Haridwar, one of India’s holiest towns, is termed the “Gateway to God.” Additionally, it is the point at which the sacred Ganga joins the plain from the Himalayas. As the heart of Hinduism, it attracts millions of visitors each year who consider dipping in the holy waters as a primary duty of a Hindu.
For centuries, Haridwar, or Mayanagri, as it is referred to in the scriptures, has been a centre for Hindu religion and spirituality. It is also the site of a number of significant Hindu events, notably the Grand Kumbh, which is held every 12 years and attracts millions of people from all over the world.
Baisakhi, Kanwar Mela, Somwati Amavasya, and Kartik Purnima are other significant festivals.
On these days, pilgrims throng to Haridwar, and the city becomes teeming with people, sometimes to the point of overflowing.
Places to visit:
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir: Bilkeshwar Mahadev is a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Bharat Mata Mandir: Devoted to Bharat Mata, or Mother India, this seven-story structure has statues of deities, saints, and secular heroes from all religions. This is both a religious and a national place of worship.
Temple of Daksha Mahadev: The temple of Daksha Mahadev is dedicated to King Daksha, the father of Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife. According to legend, a monarch once organised a yagya to which he invited his daughter but not her husband since he despised Shiva. Sati leaped in the sacred fire of the yagya and gave up her life as a result of Daksha’s insult to Shiva. This event is commemorated by the temple.
Har ki Pauri: Haridwar’s focal point, Har ki Pauri is located on the banks of the Ganges and is frequented by hundreds of pilgrims who come to take a bath in the holy river. According to legend, here is the location of the drop of nectar that fell during the churning of the seas by gods and demons. Har ki Pairi or Pauri translates as Hari’s or Lord Vishnu’s footprint. There is a stone said to have the impression of Lord Vishnu’s foot.
Mansa Devi Temple: The Mansa Devi Temple is a highly prominent temple in Haridwar. It is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi. The temple is perched on a hill and may be accessed either cable car or on foot. The views of the surrounding areas from the temple are magnificent.
Maya Devi Temple: Home to Haridwar’s presiding deity, goddess Maya Devi, the temple is one of the country’s 51 Shakti peeth. Mayanagri is the name given to Haridwar through this temple.
Sati Kund was named after the occurrence in which Sati burned herself to death in the yagya fire because her husband Shiva was humiliated. Sati sacrificed her life by diving into the kund.
How to contact:
Haridwar is readily accessible and has an excellent road network connecting it to the rest of the nation.
Air: The closest airport to Haridwar is in Jolly Grant, around 25 kilometres away.
Rail: The Haridwar Railway station is well linked to the rest of the country’s main towns.
National Highways 58 and 74 link Haridwar to the rest of the nation, making it relatively accessible by road. Haridwar is around 200 kilometres from the national capital Delhi.
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