Haridwar ” City of Gateway to God”

All information About Haridwar and Nearby Places

Haridwar is also considered the gateway to the Char Dham. The city of Haridwar is situated on the banks of the river Ganges at the foothills of the Shivalik ranges. Haridwar Uttarakhand is considered a holy place for Hindus and is one of the seven holiest cities (Sapta Puri) in India.

Haridwar is a very special city in the Garhwal region, which is situated on the right bank of the Ganges in the middle of the Bilawal Neer mountains of the Shivalik range, from where the Ganges descends into the plain.

It was formed on 28 December 1988 as a district. From 1988 till the formation of the state, it was in the Saharanpur division but after formation, it was made a district of the Garhwal division.

According to mythology, when the churning of the ocean took place between the gods and the demons, nectar appeared from there. And a few drops of that nectar had fallen on everyone’s feet.

Kapil Muni had an ashram here before the Ramayana period. In the ashram, he secretly tied the Ashwamedha Yagya horse of the Suryavanshi king Sagar.

While searching for the horse, 60,000 Sagar sons reached the ashram and said abusive words to Kapil Muni and were consumed by the sage’s curse.

Later, Bhagirath, a descendant of Sagar, performed penance and brought the Ganges down to earth, and after passing the Ganges from here, saved his ancestors, Haridwar is also called Kapila in the name of Kapil Muni.

According to ancient historians, the name of this area was famous as Khandava forest in which Pandavas were hiding during their exile. Due to the austerity performed by the Saptarishis at this place, the Ganges had to live in 7 streams here.

From the old and Sanskrit literature, the gate of the Ganges, the gate of the gods, the entrance to the places of pilgrimage, the gate of the four dhams, the gate of heaven, Mayapuri or Maya Kshetra have been designated by the name.

According to Jain texts, thousand years ago, Lord Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankar, did penance while staying in the Mayapuri Haridwar area.

About 2056 years ago, King Bhartrihari, the elder brother of King Vikramaditya of Ujjain, did penance on the Shivalik range of Haridwar and composed two great texts, Niti Shatak and Vairagya Shatak.

King Vikramaditya had built a step across the Ganges here in memory of his brother, which was called Har ki Paidi one night, later this became Har Ki Paidi. Vikramaditya had also built a building here, which is still located near Har ki Paidi in the form of Kandwali Haveli in the form of ruins.

Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang came to Haridwar in 634 AD. He called this city “Mo U Lo” and Ganga as Mahabhadra. Cunningham takes the meaning of yulo from the peacock pur.

Timur Lang also came here in 1399. Its historian Saruddin called Haridwar Kayopil or Kupila, which according to Cunningham is Koh Parry. Koh means mountain. Sir Uddin had also seen here the footprints of Vishnu on the banks of the Ganges.

In Hinduism, Ganga Snan, Mundan Sanskar, Janeu Sanskar, and Funeral All these things are considered to be the most sacred in Haridwar. Some of the other bathings go on in Haridwar throughout the year. Due to this, you will get to see crowds here throughout the year.

Due to having many temples, ancient Siddhipeeth, Shaktipeeth, it is also called the city of religion. Haridwar has been a center for learning and teaching art, science, and culture for centuries. Haridwar has a unique place in the field of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies.

If you go to Haridwar, you must buy Rudraksha beads. Tourists can shop here in Bada Bazar, Moti Bazar, Jwalapuri areas. These are the main shopping markets here.

More religious items can be bought in Haridwar such as religious books, idols, and vermilion. Apart from this, one can also take brass utensils, cane and bamboo products, precious stones, herbal medicines, spices, and pickles.


History of Haridwar

“Haridwar” Dev Bhoomi is one of the seven holiest places in India located in the state of Uttarakhand. This is a very old ancient city. Whose history is very old and full of mystery.

The history of Haridwar is very old and full of mystery. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places in India located in Uttarakhand. This is a very ancient city and is located in northern India. Haridwar is also the gateway to the four holy Chardham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

It is also the land of Lord Shiva and the land of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as the land of power. The city of Mayapuri is also recognized by the names Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Kapilasthan and is actually the “Gateway of the Gods”.

This holy city is a treasure trove of India’s complex culture and ancient civilization. Haridwar is situated in the code of Shivalik hills.

The literal meaning of “Haridwar” is “gate to reach god”, situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges.

Haridwar is also the gateway to four major sites. It is a famous pilgrimage place for the followers of the Hindu religion. Famous pilgrimage places “Badri Narayan” and “Kedarnath” Dham “Lord Vishnu” and “Lord Shiva” the way of pilgrimage place (route) goes from Haridwar.

