The sacred Himalayan town of Haridwar represents a living lesson on Hinduism. Located at the foot of the Himalayas, the town attracts hordes of tourists and devotees from all corners of the world. Haridwar also holds significance because it stands as the gateway to the chardham, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinathji and Kedarnathji. Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu epics and scriptures as 'Mayapuri', Mokshadwar' and 'Gangadwar'. Geographically, it is at Haridwar where the sacred Ganga enters the northern Indian plains. During the Kumbh Mela (held at the interval of every 12 years), the population of the town swells up to millions. The next Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held at every 6 years) are scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2010. Today, Haridwar is seen as a mystic centre for the rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul.

Ganga Aarti

The Ganga Aarti in Hardwar’s Har-ki-Pauri is one of the famous rituals in India. It starts at around 6.30pm after sunset, with large crowds gathered around both the banks of a canal that carries the waters of Ganges. Loud speakers blare songs in praise of Ganga Maiya and Shiva.

The time of Aarti sees a bustle of activity on the ghats. Many babas are seen sitting in corners, hoping to get some donations from the devotees. Men in blue uniform move around with a receipt book, collecting donations that will be used for conducting the Aarti. People keep walking in all direction trying to find a good place to sit or stand. Hawkers sell wick lamps or diyas to float in the Ganges.

A pack of diya comes fully equipped and is self-sufficient! It has a wick lamp surrounded by flowers. There is even a matchbox to light the lamp, so you don’t need to run around looking for one! Two incense sticks also come with it and the whole thing is assembled in a bowl like pack made of stitched leaves. I lighted the diya, floated it down the river like many other pilgrims and continued witnessing the aarti.

It lasted for around 30 minutes. A few people(priests?) standing on the ghat swayed huge lamps backed by the blares of bhajans and instrumental music. Lamps of different sizes light up in the hands of people all along the banks and is a pretty sight to watch in the darkness after sunset. Hardwar’s aarti is an interesting ritual, but it feels too noisy, chaotic and commercialized.

Places to Visit >>

Har Ki Pauri :
Also known as Har ki Pairi, it is the centre of attraction in the pilgrimage town of Haridwar. Devotees gather here to take a holy dip in the Ganges and to offer prayers. The celebration Ganga Aarti is a sight to behold here for tourists. The aarti ceremony takes place here every evening at 7 pm. As the river Ganga is worshipped, hundreds of diyas are set afloat along the river. According to Hindu mythology, Har ki Pairiis the place where a drop of the nectar fell from the moiling oceans, when the world came into existence.

Mansa Devi :
One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir occupies a place on top of the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill the wishes of those who visit here. It is a tradition with the devotees to tie sacred threads around the tree that stands within the premises of the Mansa Devi temple. From the temple, one can have heart stirring views of the Haridwar town. Along with Chandi Devi temple and the Maya Devi temple, it completes the Siddhapeeth Triangle.

Chandi Devi :
The temple stands in dedication to Goddess Chandi. One of the most ancient in the country, the temple can be reached either by a ropeway ride or by undertaking a steep climb, that takes up around 45 minutes.

The rituals at the temple begin as early as 4 am in the morning. Visitors are required to strictly follow the dress code before entering the premises of the Chandi Devi temple.

Daksha Mahadev Temple :
The temple is situated towards the south of the Kankhal town. Built by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is the site where Daksha performed a yagna (a Hindu ritual to invoke gods and seek their blessings).

In the Hindu mythology, Daksha Prajapati is the father of Sati, the spouse of Lord Shiva. The temple is just a few minutes drive from the railway station.

Sapt Rishi :
The ashram is both ancient and much popular. The words Sapt Rishi is a combination of sapt (seven) and rishi (sage). According to the Hindu traditions, it is the place where the sacred Ganga split herself in seven streams to prevent any disturbance to the seven sages (Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam) who were deeply absorbed in meditation. A 5 km drive from Har ki Pauri takes you to the Sapt Rishi Ashram.

Maya Devi :
Dedicated to goddess Maya Devi, the temple is a major attraction for all visitors to Haridwar.

The temple is counted as one of the shaktipithas in India. According to the Hindu mythology, it is the place where the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell down, while Lord Shiva was carrying her burnt body. Numerous festivals are held at the Maya Devi temple in keeping with the customs and traditions.

Kumbh Mela :
Lakhs of tourists arrive in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela, held at the interval of every twelve years. Devotees and pilgrims arrive here to purify their sould by taking a holy dip in the divine water of the Ganges. The highly revered Kumbh Mela begins when the plante Jupiter enters Aquarious and the Sun enters Aries.

Parad Shivling :
The mythological site is located in the historical town of Kankhal, at 6 km from the town of Haridwar. The Parad Shivling remains enshrined inside the premises of the Harihar Ashram in Kankhal. Weighing 150 kg, the shivling is major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Devotees worship the shivling to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Bhimgoda Tank :
The tank is held in high regard by the whole Hindu community. As per the Hindu mythology, the Bhimgoda Tank was created when Bhim, a legendary character of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, hit his knee against the ground while the Pandava brothers were heading towards the Himalayas. The tank occupies a position at a distance of 300 m from Har ki Pauri in Haridwar.