Haridwar
Haridwar, one of the seven sacred
cities of India lies in the foothills of Shivalikranges, on the right bank of
river Ganga. According to a mythological legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance
here to salvage the souls of his ancestors, who had perished due to saint
Kapila's curse. Bhagirath was blessed and the holy river descended on the earth
and its water revived the sons of King Sagara. Following the tradition of
Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here and pray for the
salvation of their ancestors.
Haridwar is also famous for the
'Kumbh' and 'Ardh Kumbh' fairs held here once in every 12 and 6 years
respectively. Millions of devotees flock to the Haridwar during this auspicious
occasion and take a dip in the holiest river of India. It is said that drops of
amrit (nectar) obtained after the 'Sugar Manthan' fell at four places -
Haridwar, Allahabad, Ujjain and Nashik and the Kumbh fair is held at these four
sacred sites.
Tourist Acctration in Haridwar
- Har ki Pauri
- Canal Centenary Bridge
- Maya Devi Temple
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Daksha Mahadev Temple
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt Sarovar
Har ki Pauri: This most sacred ghat was built by
King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari, who is said to have
meditated here. It is also known as Brahamakund and is the site for the famous
Kumbh Mela. The evening Ganga aarti is spectacular as a large number of ornate
oil lamps (diyas) with dozens of flames burning in pure ghee are offered to
Mother Ganga.
Canal Centenary Bridge: It affords a panoramic view of the
ghats and Ganga canal.
Maya Devi Temple : The ancient temple is dedicated to
Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded as one of
the Siddhapeethas and according to mythology the heart and navel of Goddess Sati
had fallen over here.
Mansa Devi Temple: It is perched atop the Bilwa Parwat
and can be reached by a ropeway or on foot. A statue of the goddess here has
three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. The temple
commands a fine view of Haridwar.
Daksha Mahadev Temple : This ancient Shiva (Mahadev) temple
is located in the south Kankhal town. It is associated
with the legend of goddess Sati.
Chandi Devi Temple : The
shrine atop Neel Parvat on the banks of Ganga was built by Suchat Slngh, the
king of Kashmir in 1929, but the main statue is said to be established by Adi Shankaracharya
in 8th century. According to a 'egend Goddess Chandi killed demons Chanda - Munda
over here. The temple is about 3 kms. trek
R°°d •'
Haridwar lies on N. H. 45 fromChandighat
Sapt Rishi Ashram & Sapt
Sarovar: The legendary site is
said to be the place where Saptarshis (seven sages) meditated and river Ganga
not wanting to disturb them split herself into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar)
around them. Other places of interest — Gurukul Kangri
University; Kanva Rishi Ashram; Bilkeshwar Mahadev; Pawan Dham; Bhooma Niketan;
Vaishnav Devi Temple; Doodhadhari Temple; Shahi Gurudwara; Jairam Ashram.
Reaching There :
Airport: Jolly Grant (41 kms.)
Railhead : Haridwar is well connected by
rail with Delhi, Dehradun and other major towns.
Road :
Haridwar lies on N.H. 45 and well connected to
all major cities. Delhi is 214 kms. away.
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