Haridwar in Uttarakhand is on the right bank of the Ganges river, at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges.Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus, hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. Most significant of the events is the Kumbha Mela, which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the Ganges to wash away their sins to attain moksha.
According to the scriptures Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of amrita, the elixir of immortality, fell during the samudra manthan, or churning of the ocean.. The other three are Ujjain, Nashik and Prayagraj (Allahabad). The Brahma Kund, the spot where the amrita fell, is located at Har ki Pauri meaning the “footsteps of Hari and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. People take home the sacred water from the Ganges.
Being a great Holy place with Ganges flowing through Haridwar is a popular place where people from all over India come to perform Shradh ceremonies (Last rites) of their departed relatives and submerge ashes in Ganga.
Things to see at Haridwar:
Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is famous here dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. She a form of Shakti who emerged from Lord Shiva’s mind. She is said to fulfills your wishes if you pray with devotion.
Bharat Mata Mandir
This temple is one of a kind as it is one of the very few temples dedicated to Mother India. The temple was built by great Adi Shankaracharya, and its presiding deity is Lord Vishnu but idols of Bharat Mata and several other Gods are also there. It finds mention in Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana.
Maya Devi Temple
Believed to have been constructed in the 11-century, the Maya Devi Temple is one of the important holy places to visit in Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is a form of Adi Shakti so in ancient times, Haridwar was called Mayapuri. The temple also has idols of Goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali.
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
By Rail
Haridwar railway station is well connected to all major cities and towns of India.
By Road
Haridwar is well connected by roads to all major cities and towns in northern India.
Accommodation: Plenty of budget to 5 star hotels are available.
