Haridwar
City Information
Haridwar is situated on the right
side of the bank of the holy Ganga, and is
the point where the river spreads over the
northern plains. Associated with both Lord
Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is among the
seven sacred cities of India. It is also one
of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, held
in its magnitude every twelve years.
It is said that when the Gods left their
footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically
they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual
ethos of every Hindu – more so, the
devout, who would later follow their holy
paths all across this blessed land. Because
of such significance is Haridwar in the thought
of India’s traditional Hindus that it
has earned its sobriquet of honour, `the gateway
to the Gods’. Legend has it that the
holy Ganga, the holiest of all rivers, which
flows through this sacred city has actually
been sanctified by the powerful Trinity of
Hindu mythology and the centre of the pantheon
– Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Down the ages, this special importance of
Haridwar as the ever-refreshing mystic venue
for the purification of the mind, body and
soul gained more impetus and today, manifests
into great events that take place here, i.e.
the memorable Kumbh Mela which happens once
every 12 years and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which
comes once every six years. Yet, beyond the
mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts
another magic spell on the visitor. Being
one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar
finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures
as it weaves through the life and time stretching
from the period of Buddha to the more recent
British advent. Haridwar has not only remained
the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit,
but also served as a centre for attraction
for many, for learning the arts, science and
culture.
Essentially a religious centre which holds
promise of salvation for devotees, Haridwar
is also a centre of herbal medicine, and traditional
studies at Gurukul Kangri. There are many
places of scenic beauty on the outskirts of
the town. Haridwar’s longstanding position
as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines
and herbal remedies as well as its unique
Gurukul school of traditional education, the
scenic beauty and lush greenery, all this
give the city a unique flavour and charm to
be of interest to travellers for all seasons.
Haridwar is one of the first towns where
Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch
the plains. And that’s why the water
is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests
and small ponds adorns the scenic beauty of
this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is
just 10 kms from Haridwar. It’s an ideal
destination for wildlife and adventure lovers.
In the evening the ghats look
breathtakingly beautiful, as thousands of
diyas and marigold flowers float and illuminate
the Holy waters..
Main
Sightseeing of Haridwar
Har-Ki-Pauri ot the Food Steps
of God, this is the sacred Ghat
was constructed by King Vikramaditya in
memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is
believed that Bhartihari eventually came
to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of
the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother
constructed the Ghat in his name which later
came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred
bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund.
The reflection of golden hues of floral
diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting
sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti
Ceremony. It is the most important ghat
on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is
a must for every devotee.
Chandi Devi : The temple
of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the
other bank of river Ganga was constructed
in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir –
Suchat Singh. The temple is a 3 km trek
from Chandi Ghat. Legend has it that Chanda-Munda
the army chief of the local demon king,
Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess
Chandi here after which the place got the
name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the
main statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya
in 8th Century AD. Chandi Devi Temple is
now accessible by a ropeway also, which
starts near Gauri Shanker Temple.
Bharat Mata Temple : This
is one of the important temples of Haridwar.
It has eight stories in which the images
of cities, heroes and great men are installed.
Shanti Kunj : It is the
famous ashram of Gayatri. Followers and
pilgrims from far and wide converge here
for yoga and natural cures.
Maya Devi Temple : It
is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri
deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas.
It is believed that the heart and navel
of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient
saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.
Bhimgoda : Legend has
it that while the Pandavas were here, Bhim
with one blow of his horse’s hoof
drew water from the rocks at this spot.
Mansa Devi Temple : The
temple on the top of Bilwa Parvat is dedicated
to the Goddess Mansa Devi. Here, one statue
of the Goddess has three mouths and five
arms while the other statue has eight arms.
A beautiful view of the city can be had
from this place. The rope way carriage operates
between Upper Road, near the station and
Mansa Devi Temple.
Pawan Dham : The place
is famous for its Hanuman Mandir decorated
with glass pieces.
Vaishno Devi Temple : The
newly constructed temple dedicated to the
Goddess Vaishno Devi is on the lines of
the temple in Jammu.
Gurukul Kangri University : A
centre of learning where education is imparted
in the traditional Indian way. Within the
precincts of the University is the Ved Mandir
which houses many archaeological exhibits.
