Har Ki Pauri

Representing Hardiwar in all of its sacredness and serenity, the Har Ki Pauri is one of the most honored ghats in all of India. Created by the regal and powerful King Vikramaditya out of love and memory for his brother Bhrithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga in Haridwar. 

History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on the Ghat, which is indicative of the name As Har Ki Pauri, hence also known as steps of God. This sacred holy bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. 

Every month hundreds and thousands of devotees come here to take bath in the holy Ganges. It is believed that after taking bath in sacred Ganges their sins will vanish and they will attain Salvation. There are many temples on this ghat. Also everyday in the evening a Mahaarti (prayer) is performed, devotees gather on the ghat during this time to attend the aarti. The sound of bhajans and aarti’s (spiritual prayers and songs) gives peace to the mind. The view in the evening becomes magnificent when  The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga float on the top of the river makes it a best places to visit in Haridwar.

Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri

Ganga Aarti means  Prayer or  worship of the River Ganges. Haridwar( the Devbhoomi) is famous for Har ki Pauri and it’s Ganga Aarti.

Lots of people visit this place for Ganga aarti everyday at 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm (Daily). Morning aarti time is approximately 05:30 A.M in winter and 06:30 AM in Summer according to Sunrise. 

Evening time for Ganga Aarti is approximately 05:30 PM in winter and 06:30 in summer.

Better to reach ghat at least one Hour in advance so you can get to sit near to the aarti pandals.

The priests hold large fire bowls in their hands, the bells in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants of mantras flowing out in the air. People float diyas, with flowers on Ganga. The sound of bhajans and aarti’s (spiritual prayers and songs) gives peace to the mind. The view in the evening becomes magnificent when  The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga float on the top of the river. Attending Ganga  aarti will give you a mind blowing experience.

Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient and powerful Serpent Goddess, worshipped in different forms and names all over the world. The most important day of Mansa Devi Puja is Naag Panchami. She is also worshipped for protection from incurable diseases.

Maa Mansa devi Temple is Located on top of Shivalik hills in Haridwar. It is one of the most important temples of North India and the second most important destination after Har-ki-Pauri in Haridwar. Goddess Mansa devi is the daughter of Maharishi Kashyap and Sister of Naag Vasuki. She was born from Maharishi Kashyap’s “Manas” and became famous by the name ‘Mansa devi’. ‘Mansa’ also means wishes. Mansa devi is also known as the Goddess who fulfills the wishes of the devotees visiting the temple.  Once the wishes are fulfilled, the devotees mark value by returning to the tree to untie the threads.

Mansa devi temple is one of the most ancient and famous Sidhpeeth. Mansa devi along with Chandi devi and Maya devi temple form a Sidhpeeth Triangle in the holy city of Haridwar. Here one statue of the Goddess has three faces and five arms while the other image has eight arms.

How To Reach:

Tourists can reach the temple by following the 2.5 km trekking route from Laltarapul in Haridwar. There is also a rope-way service called Mansa Devi Udankhatola from Mansa Devi Temple Marg(way).

Chandi Devi Temple

Chandi Devi Temple is situated at the top of the Neel Parvat of Shivalik Hills, and stands in honorable dedication to Goddess Chandi. This Goddess holds the title of being the one who conquered and killed the ancient demon king’s Shumbha and Nishumbha who captured God Indra and threw him from heaven. To punish the demons, goddess Parvati took the form of beautiful woman Chandi and appeared in front of Shumbha. Looking at her beauty, Shumbha desired to marry her, however the goddess refused his proposal.

In anger, Shumbha asked his demon chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill the goddess. Goddess Chamunda, who originated out of Chandika’s anger, killed Shumbha and Nishumbha and after killing them took rest for a while at the top of Neel Parvat. At the same site, this temple was later built to testify to the legend.

It is believed that the main statue was established by Adi Sankaracharya in the 8th Century AD. 

How To Reach:

Tourists can reach the temple by following the 3 km trekking route from Chandighat in Haridwar. There is also a rope-way service called Chandi Devi Udankhatola from Gaurishankar Temple to this temple.

From the temple, rope-way service takes tourists to Chandi Devi shrine in Haridwar. Within the temple, leather accessories, non vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited.

