Haridwar
is located at the foot hills of the Shivalik range, where the Ganga, comes
down from the mighty Himalayas and embraces the plains. The city of
enchanting devotion is located 52 kms from Dehradun, the capital city of
Uttaranchal. Haridwar, literally refers to 'The gateway to the Gods'. "This
place is the ultimate devotional destination", at one sight one will
say so and fall in love with the scenic beauty of the blend of height and
plains. A Gateway to the four pilgrimage of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is also
known as Gangadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri.
Connectivity :
By Air : The nearest airport is Delhi, 220 kms away.
By Rail : There are convenient train connections from
Delhi.
By Road : It's around a 5 hours drive from Delhi, and
about a 2 hours drive from Dehra Dun. Rishikesh is just 22 km away. A
cascade of devotion!
Haridwar is essentially a Hindu pilgrim town with temples, hermitages and
Dharamsalas besides the banks of the Ganga. There are numerous legends
anchored with its perpetuation which are as colorful as the mythology that
infuses the Hindu religion. Haridwar is said to have been sanctified by the
three deities of the Hindu Pantheon-Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva).
Har-ki-Pauri, the most popular bathing ghat (bank of the river) of Haridwar,
has a footprint on stone which is said to be that of Lord Vishnu.
Har-ki-Pauri : The Main ghat and is supposed to be at the
precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
Consequently, the river's power to wash away sins at this place is
superlative and endorsed by a footprint Vishnu (God of Hindu) left in a
stone here. The ghat is on the west bank of a canal through which the Ganges
is diverted just to the north.
Bara
Bazaar: On the north side of the canal, between Har-Ki-Pauri and the Upper
Rd, is the vivid Bara Bazaar. Along with the religious paraphernalia, or
prasaad (food offered to the gods, images of the deities, religious
pamphlets etc) are scores of small stalls crammed along both sides of bazaar
selling an assortment of goods including shawls, brassware, glass bangles,
wooden whistels, bamboo canes and can baskets.
Mansa Devi Temple: On the top of the hill overlooking Haridwar, this temple
is dedicated to the goddess mansa. Mansa is one of the forms of Shakti Durga
who makes wishes come true. It is connected by a ropeway to the heart of
town.
Chandi Ghat Temple : Constructed on Nhil Hill by a
Kashmir raja, Suchet Singh, in 1929, and there are a number of temple at the
hill. You may see large river turtles on the banks of the Nildhara River.
Gorkhnath Temple : An imposing edifice dedicated to Guru
Gorkhnath on main road leading to Har-Ki-Pauri. As might be expected in such
an ancient pilgrim centre, Haridwar has temples for all devotees, all shades
of religious persuasions under that great umbrella of faith called Hinduism.
Saptrishi Ashram : About 5km from Haridwar, named after
the seven rishis (sages) who prayed here for the good of humanity. It has
mythological origin and it is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) who had
trapped the Ganga agreed to release the River on King Bhagirath's request,
provided it split into seven streams.
Bharat Mata Temple : It is a 'modern' temple dedicated to
'Mother India'. An imposing seven-storyes high structure, it has statues of
gods and goddesses and other Indian saints, sages and heroes of Indian myth
and legend.
Pawan Dham temple : This temple is famed for its
fantastic glass and mirrorwork, and its elaborately garbed idols.
