One of the holiest cities in India, "Haridwar" is known as the Gateway to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Every year, millions of pilgrims and travellers visit this holy city, renowned for its spiritual significance, ghats, temples, and the sacred river Ganges. It is one of the largest cities in Uttarakhand and holds a special place in Hindu mythology and tradition. Although the city encompasses many religious sites, it is primarily known for its revered "Har Ki Pauri" and prominent Shakti Peeth, mainly Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. Due
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One of the holiest cities in India, "Haridwar" is known as the Gateway to Lord Vishnu and Shiva. Every year, millions of pilgrims and travellers visit this holy city, renowned for its spiritual significance, ghats, temples, and the sacred river Ganges. It is one of the largest cities in Uttarakhand and holds a special place in Hindu mythology and tradition.
Although the city encompasses many religious sites, it is primarily known for its revered "Har Ki Pauri" and prominent Shakti Peeth, mainly Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. Due to its rich cultural and historical significance, Haridwar holds immense importance, whose mention can also be found in ancient scriptures.
It is one of the four Kumbh Mela sites that host the largest human gathering in the world. Apart from its spiritual significance, Haridwar is also renowned for Ayurveda. Various institutions, like Patanjali and other ashrams, heal through ancient methods.
Mayapuri
Earlier, the town was known as "Mayapuri", named after the revered presiding deity, Maya Devi. It is believed that the heart and navel of the Goddess Sati fell here. However, over time, the town changed to "Haridwar", which is often pronounced as "Hardwar". Both names have their own connotations, where "Haridwar" means "Gateway to Vishnu" and "Hardwar" means "Gateway to Lord Shiva".
Haridwar Ke Kotwal
While Maya Devi is the presiding deity of Haridwar, Anand Bhairav, is the one who safeguard the city. Due to this, Anand Bhairav Mandir is known as the Kotwal (Guardian) of Haridwar. It is the only temple in India, where Lord Bhairav's idol is depicted in smiling form. Located near the Birla ghat, it is visited by many devotees throughout the year.
Popular Ghats
In addition to its sacred places, Haridwar is known for its several ghats. Every year, these ghats are frequented by pilgrims to perform last rites and other rituals. Each Ghat has its own importance. Some notable Ghat are : -
Panch Tirth of Haridwar
Being the Gateway to Uttarakhand Chota Char Dham Yatra, Haridwar is also prominent for its panch tirth. According to Hindu traditions, these Panch Tirth plays an important role and one must visit them during their pilgrimage. The Panch Tirth of Haridwar are : -
- Gangadwar, prominent as Har Ki Pauri.
- Kushavart Ghat.
- Kankhal.
- Bilwa Tirth (Mansa Devi Temple)
- Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Temple)
Popular places
Haridwar is renowned for its religious sites, which are visited by the pilgrims round the year. All these sites have its own importance and significance, among them some prominent places are : -
Accommodation Facility
A wide range of accommodation options are available in Haridwar including hotels, guesthouses, homestays, and Airbnb. Visitors can book accommodation online or in person as per the budget. Additionally, various Dharamshala's also provide overnight stay facilities.