Maya Devi Temple

The Maya Devi Temple carries a lot of significance in the mythological history of Haridwar. Visitors to this holy town make a beeline to seek the blessings of goddess Maya Devi to whom the temple is dedicated. The temple is more popular among visitors because it completes the Siddha Peeth Triangle in Haridwar along with the temples Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi. A pilgrim’s visit to Haridwar is deemed to be incomplete without visiting the Maya Devi Temple.

The temple has an ancient history. According To mythological legends of the 11th century, Maya Devi is believed to be the goddess of shakti (meaning power) She is a three-headed and four-armed deity. Hindus believe that Mata Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife ) burnt herself to take revenge for her father’s insult by her husband. Upon getting the news of Sati being burnt, Lord Shiva was filled with anger & rage. He then took Sati’s burnt body and set off on a tour across the universe.

During Lord Shiva’s tour, different body parts (as they were burnt) fell down in different locations of the world. According to mythology, Mata Sati’s navel fell down where the Maya Devi temple is located today. That’s how the Maya Devi Temple came into existence. It is due to this reason that Hindus from all parts of the world hold this temple in high regard.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town & 5 kms From Haridwar Bus Stand. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati was the father of Mata Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife). The Daksha Mahadev Temple is a unique piece of art and history. Dedicated to legendary tales featuring the wedding of Goddess Sati to the renowned Lord Shiva, this destination contains endless tales and images of the legendary figures. 

According To Hindu Mythology,King Daksha Prajapti  performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva.When lord Shiva arrived  as uninvited. King Daksh he was further insulted Lord Shiva as he came here uninvited. After seeing this insulted behaviour of his father towards Lord Shiva. Sati felt infuriated and decided to  self-immolate herself in the yagni kund.

When Lord Shiva got this news, he took the life of King Daksha by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva’s anger. However, Lord Shiva returned the life of Daksha and gave a goat’s head. So, the Daksha Mahadev temple is a reminder of this interesting legend and is regarded in high esteem by Hindus.

The Daksha Temple carries more significance due to the fact that it occupies a place in the list of five sacred sites in the town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The journey from Haridwar to Kankhal is quite a scenic one. During your drive, you can soak up heart-stirring views of River Ganga & its surrounding areas with Himalayan landscape. Moreover, you can pay a visit to Veerabhadreshwara en route to Kankhal.

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Mandir is recognized as a grandeur 8-storey temple, and is home to a large collection of mythological art pieces. Featuring multiple idols on each floor, the legendary and creative figures found here–including the leaders and heroes.It was inaugurated  by our great Late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi 15th May 1983. This Temple is also known as Mother India Temple was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri.

It is Sited in Sapt Sarovar near ashram at Haridwar. Bharat Mata Temple is a holy place of its own kind. The temple is also unique in the sense that it is built in 8 stories, each of which represents a specific theme and is devoted to various legends and deities of India. The eight-storey temple rises up to a height of 180 ft.

Here Below Find The Complete Details of Bharat Mata Temple.

1st Floor : is dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India) it has the statue of Bharat Mata.

2nd Floor : The  ‘Shoor Mandir’ is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India.

3rd Floor :The  ‘Matru Mandir’ is dedicated to the achievements of India’s revered women such as Meera Bai, Savitri, Maitri etc.

4th Floor : Dedicated to the Great saints from various religions, including Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism are featured on ‘Sant Mandir’.

5th Floor : The Assembly Hall with walls depicting symbolic coexistence of all religions practiced in India and paintings portraying history and beauty in various provinces of India are situated on the fifth floor.

6th Floor : The various forms of the Goddess of Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, it is dedicated to Goddess Shakti of the Hindu religion.

7th Floor : The seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the preserver form of the holy Hindu Trinity.

8th Floor : The uppermost floor features the shrine of Lord Shiva, the supreme god in Hindu tradition.

Doodhadhari Barfani Temple

This Temple is located inside the Dudhari Baba Barfani  Ashram near Bhupatwala which is 5 kms from Har ki Pauri and 8 kms From Haridwar Main Bus stand. This temple is made in white marble and is one of most beautiful modern temples of Haridwar. Dudhadhari Temple is noted for its simplicity, elegance and quietude. The main temple houses idols of  Lord Ram-Sita. It is preceded by an array of smaller temples of the deities from the Hindu pantheon. Right across the Ram temple is an imposing temple of Lord Hanuman.

