Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest towns in India. It is situated where the holy Ganga River first meets the plains of the Indo-Gangetic region. Replete with shrines, retreats, and winding streets throughout the city, Haridwar is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage destination where millions of followers gather to bathe in the sacred Ganges. It is said that bathing in the holy Har Ki Pauri absolves one of all sins.
Hindu customs state that Haridwar is home to the Panch Tirth or five pilgrimages. These are Mansa Devi Temple (Bilwa Tirth), Chandi Devi Temple (Neel Parvat), Ghat (Kushwart), Har ki Pauri (Gangadwar), and Kankhal. Globally, Haridwar is renowned for its Ayurvedic, meditation, and yoga practices. It is a religious center, hence non-vegetarian food and drink are not allowed. The city has excellent bus and train connections, although from May to October—the yatra season—it gets extremely busy.
Destinations In Haridwar
1. Ganga Aarti in Haridwar
At the Har Ki Pauri ghat in Haridwar, on the banks of the holy Ganga, is held the devotional ceremony known as Ganga Aarti. This light-and-sound ceremony, which draws visitors and followers from all over the world, involves priests performing prayers with fire bowls and temple bells ringing. Amidst the singing of mantras and the reflection of lights off the flowing river, believed to be blessed by the Goddess Ganga, visitors float “diyas” (little candles) and flowers.
2. Har Ki Pauri
Considered one of the holiest Ghats in Haridwar and India, Har Ki Pauri is a hallowed location that receives a great deal of attention from devotees and tourists who come to offer prayers in hopes of receiving the blessings of the Holy Ganga. “Steps to Lord Shiva,” as Har Ki Pauri is precisely translated, is located in the holy city of Haridwar, one of the seven holiest sites in the nation. This is the spot where, according to Indian legend, the droplets of elixir (‘Amrit’) were inadvertently spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. A bath in the Ganges is supposed to wash away one’s sins. The river is brimming with the golden glow of many diyas that worshippers have donated.
The Ganga River meets the lowlands for the first time at Har Ki Pauri, where it flows through the Himalayas. The evenings of Har Ki Pauri, which exude tranquility and tranquillity all around, are the most treasured by guests. Offerings are made with lit candles and diyas floating across the river at the several temples along the riverbank, which is a mesmerizing sight to see. It is an unforgettable experience to sing mantras and pray with sages as they meditate. Gongs playing in the background transports listeners to a completely different realm. It is said that in Vedic times, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the location.
3. Chandi Devi Temple
Situated atop the Shivalik Hills‘ Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi shrine in Haridwar is a quaint shrine devoted to the Chanda Devi Goddess. One of the five pilgrimages of Haridwar, the Chandi Devi Mandir, also called Neel Parvat Teerth or Siddha Peetha, is a location where devotees worship to fulfill their desires. Trekking visitors are also drawn to the Chandi Devi temple because of its location. An exciting view may be had from the ropeway that takes you to the temple’s highest point.
The greatest way to appreciate Chandi Devi Temple’s historic splendor is to trek to the summit. You will undoubtedly sense the holy presence all around you thanks to the lush surroundings. This temple, which is among the most ancient and esteemed in all of Haridwar, receives a great deal of annual traffic. The festivals of Chandi Chaudas, Navratra, and Kumbh Mela, when the temple witnesses incredible celebrations and enormous participation, are among the most joyous times to be here. It is imperative to visit the Chandi temple during the festival season.
4. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
The goddess Mansa Devi, who is revered in the Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, is thought to have manifested from Lord Shiva’s consciousness and is regarded as a type of Shakti. This temple is one of the five pilgrimages in Haridwar, known as the “Panch Tirths,” and it receives thousands of Hindu visitors each year. The temple, situated atop the Bilwa Parvat in the Sivalik Hills, is often referred to as Bilwa Tirth in popular culture.
In addition to its physical significance, the Mansa Devi Temple is extremely sacred since it is situated in Haridwar, which is one of the four locations where it is said that drops of elixir unintentionally dropped while being carried by Garuda, Lord Vishnu‘s vehicle. This may be the reason why, out of all the temples in north India, this opulent one receives some of the largest foot traffic. Another element that contributes to the temple’s grandeur and draws visitors from all across the nation is the ropeways that ascend to it.
5. Rajaji National Park
Rajaji National Park, which spans the Shivalik mountain ranges, is a wonderful vacation spot for those who enjoy the outdoors and animals because it is incredibly rich in both flora and fauna.
Rajaji National Park, which is well-known for its wildlife—particularly tigers and elephants—has been designated as a Tiger Reserve by the Indian government. This national park, which honors C. Rajagopalchari, is located in three districts of Uttarakhand: Dehradun, Haridwar, and Pauri Garhwal. Additionally, this region is rich in priceless fossils that are up to 10 million years old. The sal, teak, and other bushes in the woodland area are well-liked. With a Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari arranged by the Forest Department, you should enjoy the remoteness and vast diversity of Himalayan wildlife here. The 34-kilometer forest track is a big draw. Asian elephants, tigers and king cobras, panthers, bears, chital, and sambar can all be seen.
6. Shanti Kunj Haridwar
Situated in Haridwar, Shantikunj is a globally recognized ashram and the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP). This pilgrimage center, an institute for social and spiritual awakening, has shown millions of people the way and provided them with enduring satisfaction. It is a perfect location that train the general public on divine spiritual ideas and strives to bring back Rishi customs.
The ultimate aim and declared purpose is the growth of divinity in humankind. Yagya Shala, Gayatri Mata Temple, Akhand Deep, Devatma Himalaya Temple, ancient Rishi temples, and an Exhibition of Divine Culture are all located within the Shantikunj Ashram. You can take part in the ashram’s everyday activities in addition to visiting these locations. Additionally, some training camps are held to promote moral and spiritual principles. Shanti Kunj is the place to be if you’re looking for divine inspiration and inner serenity.