Therefore this place is addressed by both the names “Haridwar” and “Hardwar”.

In the time of Mahabharata, Haridwar has been expressed by the name “Gangadwar”. (History of Haridwar)

The ancient mythological name of Haridwar is “Maya” or “Mayapuri”. Which is counted in Saptmokshadayini Puri. A part of Haridwar is still famous as “Mayapuri”. According to legend, when the ocean was churned.

Then some drops of nectar had fallen in Haridwar. Because of this Mahakumbh is organized in Haridwar even today. Ardh Kumbh after 6 years and Maha Kumbh after 12 years is organized with great pomp in Haridwar.

Every year in the month of Sawan, the Kavad fair is also organized here, it is the most important fair to be held in Haridwar.

It is also said about the history of Haridwar that Rishi Kapil Muni did penance at this place. That is why Haridwar is addressed by the name “Kapilasthan”.


Why is Haridwar called “Har ki Pauri” and what is its significance?

Haridwar has always been considered the place of penance for the sages. King Dhritarashtra’s minister Vidura had studied at the place of the minister Muni. King Sveta did severe penance of Lord Brahma in “Har Ki Pauri”. Due to this Lord Brahma was pleased to see the penance and asked King Sveta to ask for a boon.

The king asked in a boon that “Har Ki Pauri” should be known as God. Since then the water of “Har Ki Pauri” is known as “Brahmkund”. Haridwar itself is an interesting and mysterious place. At this place, the written history of every person becomes known.

If you want to know about your ancestors and trace your lineage, then only Haridwar is the only place. Which can help in getting all this information.

There is a ghat named “Har Ki Pauri” in Haridwar. The ghat is called by the name “Har Ki Pauri” because Lord Shri Hari had come to this place and his feet were lying at this place.

The place is an ideal pilgrimage destination for those who are concerned about death and the liberation of desire. The stone set in the upper wall of Har-ki-Pauri has the footprint of Lord Vishnu where the holy Ganges touches it at all times.

Haridwar Uttarakhand has its roots in the culture and traditions of the ancient Vedic period. The most important thing in Haridwar is the Kumbh Mela, about which all of you must have heard, this fair is definitely held here once every 12 years.

During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela lakhs of pilgrims, devotees and tourists come to this Kumbh Mela to bathe on the banks of the river Ganges and wash away their sins.

"Har Ki Pauri" in Haridwar
Har-ki-Pauri Haridwar

Why was the Ganges river brought to earth?

Kapil Rishi used to have an ashram here during the Ramayana period. Once King Sagara got the Asumegh Yag done. and chasing the horse. When 60 thousand sons of King Sagar reached the ashram here, they found the horse in this ashram.

Seeing that horse, his sons abuse the sage. Kapil Muni got angry about this and he cursed everyone and consumed them.

The descendant of King Sagar did penance for the salvation of his ancestors and brought Mother Ganga to earth. After coming down from heaven, Mother Ganga followed King Bhagirath through the hair of Lord Shiva.

When King Bhagirath reached Haridwar with the Ganges river, the ashes of Sagar’s grandsons attained salvation just by the touch of the Ganges. Since that time the tradition of bone immersion has been going on in Haridwar.

Devotees keep visiting this place throughout the year to take a dip in the river Ganges and destroy their sins.


Places to see in Haridwar

There are many other places due to which lakhs and crores of people come to Haridwar every year. So there is Mansha Devi temple in Haridwar. There is a very famous temple of Mansha Devi on Vilv Parvat.

More devotees who come to Haridwar definitely come here. Apart from this, there is Chandi Devi temple. It is 5 km away from Haridwar city.

Chandi Devi and Mansha Devi definitely visit more devotees who go to Haridwar. Because going in both of these is considered holy.

Apart from this, there is Kankhal. Lord Shiva had in-laws in Kankhal, so this place is very ancient and very famous. Because it was the maternal uncle of Mother Sati and this is where Mother Sati had sacrificed her life. So this place is very important from the mythological point of view.

Apart from this, there is the Maya Devi temple and this Maya Devi temple is also an ancient temple of Haridwar. Which is situated in the middle of Haridwar.

Maya Devi is also considered to be the Astra Dhatri Devi of Haridwar, so devotees come here for darshan. Apart from this, bathing at some famous ghats of Haridwar is considered auspicious.

Like Har ki Paidi, Gau Ghat. Subhas Ghat, there are other such ghats on which bathing is considered auspicious. By the way, wherever you take a bath in the Ganges in Haridwar, it is considered auspicious.

There is another reason for which lakhs and crores of people come to Haridwar. Kumbh Mela Kumbh Mela is organized every 12th year in Haridwar. Which is considered to be the largest fair in the world.