Sapt Rishi Ashram

This Ashram is located on the Sapt Sarovar( Ganga Banks) at a distance of 5 kms from Haridwar Bus Stand. It is said that Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis named : {Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja And Gautam}, worshipping there would not be disturbed.

There are also 5 statues on the banks of the river for the Pandavas.

Apart from being one of the Tourist places in Haridwar, the ashram also is a divine place for students who reside and learn from the saints.

One can spend hours enjoying the cool breeze, the beautiful landscape opposite, the rhythmic sounds of free flowing water and a serene atmosphere. Right place for self introspection.

Bara Bazar

Bara Bazar is one of the most popular shopping places in Haridwar located at the narrow street of subhash Ghat.It is at distance of approx 2 kms from Haridwar Bus stand. Locals and tourists from all across the world come here to buy knick-knacks. Since Haridwar is a religious place, you’ll find various Puja items inlined across the narrow streets of the Bara Bazaar.

The locally famous churan (digestive powders),Ayurveda medicines, genuine Rudraksha seeds, and an array of mouth-watering milk sweets like “peeda” can also be bought from here. Here Also you Can see  tiny stalls crammed along both sides of the bazaar selling a variety of goods including shawls, brassware, glass bangles, wooden whistles, bamboo canes and can baskets.

Anandamayi Ma Ashram

The Anandamayi Ma Ashram is located in the Kankhal area, and is none other than home to the very renowned Samadhi shrine. This shrine is devoted and dedicated with all of its being to one of the most highly regarded saints “Ma Anadamayi”.She was a Bengali mystic, born on 30th April 1896 and died on 27 August 1982. Her Samadhi was made inside the Ashram. She was known for her yogic powers. She had travelled all over the world and spread her spiritual beliefs.

The Ma Anandamayi Ashram is just opposite to Daksh Prajapati Temple and is the resting place of Mother. This place is Well known for pure Devotion and Kirtan of Bengali traditions and DurgaPuja lovers.

Every Morning Aarti time & Kirtan at 6 AM-8.30 AM & Evening 6-8 PM

The place is very clean and has a book stall inside its complex. There is a huge Rudraksh tree as well in the complex. Many Havan Kunds exist for Havan ceremony.  An Akhand Diya is always lightened offering a peaceful and divine feeling.

Tourists can visit to Ati Rudra Yagnashala,Annapurnasthal,Rudraksha Tree, Gayatri Yagnashala, Shankaracharya Hall, Ma Anandamayi Museum and Ma Anandamayi Vidyapeeth in the Ashram.

Shantikunj Ashram

Shantikunj Ashram is located 9 km from haridwar bus stand. Shantikunj is the world-renowned Ashram and headquarters of the spiritual and social organization All World Gayatri Pariwar. Recognized in 1971 at Haridwar, it has emerged over the years as a center of the global movement of  Yug Nirman Yojana for moral-spiritual regeneration in the light of hoary Indian heritage. Ashram is Sited at the bank of holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, it’s also a place of attraction for tourists and seekers of spiritual guidance. Development of divinity in mankind is the foremost goal and avowed objective.

There are Various important sites like Samadhi sthal, Yagya Shala, Temples of Rishis and Gayatri Mata etc are special Features of Shantikunj. Facilities are ultimate here without any cost if anything cost it will be minimum.

You can find lots of Ayurvedic plants and medicine, books and aqua pressure related therapy items. Shantikunj is having its own University, Goshala, clothmil,  all pooja related materials manufacturing like agarbatti, havan kund etc.

Bhimgoda Tank

The Bhimgoda Tank is located 1 km outside of Har-ki-Pauri, and holds an impressive history for curious travelers to take in. Haridwar Bhimgoda Kund enlightens the travelers on the rich religious heritage and mythological legacy of the bygone golden time.

It is Said to have been created by Bhima himself. When Pandava was passing through here, there was no water available nearby. Mata kunti felt thirsty here and asked for water, Bhim Sen then hit his knee on the rocks and a sudden water started coming from the rocks. This massive tank is believed to have formed when he drew water from the rocks at this spot. In this place from where Ganga aarthi will be done and there are few temples on the place like lord Hanuman lord Radha Krishna and Lord Ram.

