Haridwar India

Haridwar - The Gateway to the Gods

Haridwar, also referred to as 'the Gateway to the Gods, is considered as the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttarakhand region. According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places of Hindus. Haridwar is famous as being the very place, blessed by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma and it is also one of the major Shaktipeeths. The holy river Ganga, which flows down the mountains, enters the plains at Haridwar. The Ganges becomes quite and calm here, and people begin taking bath on the ghats built on the river banks. It is believed that a holy dip in Ganga here, purifies the soul and opens the way for the Nirvana, the ultimate freedom. The picturesque beauty of Haridwar, is a combination of hills and plains, dotted with lush green forest and trees. The town boasts of many temples dedicated to Hindu Gods and Goddesses, which purify the mind, the body and the soul of pilgrims. In the evening the town, acquires a unique charm, as the ghats become colourful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the Ganges.

Fairs & Festivals at Haridwar

Ardh Kumbh : The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years, which attracts visitors from all corners of the country. It is believed that a holy dip in the Ganges during the fair, provides Moksha or Nirvana. A large number of people gather here to take the holy dip during Ardh Kumbh. The Saints, Naga (naked) Sadhus, and other visitors throng the city during Ardh Kumbh.

Kavand Mela : The Kavand Mela is held every year during the Hindu months of Sharvan-Phalgun (July-August). Thousands of devotees visit the city, all the way walking barefeet, to collect holy water of the river Ganga. They bring it back to their native place and offer it at the local Shiva Temple.

What attract Pilgrims

Haridwar has several temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Besides being a major pilgrimage centre, Haridwar is famous for its Rajaji National Park, attracting a good number of wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide.

Har Ki Pauri : Har Ki Pauri also known as Brahmakund is one of the most sacred ghats at Haridwar. The Maha Aarti performed in the evening on the ghat, is a not-to-be-missed event. It is believed that Har Ki Pauri was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The ghat remains full of Pandas and Pujaris, who sometime extract a handsome amount of money from pilgrims, one should avoid them.

Chandi Devi : Situated at a distance of 6 Kms from Haridwar, Chandi Devi temple stands on the top of Neel Parvat hill. Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir, built this temple in 1929. From Chandi Ghat, the visitors have to trek around 3 Kms, on the hill to reach this temple.

Mansa Devi : Mansa Devi Temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat hill. It can be reached by the rope way or by the trekking route leads to top. The hilltop offers the breathtaking view of Haridwar city. The temple houses one goddess having three mouths and six arms while another has eight arms.

Har Ki Pauri Ghat Daksha Mahadev Temple : Located at Kahkhal, 4 Kms from Haridwar, this place is considered one of the five sacred places in Haridwar. The Daksha Mahadev temple is linked to a mythology, related to the king of this place Daksha Prajapati and his daughter Sati and his son-in-law Lord Shiva.

Sapt Rishi : Legend goes that at Sapt Rishi, the river Ganges splits herself in seven currents. Sapt Rishi offers a very beautiful sight, which draws tourists.

Maya Devi : Maya Devi Temple is one of the Shaktipeeths (Places of special religious significance) in India. This ancient temple is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is believed that when Lord Shiva was carrying his burnt wife Sati, her heart and navel had fallen here.

How to Reach Haridwar

Air : The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (52 Kms) is the nearest airport. Flights are available from major cities to Dehradun.

Rail : Haridwar Railway Station, is well-connected to all the major towns of India.

Road : The N.H - 45, passed through the Haridwar city, so the city is well-connected to major cities and towns of India. Regular buses from Delhi are available. The state transport and private buses run to nearby destinations. The distance of some important places from Haridwar are Delhi (214 Kms), Rishikesh (24 Kms), Dehradun (52 Kms), Meerut (129 Kms) and Saharanpur (81 Kms)

Accommodation

The city is dotted with several hotels, which offer plenty of accommodation facilities. Some of the famous hotels are Hotel Classic Residency, Hotel Midtown, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Sagar Ganga Resorts and Hotel Haveli Hari Ganga.

Click Here for.. Budget Hotels in Haridwar