An
Overview :
Located on the northern India state of Uttranchal, Haridwar or “the
Gateway to the Gods” is one of the major holiest places for Hindus. It
is also the gateway to the other three major shrines namely Rishikesh,
Badrinath, Kedarnath. According to Hindu mythology, this place was called as
Mayapuri, Gangadwar and Mokshadwar. Various sacred ghats, ancient temples,
several festivals and the river Ganga are the major tourist attractions of
this place. It attracts tourists from all parts of India to take a holy dip
in the river Ganga and perform rituals at different temples nearby.
Pilgrimage Shrines :
» Har-Ki-Pauri - This is the most popular ghat
along the river Ganga. It was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory
of his brother Bhartrihari who had come to meditate on the banks of the
river Ganga. Also known as Brahamakund, this ghat is considered as the most
sacred to bath during the Kumbh Festival held here in every 12 year.
» Mansa Devi Temple - Situated at a hilltop named
Bilwa Parwat, the temple is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi. The temples
offers a panoramic view of the city, river and temples.
» Chandi Devi Temple - Located atop the hill Neel
Parvat, the present temple was constructed by the king of Kashmir Suchat
Singh in 1929. It is believed that the original statue was established by
the Adi Guru Sri Shankaracharya in 8th century. The temple is accessible by
a 3km long trek from Chandighat.
» Sapt Rishi Ashram - According to Hindu mythology,
the seven sages or saptarishi were deep in meditation here. The river Ganga
did not want to disturb them and so split into seven different streams
around them known as Sapt Sarovar.
»
Vaishno Devi Temple - This newly constructed temple is a duplicate of
the original Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir.
» Ardha Kumbh & Kumbh Mela - This is the most
well known festival in India that attracts thousands of pilgrims from all
parts of India. The Ardha Kumbh Mela is held in every six years and the
Kumbh Mela is held in every 12 years. During this festival pilgrims gather
in huge number to take a holy dip in the river Ganga to attain Moksh or
Nirvan.
Getting to Haridwar :
Haridwar is well connected to all major destinations of North India by air,
rail and road.
» By Air - The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is
the nearest one and is connected to Delhi.
» By Rail - Trains are available from
Haridwar to all the major cities of the country.
» By Road - An excellent road network links
Haridwar with Delhi and other cities of North India by frequent bus
services. All types of local transports are available to move in and around
the city.