Sati Kund 

Sati Kund is located 5 kms from Haridwar Bus stand. Another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati, the daughter of King Daksha Prajapati  immolated herself in this kund due to King Daksha insulted Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva as he came here uninvited. After seeing this insulted behaviour of his father towards Lord Shiva. Sati felt infuriated and decided to self-immolate herself in the yagni kund.

Moti Bazaar, Kankhal

Providing the newest and latest of all fashion and accessories, these colourful markets have displays of anything you desire, including goddess idols, spiritual books, cane and bamboo products, semi-precious stones and herbal medicines. There are also some Handlooms and Handicraft Emporium. These creative markets and stores contain handicraft pieces, home décor, an intriguing array of jewellery, and fashion accessories – all for bargain prices!

Shopping in Haridwar will delight all of your senses with its handmade items and homemade foods, including digestive cookies and dried mango. The treats and goodies here don’t simply end at fashion, literature and furniture – Haridwar will most definitely hit your sweet tooth.  Be sure to bring back some delicious foods to share with your friends and family!

Pawan Dham 

Pawan Dham temple is situated around 3 kilometres from Haridwar city centre and you can easily get an auto or shared rickshaw. Pawan Dham is located about 500 mt further, along the Haridwar- Rishikesh road.

Pawan-Dham is a branch of Geeta Bhawan Trust Society which is registered in Moga Punjab). It is the Social Welfare Organisation wing of a core group of activities, which also includes Sant Seva,Cow Seva,Free Fooding for sants and others, running since 1970. The founder was Swami Vedantanandji Maharaj Ji. This place is really Peaceful and Beautiful. Here you can see almost every god of Hinduism but this temple is famous for lord Ram.

This place is surrounded by a market and in these markets you can find all kinds of pictures of lords. Here you have to pay for clicking the picture of you and the temple. You can see the floating stone which has been used for making Ram Setu.

The design and layout of the temple is very distinctive. Much of the interior is decorated in a mixture of mirrors and colour glass tiles. One of the presiding deities is a Vishvarupa or universal form of Krishna. It is called “Kaanch ka Temple or Sheesh Temple “ meaning the temple made of glass. The walls are made with glass decorations and have a good view. There is a place to keep your shoes outside and some small shops are there which sell chains, statues etc.

Birla Ghat 

Birla Ghat is one of the ancient riverside ghats at Haridwar. The Birla Ghat is a pristine and tranquil site, situated adjacent to Vishnu Ghat. Situated on the banks of the Holy River Ganga, there is a flight of stairs that lead towards the holy water, enabling the devotees to take a dip and absolve their sins, as is believed by many. Security barriers are installed near the flight of stairs to prevent people from drowning while bathing in the Ganga River’s strong water current.

Here also You can see  Ganga Aarti is done every evening. It is much less crowded ghats than Har ki pauri. Shri Maya Devi temple is also at a walking distance from this ghat.

There are multiple food joints and eateries too at Birla Ghat, making it a good place to visit if you wish to escape the maddening crowd of Har ki Pauri. Since Birla Ghat is a 5-minute walk from the Vishnu Ghat, both can be visited together. 

Patanjali Yogpeeth 

Patanjali Yogpeeth is  located on Delhi- Haridwar NH-58 highway 20 km from haridwar and 15 kms From Roorkee. Shared auto-rickshaw and buses can be taken to reach there. Patanjali Yogpeeth is one of the largest Yoga Training Institutes in India. Named after the Ancient Guru Maharishi Patanjali, the Compiler of Yoga sutras.

Patanjali institute is under Baba Ramdev’s flagship project & has been set up for treatment, research & development in Yoga and Ayurveda, as well as the manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines. Patanjali Yogpeeth covers a vast area of land, where they cultivate their own organic fruits, grains and vegetables. you can have the “Satvik Bhojan” (pure food) in the food court inside the premises. Various healthy fruit and vegetables juices are also available at a very low price. For advanced courses in Yog and Pranayam . You can stay at their ashram at reasonable rates.

There is also an Ayurvedic Medical College inside the Yogpeeth. Here is  Ayurveda college for study & research in Ayurveda field along with OPD, IPD, yogic & Ayurvedic consultancy, Panchkarma clinic and research centre, Shatkarma clinic and research centre. Here you can easily find Annapurna, ATM and banks, post office, Paridhan, railway and air ticket booking counter and Patanjali Mega store.