Haridwar
Haridwar, Located in the state of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is a major religious place of the Sanatan people. Haridwar is considered a holy place due to its location on the banks of the river Ganges, Haridwar, which means “Gateway of Hari (God),” Haridwar translates to “Gateway of Vishnu.”
It is one of the seven most sacred cities (Sapt Puris) of India visited by millions of devotees every year. There are major places like ‘Har Ki Pauri’ ghat in Haridwar, where experiencing Ganga Aarti is a unique experience. The ancient city is home to many temples, ashrams, ghats and many other revered sites for Hindu pilgrims.
Top 7 places to visit in Haridwar
Best places to visit in Haridwar everybody’s step Har Ki Pauri means “feet of God,” and is believed to be the site of Lord Vishnu’s footprints. Chandi Devi TempleThis temple is dedicated to Maa Chandi Devi, a form of Goddess Durga-Ganga AartiGanga Aarti means worship of Ganga, many people come to this place for Ganga Aarti every day at 06:00 pm – 07:00 pm (daily).
Mansa Devi Temple This Siddha Peetha is dedicated to Goddess Manasa, who is considered to be a form of Goddess Shakti and is said to have been created from the mind of Lord Shiva. Sapta Rishi Ashram, HaridwarThis ashram is known as the penance place of the seven sages – Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Atri, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, and Gautama.
Shantikunj organizes yoga, meditation, and spiritual education programs, in which millions of people from home and abroad participate. Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar Patanjali Yogpeeth is making Haridwar a popular destination for Ayurveda treatment and medicine. The institute plays an important role in the propagation of Yoga, Ayurveda and indigenous systems of medicine.
Har ki Pauri
The most valiant and revered location in Haridwar is Har Ki Pauri. The Sacred Har Ki Pauri Ghat, also known as Lord Shiva’s Ghat, is situated directly next to the Ganga River. Every single day, thousands of devotees visit the temple. Har Ki Pauri, which translates to “feet of God,” is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu’s footprints were left.
Even more intriguing is the allusion to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu having arrived at this point; a wall in this temple has a sizable footprint that appears to be that of Vishnu. Besides this, the term is also used in regard to where the Ganges river leaves the mountains and enters the plains for the first time.
The Ganga Aarti held here in the evening is especially attractive, where the light of lamps, the chanting of mantras, and the union of the devotees’ reverence gives a divine experience. The mythical bird Garuda unintentionally dropped nectar at Har Ki Pauri, which is regarded as the most sacred ghat in the entire city.
It is said that if you take a dip here, all of your sins will be forgiven. The religious and cultural center of Haridwar is Har Ki Pauri, which attracts tourists from all over the nation and overseas.
Time: 24X7 (Ganga Aarti: 5:30 am to 6:30 am and 6 pm to 7 pm)
Chandi Devi Temple
On top of the Shivalik Hills in Neel Parvat is the Chandi Devi Temple, another Siddha Peeth devoted to the Goddess Chandi. This temple is dedicated to Maa Chandi Devi, a form of Goddess Durga and thousands of devotees come here to fulfill their wishes.
The Chandi Devi temple is believed to be the place where Goddess Chandi killed the demon Mahishasura, hence it is also called Siddhapith. Adi Shankaracharya installed the idol in the eighth century, and King Suchan Singh of Kashmir is credited with building the temple.
To reach here pilgrims either travel on foot or take the help of ropeway, which can be taken by ropeway (Chandi Devi Udankhatola). From here beautiful view of Haridwar is seen, which enchants both devotees and tourists.
Special pujas and celebrations are organised in the temple during Navaratri and other major festivals, which are attended by a large number of devotees. The Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is another well-known religious site close to this temple.
Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is located atop Bilwa Mountain on the Shivalik Hills in the popular place of Haridwar, and is also known as Bilwa Teerth due to its location.
This temple is a sacred place to worship Goddess Manasa, this Siddha Peetha is dedicated to Goddess Manasa, who is considered to be a form of Goddess Shakti and is said to have been created from the mind of Lord Shiva. which had appeared from the mind of the great sage Kashyapa.
Mansa Devi Temple is a famous Siddhapith It is one of the most revered temples in North India as devotees strongly believe that all their wishes are fulfilled by Goddess Mansa (the name of the goddess means wish). This hilltop temple is accessible by ropeway or trekking, and Haridwar provides expansive city views. That’s one of the best things.
Sapta Rishi Ashram, Haridwar
Sapta Rishi Ashram is one of the popular places to visit in Haridwar. Situated on the banks of the river, this ashram is known as the penance place of the seven sages – Vashishtha, Kashyap, Atri, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja, Vishwamitra, and Gautama. The serene and spiritual atmosphere here is ideal for meditation and yoga.
The ashram has beautiful gardens, sadhana rooms, and Ganga ghats, where devotees can meditate and bathe. The serene atmosphere of this place is so suitable for meditation that it also attracted the famous seven sages, and thus it got its name – Sapta means seven and Rishi means sage. This place is definitely worth seeing for the devotees coming to Haridwar for religious pilgrimage.
