According to Hindu belief, Haridwar is the land that was sanctified by the footprints of the Lord. Associated with both Shiva and Vishnu, it is believed to have been the place where Sati (Shiva’s consort) consigned herself to the sacrificial fire. The terrible tandava (dance of destruction) performed by Shiva in grief led to Vishnu dismembering Sati’s body, with the different parts scattering across India. Besides its pre-eminence in Hindu texts, Haridwar other claims to fame is its mention by the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang and its invasion by the plundering troops of Timur Lame.
According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality, Amrita, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda. These four spots -- Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad -- have today become places, where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated once every 3 years in any of these 4 places and after a period of 12 years, the Maha Kumbha Mela is celebrated on the 12th year at Prayag in Allahabad. Millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate here from all over the world to celebrate the event. They perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.
The spot where the nectar fell is considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord," and symbolically the footprints of the Amrita), the most sacred ghat of Haridwar; thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here during festivals or snan from all over India to take a holy dip. This act is considered to be the equivalent of washing away one's sins to attain Moksha.
The Haridwar district came into existence on 28 December 1988, with the creation of new state of Uttarakhand, and is developing beyond its religious importance, as a major industrial destination of state, with development works of SIDCUL. This city is also well known for many other attractions apart from the holy river Ganges, such as the township of BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.) and fast developing Industrial Estate developed by SIDCUL. Haridwar is adjacent to the neighbour district Roorkee known for educational institution IIT Roorkee.
A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilisation. The followers of Lord Shiva (Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu (Hari) call this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively.[citation needed] It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (the four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri).
Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region.[citation needed] Though first written evidence of Haridwar is found in the accounts of a Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang, who visited India in 629 AD. [1]
The legendary King Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga down from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri, where the Holy Ganga touches it at all times.
View of Evening prayers at Hari-ki-pairi (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall) in HaridwarBeing one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha, to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage. It still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework.
The headworks of the Ganga Canal system are located in Haridwar. The Upper Ganga Canal was opened in 1854 after the work began in 1840, prompted by the famine of 1837-38. The unique feature of the canal is the half-kilometre-long aqueduct over another river at Roorkee, which raises the canal 25 metres above the original river.
Milestone en route HaridwarHaridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit. It has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul school of traditional education.
Haridwar already has a temple of modern civilization, BHEL, a 'Navratna PSU' to its credit. The Roorkee University at Roorkee, now IIT Roorkee, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of learning in the fields of science and engineering. Another university of the district, Gurukul Kangri, which has a vast campus, gives traditional education of its own kind.
Many Government administration offices like Lok Sewa Ayog and Sanskrit Academy are established here. Prior to its inclusion in the newly created state of Uttarakhand, this district was a part of Saharanpur Divisional Commissionary.
Places of Interest
HAR-KI-PAURI -1.5 km.
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pauri.
A public prayer in Haridwar.
This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors.
Clock tower at Har-ki-Pauri
CHANDI DEVI- 6 km.
The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat. Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh-Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple can be reached on foot or through ropeway, Ph: 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM.
MANSA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.
Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms. Ph: 01334-227745.
MAYA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.
Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.
DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE -4 km.
The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife), performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing this Sati felt was infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund.
King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.
NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR - 3.5 KM
This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganga river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.
SATI KUND - 4 km.
Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.
BHIMGODA TANK
This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har-ki Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee, or goda, to the very ground.
JAIRAM ASHRAM
Famous for its diorama exhibition, and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, a must-see for any visitor.
SAPT RISHI ASHRAM & SAPT SAROVAR - 7 km
A picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam, said to have meditated. Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow.
PARAD SHIVLING - 2 km
Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.
DOODHADHARI BARFANI TEMPLE
Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful in Haridwar, especially the temples of Ram-Sita and Hanuman.
SURESHVARI DEVI TEMPLE
Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary.
PAVAN DHAM
A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, and now a popular tourist destination.
BHARAT MATA MANDIR
A multi-storey temple, dedicated to Bharat Mata, Mother India, with each floor depicting an era in the Indian History, from the days of Ramayan till India's independence.
ANANDAMAYI MA ASHRAM
Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram houses the smaadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a noted saint of India.
PIRAN KALIYAR - 20 km.
Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir' at the outskirts of Roorkee, is a living example of religious harmony in India, visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual 'Urs' festival.
