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Haridwar
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Mata Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi |
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Temple Of Haridwar |
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The Gateway of Four Pilgrimages
Haridwar is considered
as the gateway to the four pilgrimages in the Uttrakhand region, The Ganga
leaves the mountains and enters the plains with Hardwar being the first major
town on the plains. Though the Ganges does not lose its rapids completely
nevertheless it becomes very quite and calm here. The water is clean and people
prefer taking bath on the numerous ghats built on the river shores. It is said
that taking bath here purifies the soul and opens the way for the ultimate
freedom, Nirvana.
Haridwar has earned fame as being the place which has been blessed
by the trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It is also one of the major
Shaktipeeths. Down the ages Hardwar has purified the mind, the body and the
soul. Not only in spiritual or religious terms Hardwar has come up as a major
learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has maintained the
Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of teaching has maintained
its fervor in Hardwar.
Haridwar has since ages been a source of
Ayurvedic medicines and has been providing herbal remedies. Hardwar one of the
first towns to be developed on Ganges is still lush and green with forest and
trees. With Rajaji Park in the vicinity Hardwar has also been the destination
for the wildlife and nature lovers. The city acquires a unique charm in the
evening when the ghats become breath taking beautiful with thousands of Diyas
and Marigold floating in the waters of Ganges. About three and half lakh People
reside in this city. Hindi, Punjabi, Garhwali and English are the main Languages
of Communication.
Location
It is
located on the foot hills of Shivaliks and on the banks of River Ganga. This
major pilgrimage center is well connected by trains to all the major towns of
India. In fact trains bring the major load of pilgrims and tourist inflow to
Haridwar. Haridwar is located at a height of almost 300 meters . One Should
never expect any sort of pleasant high altitude climate here. During the summers
the temperature usually hangs around 40 degrees but winters sees the mercury
dipping as low as six degrees. So neither of the seasons are suitable or ideal
for tourists to venture in Haridwar. The monsoons further add to the miseries of
the visitors.
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Haridwar Pilgrimage Attractions |
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Pilgrimage Attractions in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
This ghat, located in Haridwar, is one of the most
sacred ghats in India. People say that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in
memory of his brother Bhartrihari. This ghat is also known as Brahmakund. In the
evening a Maha Aarti is performed on this ghat. It is an event which is must not
be missed by any visitor. The floral diyas which float on the ghat in the
twilight creates an impression of a stars being brought in the river water.
During the day time the ghat is full of Pandas and Pujaris who sometime extract
big money from the visitor. Avoid them if you can.
The ghat is also full
of beggars, they not only create trouble for the visitor but also make the place
dirty. There are many hotels, guest houses and temples on this ghat.
- Chandi Devi
This temple is on the top of a hill called the Neel
Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga. The temple was constructed
by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a three km trek
from the Chandi Ghat.
The
story goes that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the demons Shumbh-Nishumbh were
killed by Goddess Chandi hence the name Chandi devi. It also said that the
original statute of Chandi was established by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century
AD. Now a rope way has been built which takes you to the top. Chandi devi is six
kilometer from the main town of Haridwar.
- Mansa Devi
This temple is also located on top of a hill called
the Bilwa Parvat. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the
normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent
view of Haridwar. The temple is surrounded by many shops and you have to follow
the line to have a glimpse of the goddess. One of the goddess has three mouths
and six arms while another has eight arms. The trolly ropeway route to Chandi
Devi and Mansa Devi, is very exciting.
- Daksha Mahadev Temple
Four kms from Haridwar is a town called
Kankhal. Mythology says that the king of this place King Daksha Prajapati
performed a yagya. His daughter, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was
not happy with this marriage and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.
But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the
insult and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On hearing this the followers of
Shiva killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The
Daksha temple is an attribute to this legend. This place is one of the five
sacred places in Haridwar.
- Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small
streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing
sight.
- Maya Devi
It is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient
temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that
when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the
honour of her husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this
place. Fairs and Festivals.
Though all the Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp
and gaiety, it is the Ardh Kumbh which attracts the mind of any tourist to this
place. The Ardh Kumbh is held every six years and the last Ardh Kumbha of this
century ended this year. It is said that a holy dip in the river Ganges during
the Kumbh gives you Moksha or Nirvana.
People gather in huge number to
take the holy dip during these holy days. There are Saints, Naga Sadhus,
Politicians almost every one is here. The city is overflowing with people. If
going to Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh then avoid the over crowded ghats. Every
there are reports of stampedes and the various factions or Akharas of Sadhus
clash with each other. Ensure your accommodation well in advance if going during
the Kumbh.
- Kavand Mela
Ten days before Shivteras, during the Hindu months of
Shravan & Phalgun, corresponding to the months of July and August, thousands
of devotees throng Haridwar, all the way walking bare feet, to collect holy
waters of the river Ganga. Then they carry it back to their hometown & offer
it at the local Shiv Temple. Colorful shops spring up and Haridwar resounds to
the chanting of hymns.
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