An Insight :
Haridwar or 'the Gateway to the Gods' is one of the seven holiest places
according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their
footprints in Haridwar. Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three
important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and
Kedarnath. Referred to as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar in the ancient
scriptures and epics, Haridwar has always remained a major pilgrimage for
the Hindus.
Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas, represents the point
where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ancient pilgrimage site,
held in reverence for centuries. The Chinese pilgrim Hyuen Tsang who visited
India in the first millennium CE, describes Haridwar as Mayura, on the
eastern banks of the Ganges. Several temples and ashrams dot this town and a
visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a totally different world.
Lets Explore the Holy City of Haridwar :
The five sacred bathing spots in Haridwar are Gangadwara, Kankhal, Nila
Parvata, Bilwa Theertha and Kusavarta. The main ghat at Haridwar is known as
Hari-ki-Pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall). Nearby
is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot
this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a
spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in
Haridwar at the same instant (see image above). Hundreds throng to the ghats
at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this festival. Offerings of lamps and
flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is
a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.
» Har Ki Pauri -This ghat is one of the most sacred
ghats in India. People say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in
memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In
the evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event which is
a must, not be missed by any visitor.
» Mansa Devi - This temple is located on top of a
hill called the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or
one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives
you an excellent view of Haridwar.
» Kavand Mela - The fair is held ten days before
Shivteras, during the Hindu months of Shravan & Phalgun.
» Chandi Devi - This temple is on the top of a hill
called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The
temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD.
Chandi Devi is a three km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
Where is Haridwar?
» By Air - The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant
in Dehradun/45 Kms away.
» By Rail - Haridwar is well connected to Delhi by
superfast Shatabdi express trains. There is also an overnight service from
Delhi.
» By Road - Haridwar is well connect to Delhi (225
kms), Dehradun (30 kms), Rishikesh (25 kms). Haridwar also serves as a base
town for pilgrimages to Badrinath, Kedarnath etc.