How to Reach the Saptarishi
Sapta Rishi Ashram is located at a distance of about 7 km from Haridwar Railway Station and Bus Station. By taxi, autorickshaw, or city bus, you can get here with ease. It takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to get there, depending on traffic.
Ganga Aarti
Because of Har ki Pauri and Ganga Aarti, Haridwar is well-known worldwide. Ganga worship is known as Ganga Aarti. At 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., a large crowd gathers here for Ganga Aarti every day. This aarti is performed to glorify the glory and purity of the river Ganga.
The priests hold large fire pots in their hands, the whole atmosphere becomes devotional with the chanting of mantras, the blowing of conch shells, and the sound of bells by the pundits during the aarti. People light diyas with flowers on the Ganga. To see the spectacle, thousands of tourists and devotees assemble at the ghat.
The lighting of lamps on the ghats during Ganga Aarti, their shadow in the water, and the convergence of the faith of the devotees makes a divine experience, participating in the Ganga Aarti in the evening at Har Ki Pauri is a very fascinating experience.
The Ganga Aarti, which is held here in the evening, is well-known among devotees and tourists alike. Which makes the journey of Haridwar memorable.
How to Reach Har Ki Pauri for Ganga Aarti
From Railway Station: Haridwar Railway Station is roughly 2.5 km away from Har Ki Pauri. You can easily get there by taxi, rickshaw, or car from here. Depending on traffic, it may take ten to fifteen minutes to get from the bus and train station to Har Ki Pauri.
Santikunj
Shantikunj is a world-leading spiritual and social institution located in Haridwar, run by the Akhil Vishwa Gayatri Pariwar. Established in 1971 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, Shantikunj is a major attraction in Haridwar among visitors seeking spirituality.
Programmes of yoga, meditation and spiritual education are held in Shantikunj, in which lakhs of people from home and abroad participate. This place is famous for its peaceful atmosphere and positive energy, which is helpful in achieving spiritual peace and mental balance.
Many social works like environmental conservation, social reform, and culture building are also done in Shantikunj, which makes it a unique institution.
How to Reach Shantikunj in Haridwar
Railway Station: Haridwar railway station is about 7 km from Shantikunj. From the station you can easily reach Shantikunj by auto rickshaw, taxi or bus.
Bus Stand: The bus stand is only a few kilometres away from Shantikunj, which you can reach by auto rickshaw or taxi
Patanjali Yogpeeth Haridwar
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a premier yoga and ayurvedic institute located in Haridwar, founded by yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Patanjali Yogpeeth is making Haridwar a popular destination for Ayurveda treatment and medicine. Founded in 2006 by yoga guru Ramdev, Patanjali Yogpeeth is named after Maharishi Patanjali, who is considered to be the inventor of yoga.
The institute plays an important role in the propagation of Yoga, Ayurveda and indigenous systems of medicine. Various courses of yoga education, Ayurvedic treatment, and naturopathy are conducted here. Patanjali Yogpeeth is run by the Patanjali Yoga Peeth (UK) Trust.
The campus of Patanjali Yogpeeth has state-of-the-art medical facilities, a dispensary, a research center, and other facilities like a huge library, ATM, etc.
This place is a center of attraction not only for the people of India but also for the tourists and yoga seekers coming from abroad. The main objective of Patanjali Yogpeeth is to revive and spread the ancient Indian systems of medicine and yoga to the masses.
How to Reach Patanjali Yogpeeth
You can go to places like Swami Vivekanand Park, Rajaji National Park, Crystal World, Fun Valley, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, and Neel Dhara Bird Sanctuary for leisure.
Questions to ask about places to visit in Haridwar
What are the places to visit in Haridwar?
Places to visit in Haridwar: Chandi Devi, Mansa Devi, Ganga Aarti, Har Ki Pauri, Shantikunj, Patanjali Yogpeeth, and Sapt Rishi Ashram etc.
What is Haridwar famous for?
Haridwar is famous for its religious significance in the world as one of the seven most sacred places (Sapt Puri) in Hinduism. It is known for the river Maa Ganga, where people come to take part in spiritual purification and various religious rituals.
Which God is located in Haridwar?
Haridwar is a place associated with Hindu gods and goddesses. Some of the prominent temples include Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple, the city is also known for Har Ki Pauri Ghat, where devotees gather for Ganga Aarti dedicated to Goddess Maa Ganga.
Why do Hindus go to Haridwar?
Hindus come to Haridwar mainly for spiritual reasons. Many people also come to perform the last rites (cremation) of their deceased loved ones, believing that this brings salvation (moksha) to the departed soul. It is believed that by taking a dip in the holy Ganges river here, sins are washed away and the soul is purified.
Is Haridwar a spiritual place?
Yes, Haridwar is widely known as a spiritual and religious center. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists flock there in quest of the holy river Ganga’s blessings, knowledge, and spiritual tranquility. The city’s many temples, ashrams and serene atmosphere contribute to its spiritual significance.