Haridwar is a holy city in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. It is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism and is considered to be the gateway to the Himalayas.
Haridwar is known for its religious and spiritual significance and attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year.
The name “Haridwar” translates to “Gateway to Lord Vishnu,” and it is believed that taking a dip in the holy Ganges River in Haridwar washes away one’s sins and leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The river is also considered to be one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism and is worshipped as a goddess.
One of the main attractions in Haridwar is the Har Ki Pauri, a ghat that is considered to be the most sacred and is the site of the famous Ganga Aarti.
During the Aarti, hundreds of devotees gather to offer prayers and light diyas in the river, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Another popular attraction in Haridwar is the Mansa Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess of power and prosperity.
The temple is located on top of a hill and can be reached by a cable car. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river.
Haridwar is also famous for its ashrams, which are spiritual retreats where people can come to meditate and seek enlightenment.
The city is known for its religious and spiritual significance, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage.
Weather for Haridwar: 10°C to 30°C (Winters) 30°C – 40°C (Summers)
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Here are some of the top places to visit in Haridwar:
Har Ki Pauri
This ghat is considered to be the most sacred in Haridwar and is the site of the famous Ganga Aarti. During the Aarti, hundreds of devotees gather to offer prayers and light diyas in the river, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Har Ki Pauri is the place where River Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plains for the first time. Oozing serenity and calm all the time, it is the evening time at Har Ki Pauri that is most cherished by its visitors.
Daksha Mahadev temple, Kankhal
Daksheswar Mahadev or Daksha Mahadev temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Mentioned in the Vayu Purana and the Mahabharata as Kanakhala, Kankhal is one of ‘Panch Tirth’ within Haridwar, with other spots being Gangadwara, Kushwart, Bilwa Teerth and Neel Parvat.
It is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati. Daksha is one of the fourteen Prajapatis, creator deities, who preside over procreation and are the protector of life in Hindu mythology.
This temple is the source of all the 52 shakti peeths (centres of primordial energy) in the world.
Yajnashala are conducted is very old and it has been confirmed as the place in which the original Sati gave up her life.
The present temple was built by Rani Dhankaur in 1810. The 3rd image is of the havan kund of Daksha Prajapati, where Sati had performed self immolation.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a sacred and famous hindu temple located at 32 km from Rishikesh that is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple sits in the laps of Manikoot, Vishnukoot and Brahmakoot hills. It is at the point of meet of the rivers, Pankaja and Madhumati.
The temple extends its land to the sacred Shivalingam that sits inside the temple at all its glory. Adorned with the flowers and offerings made by the devotees, the Shivalingam inside the temple is the worshipped site.
Parmarth Niketan
This is one of the largest ashrams in Haridwar and is known for its spiritual retreats and yoga classes. Visitors can also attend the Ganga Aarti and enjoy the lush gardens and peaceful atmosphere of the ashram.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
This ashram is located on the banks of the Ganges River and is considered to be one of the most peaceful and spiritual places in Haridwar. Visitors can participate in yoga and meditation classes and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Anandamayi Ma Ashram
This ashram is dedicated to the spiritual teacher Anandamayi Ma and is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can participate in meditation and spiritual activities and learn about the teachings of Anandamayi Ma.
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple
This Temple is situated in the valley of Billa Parvat near Har ki Pauri in Haridwar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati.
It is believed that the site at which the temple sits is the same spot where Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva and he accepted to make her his wife.
Being surrounded by woods in a hilly area, the Temple is a weekend getaway and picnic spot for the locals and the visiting tourists.
How To Reach Haridwar?
By Air
The nearest domestic airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is located 37 km from Haridwar. Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest international airport in New Delhi.
By Rail
Haridwar railway station in Haridwar is under the control of Northern Railway area of Indian Railways.
The city has direct links to major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad but it does not have direct connection to the major cities of central India.
By Road
Haridwar can easily be reached from Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab and other parts of Uttarakhand. State transport and private buses can easily be reached from Haridwar from all these places.
Visitors can board these buses based on their appropriate time.
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