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About Haridwar |
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Haridwar literally is 'The gateway to the Gods'. "This place is very beautiful", at one sight one will say so and fall in love with the scenic beauty of the blend of height and plains. It's also your starting point on the journey to the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna River.
The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the most sacred Hindu rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here in their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers.
Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela" which appears Every 12 years and the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning wick lamps floating down the Ganga, this town has been distinguished for centuries in the Indian society. |
Aarti
At 7:00 PM (local time) there is an Aarti on the Ganga. It is performed everyday by worshipers of the River and can be performed by tourists. Candles on lotus petals are floated down the river as religious hymns are played on the loud speakers. Rain or shine, hot or cold, the Aarti starts promptly at 7 PM and is an experience worth seeing.
Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh & Kumbh Mela which attracts the mind of any tourist to this place. The history of Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe legends. Mythological state that the Gods and the Demons once churned the ocean to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanvantri, the divine healer appeared with the Kumbh containing nectar in her palms.
A great fight followed between the Gods and the Demons to wrist the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar fell at four different places, Prayag, Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then devotees converge to commemorate this divine event.
The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and than after six years Kumbh Mela is held. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during the Kumbh & Ardh Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana. People gather in huge number to take the holy dip during these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus, and Politicians almost every one is here.
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Tourist Attractions
Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred Ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This Ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari's footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The Ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.
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.
Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi temple at the top of Neel Parvat on river Ganga's banks was built in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh. A three kilometers trek from Chandighat, it is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century AD. It is at a distance of six kilometers on Neel Parvat on the other bank of River Ganga.
Mansa Devi Temple
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parvat. The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars take devotees to the old hilltop of Mansa Devi.
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A view of Har ki Pauri 1880 AD |
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Maya Devi Temple
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
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev stands in the south Kankhal town. Mythology has it that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn't invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the followers of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life. |
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