The sacred Himalayan town of
Haridwar represents a living lesson on Hinduism. Located at the foot of the
Shivalik Hills, the town attracts hordes of tourists and devotees from all
corners of the world. Haridwar also holds significance because it stands as the
gateway to the chardham, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath Ji and
Kedarnath Ji. Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu epics and
scriptures as 'Mayapuri', Mokshadwar' and 'Gangadwar'.
Geographically, it is at Haridwar where the sacred Ganga enters the northern
Indian plains. During the Kumbh Mela (held at the interval of every 12 years),
the population of the town swells up to millions.
The next Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held at every 6 years) are
scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2010. Today, Haridwar is seen as a mystic
centre for the rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul.
POPULAR PLACE
Har Ki Pauri |
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Also known as Har ki Pauri, it is the centre of attraction in the pilgrimage
town of Haridwar. Devotees gather here to take a holy dip in the Ganges and to
offer prayers. The celebration Ganga Aarti is a sight to behold here for
tourists. The aarti ceremony takes place here every evening at 7 pm. As the
river Ganga is worshipped, hundreds of diyas are set afloat along the river.
According to Hindu mythology, Har ki Pauri the place where a
drop of the nectar fell from the moiling oceans, when the world
came into existence
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Mansa Devi |
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One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir occupies a place
on top of the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi,
believed to fulfill the wishes of those who visit here. It is a tradition with
the devotees to tie sacred threads around the tree that stands within the
premises of the Mansa Devi temple. From the temple, one can have heart stirring
views of the Haridwar town. Along with Chandi Devi temple and the Maya Devi
temple, it completes the Siddhapeeth Triangle. |
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Chandi Devi |
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The temple stands in dedication to Goddess Chandi. One of the most ancient in
the country, the temple can be reached either by a ropeway ride or by
undertaking a steep climb, that takes up around 45 minutes. The rituals at the
temple begin as early as 4 am in the morning. Visitors are required to strictly
follow the dress code before entering the premises of the Chandi Devi temple. |
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Daksha Mahadev Temple |
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The temple is situated towards the south of the Kankhal town. Built by Queen
Dhankaur in AD 1810, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is the site where Daksha
performed a yagna (a Hindu ritual to invoke gods and seek their blessings). In
the Hindu mythology, Daksha Prajapati is the father of Sati, the spouse of Lord
Shiva. The temple is just a few minutes drive from the railway station. |
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Sapt Rishi |
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The ashram is both ancient and much popular. The words Sapt Rishi is a
combination of sapt (seven) and rishi (sage). According to the Hindu traditions,
it is the place where the sacred Ganga split herself in seven streams to prevent
any disturbance to the seven sages (Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra,
Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam) who were deeply absorbed in meditation. A 5 km
drive from Har ki Pauri takes you to the Sapt Rishi Ashram. |
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Maya Devi |
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Dedicated to goddess Maya Devi, the temple is a major attraction for all
visitors to Haridwar. The temple is counted as one of the shaktipithas in India.
According to the Hindu mythology, it is the place where the heart and navel of
goddess Sati fell down, while Lord Shiva was carrying her burnt body. Numerous
festivals are held at the Maya Devi temple in keeping with the customs and
traditions. |
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Kumbh Mela |
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Lakhs of tourists
arrive in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela, held at the interval
of every twelve years. Devotees and pilgrims arrive here to
purify their should by taking a holy dip in the divine water of
the Ganges. The highly revered Kumbh Mela begins when the plante
Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. |
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Parad Shivling |
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The mythological site is located in the historical town of Kankhal, at 6 km from
the town of Haridwar. The Parad Shivling remains enshrined inside the premises
of the Harihar Ashram in Kankhal. Weighing 150 kg, the shivling is major
pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Devotees worship the shivling to seek the
blessings of Lord Shiva. |
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Bhimgoda Tank |
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The tank is held in high regard by the whole Hindu community. As per the Hindu
mythology, the Bhimgoda Tank was created when Bhim, a legendary character of the
Hindu epic Mahabharata, hit his knee against the ground while the Pandava
brothers were heading towards the Himalayas. The tank occupies a position at a
distance of 300 m from Har ki Pauri in Haridwar. |
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SPIRITUAL PLACES |
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HARIDWAR |
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DETAILS
: The sacred Himalayan town of Haridwar represents a
living lesson on Hinduism.
PLACES TO VISIT : Har ki Pauri
- Mansa Devi |
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RISHIKESH |
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DETAILS : The holy town of Rishikesh has the
eminence of being the International capital of Yoga and
meditation.
PLACES TO VISIT : Laxman Jhula
- Bharat Mandir |
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BADRINATH |
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DETAILS : It is one of the four destinations that
constitute the chardham, a sacred pilgrimage for every
devout Hindu.
PLACES TO VISIT : Panch Badri- Vishal Badri |
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KEDARNATH |
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DETAILS : Kedarnath has the remotest location, a 2-day journey from
Gangotri in Uttarakhand.
PLACES TO VISIT : Tungnath -
Rudranath |
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GANGOTRI |
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DETAILS : sIt is the place from where originates
the Ganges, one of the most sacred rivers of the Hindus.
PLACES TO VISIT : Gaumukh - Gaurikund |
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YAMUNOTRI |
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DETAILS : Yamunotri is an highly significant
Hindu pilgrim's destination
among the four Hindu shrines
PLACES TO VISIT : Surya Kund - Divya Shila |
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TUNGNATH |
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DETAILS : Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in
the world and is one of the five and the highest Panch Kedar
temples.
PLACES TO VISIT : Himalaya View |
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