It is situated on the Haridwar-Jwalapur
bypass road. The Ved Mandir Museum with
archaeological exhibits in display can also
be seen..
Go to Top
Excursions
from Haridwar
Rishikesh : Rishikesh is
one of the best-located pilgrimage centres
along the right side of the bank of the Ganga.
The holy river emerging from the high mountains
not far from here, runs deep and silent through
the thickly wooded hills of the Terai that
straddle this region. A breathtaking experience
of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife
await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquillity
of a landscape associated with `munis’
and meditation. According to legend, sage
Raibhya Rishi, undertook staunch penance at
Rishikesh to please God. In answer to his
meditation, god appeared here, manifested
as `Rishikesh’ and the place thus came
to be called after him. Today, Rishikesh has
become a centre for learning and research
in yoga and meditation – the renowned
Indian methods for mental and physical health.
The International Yoga Festival
which attracts participation from all across
the world is held here annually for one week
in the month of February (2nd to 7th) on the
banks of the serene Ganga.
The rope-bridge `Lakshman Jhoola’
stands majestically here, as a landmark. This
is where Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman
is said to have crossed the river on a jute
rope. The old Lakshman temple is situated
on the western bank. Other attractions like
the school of Yoga and Meditation and white
water rafting camp at Shivpuri, 15 km. up
stream, extends an irresistible invitation.
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary
: Haridwar is also a popular destination
and adventure lovers. Chila Wildlife Sanctuary,
part of Rajaji National Park, covers an area
of around 240 sq. km. which attracts wildlife
lovers with its pristine scenic beauty and
rich biodiversity. It has 23 species of mammals
and 315 fauna species. One may watch a herd
of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle
or may find oneself excited by a wildlife
of many kinds including tigers, leopard, jungle
cat, himalayan yellow throated marten, samber,
cheetal, barking dear, wild boar, langur,
ghural, sloth bear, king cobra, woodpecker,
etc. The river shelters fish in abundance.
Fishing is allowed with permits. Time to visit:
15th November – 15th June. No entry
before sunrise and after sunset.
Piran Kaliyar : The Dargah
of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed `Sabri’
on the outskirts of Roorkee, around 23 kms,
is a must-visit-place for every visitor. It
is situated towards the south of Haridwar.
The place is known as Piran Kalier. This place
is one of the living examples of unity between
the Hindu and Muslim religions. Famed for
its mystical powers that fulfil the desires
of the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions
of Muslims and Hindus alike from India and
abroad. The Urs is celebrated at this Dargah
every year, from the 1st day of sighting the
moon to the 16th day during the Raheeull month
of Islamic Calender.
Daksh Mahadev Temple
: The ancient temple of Daksh Mahadev
is situated in the south of Kankhal town.
This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur
in 1810 AD. Kankhal has several temples and
ashrams.
Sapt Rishi Ashram : The
Ganga flows in seven streams in front of this
Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt
Sarovar.
Kanva Rishi Ashram : 42
km. The ashram is situated on the banks of
the Malini river along the forest road to
Kotdwar.
Triveni Ghat : It is an
interesting placed to be at dawn, when people
make offerings of milk to the river and feed
fishes. After sunset, priests set floating
lamps on the water during the Aarti Ceremony.
Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev : According
to mythological accounts, during Sagar Manthan,
Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here,
which turned his throat blue. Hence, Shiva
also became famous as Neelkanth. A four hour
walk from Lakshman Jhoola, this temple is
situated at a height of1700 meters. Quite
truly, a not-to-be-missed travel destination
away from the madding crowd
How
to reach Haridwar ?
By Air : the nearest airport
is Joly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is approx
50 kms (limited service).
By Rail : Connected with
all major cities of India.
By Road : Connected by
all major cities through highway No 45. The
major distances are Agra 386 Kms, Ambala 168
Kms, Badrinath 320 Kms, Dehradun 52 Kms, Delhi
214 Kms, Gangotri 282 Kms, Kedarnath 250 Kms,
Meerut 141 Kms, Mussoorie 90 Kms, Nainital
386 Kms, Saharanpur 81 Kms, Yamnotri 255 Kms
