Haridwar is reckoned to be the most revered pilgrimage centers of India. According to travel experts, the holy city is visited by thousands every year from all across the world. The city offers tranquillity with the presence of Holy River Ganga and historic mythological places. A trip to Haridwar promises to be an enlightening experience for everyone. Be it temple hopping, spending a few days in the Ashrams, or enjoying the local cuisine, the holy city has iconic places that make the journey worth the experience.
Har Ki Pauri
Your visit to Haridwar is complete without witnessing the striking Ganga arti that happens every day at Hari ki Pauri, a ghat that was built by King Vikramaditya. The arti is followed by the ritual of floating diyas in the holy river and that looks picturesque. The most famed spot here is the Brahmakund, which is hoarded by devotees from all over the country and abroad too.
Bharat Mata Temple
Founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri, Bharat Mata Temple is an 8-story structure situated on the bank of Ganga. Dedicated to Mother India, this historical temple has all the deities and mythological heroes. The sixth floor has an assembly hall with walls depicting the symbolic presence of all the religions practiced in India. The paintings on the wall portray the history and beauty of various provinces. This floor also has various forms of the Goddess Shakti.
Chandi Devi Temple
Existing since 8th century on Neel Parvat, Chandi Devi Temple was built by King Suchat Singh. It is the place where Goddess Chandi killed Chanda-Munda, an army chief of the demon kings Sumbha and Nishumba. To visit this temple, you have to either trek 3 kilometers or have to take the cable car that gives breathtaking views.
Bara Bazaar
From authentic Ayurvedic medicines to Pooja Samaghri, you will get everything in this market that is situated on the Railway Road of Haridwar. And if you love to collect curios, you are likely to find handicraft articles as well. Also, don’t forget to try the fresh sweets made from milk that is reasonably priced.
Bhimgoda Kund
Situated 1 kilometer away from Hari ki Pauri, this place has historic importance. It is believed that the Pandavas stopped here while proceeding towards the Himalayas to drink the water. Bhimgoda is the place where Bhima drew water from the rocks by thrusting his knee (Goda).
Mansa Devi Temple
This historic temple is presiding atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills and furnishes spectacular view when visited by the cable car. The temple, also known as Bilwa is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa (goddess of wishes). It has two prime idols of the Goddess with three mouths and five arms and eights arms respectively. It is one of the three Siddhi Peeths located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple.
Sapt Rishi Ashram or Sapt Sarovar
The Sapt Rishi Ashram is another iconic place that is just 5 kilometers away from Haridwar is believed that the Pandavas while going to Himalaya crossed this place. Considered as the Sanskrit learning point, the place is where seven sages, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Gautam, Jamadagi, Vishwamitra, Bhardwaja, and Atri once meditated.
Shantikunj
Situated at the bank of river Ganga and at a distance of about 5 km from Haridwar Railway Station, Shantikunj is the place for spiritual guidance. The key features of Shantikunj are Social Reforms, Psycho-Social Engineering, Disaster Management, Self-reliant Development of Rural India, Comprehensive Training Programs, Revival of Vedic culture, Reinvestigation of Vedic literature & Methods of Sadhana. This place is frequently visited by foreign tourists too.
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