagwati's Chhole Bhature, Mohan Puri Wala, Chotiwala Restaurant, Aahaar Restaurant, Motel Rahi's Restaurant.
Few of them are : Hotel Midtown,Hotel La Casa,Gardenia Hotel,Hotel Hari Heritage, Hotel LG Residency, Sugandha Delux, Hotel Landmark.
How to reach Haridwar
Haridwar has good connectivity with other cities of the state of Uttarakhand and outside.By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is nearest airport to Haridwar.Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Haridwar.Nearest international airport is located in Delhi “Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI)”.
By Train
Haridwar is connected to all important cities of India.By Road
Haridwar is connected by tourist bus services and state owned bus services. Luxury and normal bus are available from Delhi ISBT(kashmiri Gate).Eating points in Haridwar
Haridwar has many restaurants and eating places. There is a good variety of food available at the restaurants here. Few of them are :Bhagwati's Chhole Bhature, Mohan Puri Wala, Chotiwala Restaurant, Aahaar Restaurant, Motel Rahi's Restaurant.
Hotels In Haridwar
Haridwar has many good hotels.Few of them are : Hotel Midtown,Hotel La Casa,Gardenia Hotel,Hotel Hari Heritage, Hotel LG Residency, Sugandha Delux, Hotel Landmark.
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