Haridwar means ‘God’s door’ (the Gateway to God). In Hinduism, the word ‘Hari’ is considered to mean ‘God’. The temple of Haridwar is full of religious philosophy. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar Ghat is very famous in the country and the world. For every adherent who believes in God, this place is most crucial than heaven.
Haridwar is situated in one of the most ravishing states of India, Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is called “Dev Bhoomi”, ie: ‘Land of the Gods’. Haridwar is the most notable place in Devbhoomi. Haridwar is called “The Gate of God”. It is believed that the darshan of God begins from Haridwar only.
If you pay attention, you will understand that after arriving at Haridwar, there are major greatest temples of Hindu Gods and Goddesses—Gangotri, Yamunotri, Rishikesh, Neelkanth, Badrinath, Kedarnath etc. Before going to all the religious places, attend the Ganga Aarti of Haridwar. is considered mandatory.
“If you want to see the whole city of gods, Haridwar is one door to that city, the real seventh heaven is within it”.
Haridwar is famous for –
It is not that easy to know the secret of Haridwar’s greatness. Think for yourself and see why Haridwar is famous. Rest there are so many other religious cities, they are not so famous, how come only Haridwar has so much fame?
According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Vishnu’s Garuda was carrying nectar, some drops of it accidentally fell into the Brahmakund (Har ki Pauri) of Haridwar. It is believed that taking a bath at the Ganga Ghat in Haridwar helps in curing various skin-related diseases.
Once every 12 years, the world’s largest fair (gathering) ‘Kumbh’ is organised here. During the Kumbh Mela, there is such a huge crowd of devotees that it has broken all records till now.
There are many other reasons behind Haridwar being famous, such as the Hindu religious river Ganges here. Ganga Ghat is the most important religious ghat of Haridwar. Everyone wants to attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Ganga Ghat in Haridwar and reduce their sins.
According to Sanatani religious beliefs and beliefs, taking a bath in the Ganges river gives freedom from sins. This is a special reason why the same crowd is seen at Ganga Ghat in Haridwar almost every season.
The beauty of Haridwar is unforgettable even in terms of natural beauty.
History of Haridwar –
This city is also considered very important from a historical point of view. Haridwar is mentioned in history by the names of Kapilsthan and Gangadwar. Aeons ago Maharishi Kapil had cursed the ancestors of the glorious King Bhagirath (descendant of Lord Shri Ram) of Suryavanshi.
For the peace of the souls of his 60,000 ancestors, Maharaj Bhagirath did penance for years and as a result, Mother Ganga descended from heaven to earth. It was Maharaj Bhagirath who brought the river Ganga to the earth from the locks of Lord Shiva.
Haridwar is a paradise for nature lovers. The geographical location of Haridwar is between the mountains and the plains. Haridwar is the first place from where the hilly area starts. This is the reason why the water of the Ganga flowing in Haridwar looks cleaner and more white. While in other places the water of the Ganges does not remain as clean and clear.
View Of Haridwar –
Sight is not a common word but Haridwar lives up to the criteria of this word. It is a very important city from a religious and spiritual point of view.
The city is situated on the banks of the river Ganges and is surrounded by ghats. Lakhs of devotees bathe in the river Ganga on these ghats and pray for the purification of the soul of their favorite.
Ganga Aarti – Haridwar
Apart from this, watching Ganga Aarti while standing on the ghats of Haridwar is also an unimaginable experience. Many devotees come here for their worship and dedicate lamps to the Ganges during the aarti to the tune of flaming lamps and banging. The Har ki Pauri aarti is particularly famous and attracts many visitors and devotees from all over the world.
The aarti takes place at sunset, and the beautiful and serene atmosphere created by the lamps and candles is truly awe-inspiring. The sound of the priests chanting and the aroma of the incense create a peaceful and serene environment that is truly unforgettable.
Apart from this, there are also some markets in Haridwar where you can buy local items of Uttarakhand, all the things related to worship.