Things To Do
Haridwar is primarily known for its religious places that have been renowned since ages. Most of them have their own importance and significance, attracting many devotees round the year. While visiting Haridwar, visitors can engage in the following activities : -
| Shakti Peeth | Haridwar is home to three revered Shakti Peeths viz Maya Devi, Mansa Devi, and Chandi Devi. These Shakti Peeths are also known as Sati Piths, dedicated to various forms of Adi Shakti. Devotees had a strong belief that making a wish with true devotion is fulfilled by the goddess. |
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| Explore Ancient Temples | Besides the Shakti Peeths, Haridwar is the home to many sacred and ancient temples. Among them Sati Kund Mandir, Shri Ganga Mandir, Dakshin Kali Mandir, and Bilvkeshwar Mandir are prominent. |
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| Ganga Arti | Attending the Ganga Arti in Haridwar is a must, providing a divine and blissful experience. While the Arti is performed daily at various ghats, the ceremony at Har Ki Pauri gives you a surreal view. In winter, the Arti usually takes place between 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, while in summers, it is held from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. |
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| Holy Bath | Taking a holy dip in the sacred Ganges is must for all, especially at Har Ki Pauri. It is believed that Brahma Kund at Har Ki Pauri is the place where the drop of Elixir spilled accidentally during Samudra Manthan. |
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| Ropeway Ride | The revered shrines of the town Mansa Devi and Chandi Offers Ropeway ride, providing a quick and hassle free way to access the temples. The ride provides a scintillating view of Haridwar and the Ganges river. |
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| Rajaji National Park | It is one of the most popular National and Tiger reserve Park in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Named after C. Rajagopalachari, the first and last independent Governor General of India, the park is the home to many wild species, offering a thrilling and exhilarating experience. |
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| Water Park | Water parks are considered the best way to beat the summer scorching heat. Two most popular water parks near the town, such as Fun Valley and Crystal World, attract many and are a perfect place to enjoy with their friends and family. |
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Kanwar Yatra
Every year during the Kanwar Yatra, Haridwar is throngs with many devotees of Lord Shiva. This annual pilgrimage generally takes place during the month of Sawan (July-August). After bathing in the sacred Ganges, Shiva devotees bring holy water and offer it at Shiva Temples. During these days, the city is adorned with Saffron flags and hymns of Lord Shiva.
Mythology
According to Hindu Mythology, the holy Ganga Descended upon Haridwar when it was released from the dreadlocks of Lord Shiva. After flowing several kilometers from its primary source, Gaumukh, Haridwar is the place where the Ganga enters Gangetic Plain for the first time, which is why the city is known as "Gangadwara".
Haridwar is known for its rich religious history. According to the Legend, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) a drop of elixir of immortality accidentally spilled at four places on Earth, which are Ujjain, Prayagraj, Nashik, and Haridwar. It is said that the Brahma Kund is the actual site where the elixir drop fell in Haridwar.
To commemorate this event, the Kumbh Mela is being organised here once every 12 years, making it one of the largest human gatherings in the world. The site is a prime centre during the Kanwar Pilgrimage and other occasion. Millions of devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges for the absolution of their sins.
Food Guide
Haridwar is known for its popular restaurants that serve authentic flavors of every region across India. Both travellers and pilgrims can enjoy a variety of mouth watering cuisines served by these restaurants. However, being a religious place, the consumption of alcohol and non vegetarian food is not permitted within the town. The city is surrounded with many restaurants but some prominent are : -
- Chotiwala Restaurant.
- Mohan Ji Puri Wale.
- Bhagwati Chole Bhature.
- Annapurna.
- Sattvik Restaurant.
- Hoshiyar Puri.
- Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukaan.
Important Tips for Travellers
- Summer temperatures are extremely high and can cause discomfort among visitors, so it is advisable to plan your visit accordingly.
- The monsoon season is not considered ideal for the visitors due to humidity and water logging, which may impose certain challenges and make the place less enjoyable.
- Paid parking for two wheeler and four wheeler is available near Har Ki Pauri, and other major places, charges range between Rs 30/- to Rs 80/-.
- Visitors may face a long queue during peak hours outside the parking area.
- During the annual Kanwar Yatra, the town is throng with the number of Kawadiya, causing congestion and route diversion.
- On special occasions, the town is filled with many devotees, requiring high demands for accommodation and parking.
- It is advisable to book your accommodation prior visiting the site, especially during special occasion and Kumbh Mela
- Take necessary precautions while bathing near the Ghat and take care of your belongings, children, and parents.
- Permission is required to fly a drone in the town, otherwise it will be confiscated and a penalty may apply.
- Photography and videography are not allowed inside the shrine, particularly in sanctum sanctorum.
Nearby Attraction
Haridwar city adjoins with some major nearby attractions such as : -
