The most sacred place for Hindu pilgrims, Haridwar is a city in the state of Uttarakhand. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations of India, which is visited by pilgrims from all over the World. Haridwar means “The 'Gateway to God” and it is believed that every Hindu should once in lifetime visit the place. Situated in the midst of serene and beautiful backdrop, the holy River Ganga flows through the city and enters the Indo-Gangetic plain of North India. The scenic beauty of Haridwar is as well captivating with the beautiful river flowing by and lush greenery. The panoramic view of the holy river Ganga and magnificent mountains are the sights to take a look at. It is also a place where the world-renowned Kumbha Mela takes place every 12 years. This Mela is a major religious gathering, which is visited by travelers from all over the World and lasts for 40 days. The city has gained immense prominence for the Holy River Ganga as according to Hindu Mythology a dip in the river banishes all the sins and owing to this reason, several Hindu pilgrims visit the place to take a punge into the holy river. There are several Travel places to visit in Haridwar, which include:
Har Ki Pauri
Also known as Brahmakund, Har Ki Pauri is one of the most prominent attractions of the city. This site according to legends was the place where the divine nectar (amrit) fell from the pitcher during the fight between the sasuras and devtas. The site is also famous for holding the popular Kumbha Mela that takes place every 12 years. A huge crowd of devotees visits this place to take a dip in the holy river. During the twilight, aarati is performed offering an enthralling view of earthen lamps floating in the river. This is one of the most sacred places of the city, which is thronged by visitors from all over the World. The ghat also house a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and all holy rituals are performed in this ghat.
Kankhal
Famous for Daksheswara Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandamoyi Ashram, Kankhal is a small protectorate situated in Haridwar. Kanakhal also has Patanjali Yog Peeth and is one of ' Five Pilgrimages' (Panch Tirth) in Haridwar. The Daksheswara Mahadev is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that this was the place where Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva self-immolated on the spot as she could not take the insult of her husband done by her father. Owing to this, the place is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage places of the city.
Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi Temple is another important must visit places in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Goddess Chandi, is believed to fulfill all the wishes of her devotees and this attracts a huge swarm of devotees everyday. This temple in Haridwar is believed to have been preserved by Adi Shankaracharya around the 8th century. Situated on a hill top, the temple can be accessed by cable car in five minutes or one may opt to walk up the steep hill slope, which takes around 45 minutes.
Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj was established in Haridwar by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in 1971 to proliferate a divine society in the modern epoch known as the All World Gayatri Pariwar. It was established with the attempt to propagate scientific spirituality through the discovery and control of one's inner thoughts. The Haridwar Shanti Kunj is the head quarter for the mission and has over 70 million followers across the world. With an endeavor to rouse spirituality, morality and ethicality, the institution spreads the words of love, unity, understanding and peace.
Mansa Devi Temple
Situated on the summit of a hilltop of Bilwa Parwat, Mansa Devi temple is another holy places of the holy city. The major attraction of Mansa Devi Temple or Mansa Mata Mandir includes two overwhelming sculptures one of which is of Goddesses of Mansa Devi Temple with eight arms and the other one stands in the shrine with five arms and three mouths. This unique feature of the two presiding deities makes Mansa Devi Temple one of the most popular temples in Haridwar. Pilgrims from all over the nation visits the place to seek the blessings of the Goddess for a better life.
Har Ki Pauri
Also known as Brahmakund, Har Ki Pauri is one of the most prominent attractions of the city. This site according to legends was the place where the divine nectar (amrit) fell from the pitcher during the fight between the sasuras and devtas. The site is also famous for holding the popular Kumbha Mela that takes place every 12 years. A huge crowd of devotees visits this place to take a dip in the holy river. During the twilight, aarati is performed offering an enthralling view of earthen lamps floating in the river. This is one of the most sacred places of the city, which is thronged by visitors from all over the World. The ghat also house a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and all holy rituals are performed in this ghat.
Kankhal
Famous for Daksheswara Mahadev Temple and Maa Anandamoyi Ashram, Kankhal is a small protectorate situated in Haridwar. Kanakhal also has Patanjali Yog Peeth and is one of ' Five Pilgrimages' (Panch Tirth) in Haridwar. The Daksheswara Mahadev is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that this was the place where Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva self-immolated on the spot as she could not take the insult of her husband done by her father. Owing to this, the place is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage places of the city.
Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi Temple is another important must visit places in Haridwar. The presiding deity, Goddess Chandi, is believed to fulfill all the wishes of her devotees and this attracts a huge swarm of devotees everyday. This temple in Haridwar is believed to have been preserved by Adi Shankaracharya around the 8th century. Situated on a hill top, the temple can be accessed by cable car in five minutes or one may opt to walk up the steep hill slope, which takes around 45 minutes.
Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj was established in Haridwar by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in 1971 to proliferate a divine society in the modern epoch known as the All World Gayatri Pariwar. It was established with the attempt to propagate scientific spirituality through the discovery and control of one's inner thoughts. The Haridwar Shanti Kunj is the head quarter for the mission and has over 70 million followers across the world. With an endeavor to rouse spirituality, morality and ethicality, the institution spreads the words of love, unity, understanding and peace.
Mansa Devi Temple
Situated on the summit of a hilltop of Bilwa Parwat, Mansa Devi temple is another holy places of the holy city. The major attraction of Mansa Devi Temple or Mansa Mata Mandir includes two overwhelming sculptures one of which is of Goddesses of Mansa Devi Temple with eight arms and the other one stands in the shrine with five arms and three mouths. This unique feature of the two presiding deities makes Mansa Devi Temple one of the most popular temples in Haridwar. Pilgrims from all over the nation visits the place to seek the blessings of the Goddess for a better life.
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