Being situated at an altitude of 314 meters above sea level, Haridwar experiences warm temperatures, especially in summer.
Famous places to visit in Haridwar –
The sound emanating from the fast current of the Ganges fills our minds with a wave of infinite peace. Situated in the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand, Haridwar brings one closer to spirituality. This religious city boasts many merits within itself.
The tourists visiting here are not limited to this only, people visit all the famous places around Haridwar. The most important place in Haridwar is Ganga Ghat (Har Ki Pauri).
Haridwar Ganga Ghat (Har Ki Pauri)
Jai Ganga Maa Har Ki Pauri (Hindi: हर की पौड़ी) is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, “Har” means “Lord Shiva” who is the god according to Shaivite Rishav Bhagwan school of Hindu theology, “Ki” means “of” and “Pauri” means “steps”.
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times. A large footprint is said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.
Nowadays millions of videos of Ganga Aarti being performed on the Ganga River of Haridwar are viral on social media. The view of Ganga Aarti in the evening is very grand.
The best priests of the temples built on the banks of the river Ganga, wearing their cultural clothes, lit big lamps in their hands and performed the aarti of Mother Ganga. Bells made of different types of metals are played simultaneously. The chanting of the name of Mother Ganga on the entire Haridwar Ghat creates a feeling of strangely positive energy in the atmosphere.
The lights of lamps burning all around are seen like twinkling stars in the waters of the river Ganges. This view of Ganga Aarti is quite interesting among tourists and devotees.
Ganga Aarti Timings at Har Ki Pauri –
Evening Timing – 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Morning Timing – 5:30 am to 6:30 am
Chandi Devi Temple –
In Hinduism, the mother’s abode is mostly on the high mountains. This temple of Mata Chandi Devi accomplishes every wish of the devotees. The temple is very famous in Haridwar. Mata’s court built on the high Neel Hill is so grand that it is jam-packed with followers every month of the year.
Pilgrims also enjoy trekking at the height of the hill and also earn virtue by visiting their mother. The sight of the entire Haridwar from this hill is unbelievable. The river Ganges and the mountains spread far away.
Mansha Devi Temple –
The temple of Maa Mansha Devi, built on a hill called Bilva in the Shivalik hills, is a boon for the devotees. According to mythic philosophies, Mata Mansha was connate from the brain of Mahadev, the God of Gods.
Maa Mansha has been described as the embodiment of Sakshat Shakti. Mata Mansha Devi charms all the wishes of her devotees by vanquishing all their war of nerves.
Bharat Mata Mandir – Haridwar
Bharat Mata Temple located in Haridwar is not about to any spiritual religion, but as its name suggests, it is the vainglorious of India, the temple of Bharat Mata. There is no religious idol or picture of all its dimensions here.
There is a tremendous map of Bharat Mata on the ground inside the temple, it looks like the idol of Bharat Mata.
In the idol, Bharat Mata holds a heap of rice in one hand, and a book, a rosary and a white cloth in the other. The temple is dedicated to the brave sons of India. The temple is worthy of a visit, you must visit here.
Brahma Kund –
Yes, this is the aforementioned ‘Kund’ we have aforesaid above. It is believed that drops of nectar had fallen in this pool, due to which bathing here cure many diseases.
Here Mother Ganga leaves the mountains behind and enters the flat plains. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the earth, had an orderly ‘yagya‘ at this place. Apart from this, there are many other temples worth a detour here, in which it is idiosyncratic to see the footprints of Lord Vishnu.
ShantiKunj Haridwar –
Shanti Kunj Ashram has been of great importance in achieving progress in the field of ancient Ayurvedic medical science. This ashram is very famous all over the world. The spiritual practices that take place here will open your mind to spirituality. People suffering from anxiety, and depression must visit Shanti Kunj Ashram.
Patanjali Yogpeeth –
As a tribute to Maharishi Patanjali, the father of yoga science, this institute is famous all over the world for its works. If you are fascinated by Yoga Vidya then you must visit Patanjali Yogpeeth once.
Patanjali Yogpeeth is also a university that provides education in Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Sanskrit, theology and Social Sciences. Various yoga courses, exercise and pranayama, meditation, Ayurvedic treatment, music and Sanskrit education etc. are studied here.
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a legendary institution that is spread throughout India as well as abroad. Its founder Swami Ramdev has contributed a lot in euphemisms of the importance of yoga in India and abroad.
Rajaji National Park –
If you are interested to see the dense mountain forest then this place is much better for you. Passing through the hills of Shivalik, this forest will make you see different types of wildlife.
You will feel very close to nature by visiting Raja Ji National Park. Lush green forests surrounded by high mountains seem like a dream. Most of the trees in the forest are of sal and teak. The main animals found here include tiger, elephant, wild cat, bear, chital etc.
Sapt Rishi Ashram –
In prehistoric India, this place was the ashram of seven sages, hence this magnificent place was named Sapta Rishi Ashram. This ashram is one of the major tourist places of Haridwar.
Seven different streams of river Ganga can be seen from the ashram, which is a drop-dead gorgeous sight. Many people also know this place by the name of Sapt Sarovar. The distance of the ashram from “Hari Ki Pauri” is only 5 km.
Vishnu Ghat –
According to Hindu mythology, Vishnu Ghat in Haridwar is the place where Lord Vishnu himself took a bath. During the Treta Yuga, Lord Vishnu bathed at this place and completed his worship. The combination of inherent beauty as well as spiritual peace leaves you lost for words for a while.
When should visit Haridwar?
The best time to visit Haridwar is during the cool season between November to March. This time is dry and gratifying when you can bask loads of tourist places in this place.
However, most people visit Haridwar during the months of October to June to bathe in the Ganges and participate in spiritual festivals. After June, the rainy season starts and Haridwar receives a lot of rain, due to which the fun of your trip can be gritty.
Names of other major places to visit in Haridwar –
- Gau Ghat (Religious Place for Peace)
- Maya Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya. From here visitors can see the process of construction of the river Ganges from the ghats.
- Swami Vivekananda Sanctuary (suitable for meditation)
- Daksh Mahadev Temple (Religious Place)
- Crystal World (Water Park)
- Neel Dhara (natural beauty, tourist crowd, beautiful view of temples)
- Bada bazaar (big market) (shopping)
- Bhimgoda Kund Tank
- Piran Kaliyar
Most Famous Ghats of Haridwar –
- Ashti Parvat
- Har Ki Pauri
- Gau Ghat
- Subhash Ghat
- Vishnu Ghat
- Kusha Ghat
- Chandi Ghat
Popular Ashrams in Haridwar –
- Anandamayi Ashram
- Shankar Ashram
- Shantikunj
- Kanva Rishi Ashram
- Saptarishi Ashram
How to reach Haridwar?
Haridwar is located in the state of Uttarakhand in India. Delhi is the best location to reach Haridwar from any part of the country. You can easily accomplish Haridwar from Delhi.
By Road –
The total distance from Delhi to Haridwar is 222 km. You can take any government or private bus from Delhi to Haridwar and reach Haridwar for Rs.400. National Highway 7 (NH 7) passes through Haridwar which connects Delhi and other parts of Uttarakhand. Highway 72 goes from Haridwar to Haldwani.
By Train –
Haridwar Railway Station is one of the busiest railway stations in India. Take a direct train from Delhi Railway Station to Haridwar. Haridwar Railway Station is situated on one of the main rail lines of India. There are many trains plying from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru etc. to Haridwar.
Denouement –
Haridwar is the centre of spirituality. Here you not only get a chance to see the religious culture of the country, but we can also feel it by coming to Haridwar. The natural beauty here is amazing. One must meditate after coming to Haridwar in life.
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