In India, Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain and Prayagraj. Apart from this, Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years in Haridwar. Millions of sages, saints, and devotees reach in these Kumbh Mela.

Taking a bath in the Ganges during Kumbh is considered very sacred. For all these reasons people come to Haridwar every year.

Shanti Kunj Haridwar

Shanti Kunj is a holy, beautiful symbol of peace in Haridwar. The whole environment here is always very beautiful and peaceful. Coming here gives immense peace to the mind. There is a pleasant feeling.

Free food facility has been made here for the people and for the employees of Haridwar. Which is available both in the morning and in the evening. Very pure and tasty vegetarian food is available without garlic and onion. Every day thousands of people take food.

There is also a library in Shanti Kunj. And there is also Gayatri Shakti Peeth, here good books related to Mother Gayatri are also available. And many temples are also established. In which there is a temple where all the Pravat Dhams have been shown.

Everyone goes to this temple in silence. The environment there is very peaceful, and very beautiful gardening has been done in Shanti Kunj.

Many types of trees have been planted. Flowers of every species have also been planted. And you will get to see other types of plants there like lota bass, Ashok and many types of spices have also been planted. Seeing which the mind becomes happy.

Haridwar Kumbh Mela

The world-famous Kumbh Mela of India is also held in Haridwar. Haridwar is situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges of India. The Kumbh Mela is held here every 12 years. And in 6 years Ardh Kumbh takes place. This fair lasts for about a month.

To enjoy and get salvation, tourists come from many countries of the world. There is a huge crowd here. Lakhs of people come to bathe in the Ganges.

Haridwar Ganga Aarti.

Ganga Aarti is held every evening at Harki Paidi on the banks of Haridwar. Whose image is absolutely unique. At the time of Ganga Aarti, the whole atmosphere there becomes light.

The feeling and experience of that time cannot be described in words. There is a very beautiful environment. People who go to Haridwar in the evening. They do not come back without seeing the Ganga aarti. Ganga Aarti here does not come back after seeing the Ganga Aarti here is also world-famous.

har ki pauri ganga aarti
Ganga Aarti

Every morning and evening at Haridwar Har Ki Pauri, one gets to see a grand view of Maa Ganga Aarti. In which the priests of local temples perform the aarti of Mother Ganga by lighting huge holdings on the banks of the Ganges. During this, the Ghat of Har Ki Pauri gets lit up with lights. There is a huge crowd of devotees during Ganga Aarti.

Ganga Aarti Timings – Ganga Aarti Everyday 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM & 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM

Mansa Devi Temple

There is a temple of Mata Mansa Devi on the west side of Har ki Paidi.

Mansa Devi Temple is located at a distance of 2.5 km from the main township of Haridwar. Situated atop Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, Mansa Devi is one of the most famous temples in North India.

Manasa Devi was the wife of Nag Vasuki and the temple is believed to be the home of Goddess Manasa.

Devotees visiting Mansa Devi temple have to tie a sacred thread to the sacred tree.

It is tied to fulfilling the wishes of the devotees. Once the wish is fulfilled, the devotees also have to untie the sacred thread by coming here.

Mansa Devi temple Haridwar
Mansa Devi temple Haridwar

Since the temple of Mansa Devi is situated on a mountain, the temple can be reached by cable car or ropeway from the lower station. This temple is situated at a height of 178 meters from the ground.

Many paths have been made to reach the temple of Mata Mansa Devi on the high mountains. Cave route, stairway, and Udan Khatola, using which the tourists go to the temple of the mother according to their convenience. In the temple of Mata Mansa Devi, every wish of the devotees is fulfilled, no devotee goes empty-handed.

Daksha Mahadev

Located at a distance of 4 kilometers from Haridwar, in the temple dedicated to Shiva, lakhs of devotees arrive in the month of Sawan for darshan, this temple is quite beautiful.

It has the mythological significance that it is the same place where Goddess Sati gave up her life after her father had insulted Lord Shiva.

Chandi Devi Temple.

Chandi Devi Temple is another Siddha Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chandi. This temple is a form of Goddess Durga and thousands of devotees definitely come here with their wishes.

The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat in the Shivalik hills, the mythical battlefield where the goddess killed the demons Chand-Munda and later Shumbh-Nishumbha.

The temple is believed to have been built by King Suchan Singh of Kashmir, while the idol was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century.

Bhim Goda Kund

The mythological significance of this place is from the Mahabharata.

A lot of visitors go here to roam, this famous place is located at a distance of 1 kilometer from Hari Ki Pauri.

Vaishno Devi Temple

This temple was built to look like a copy of the famous Vaishno Devi temple of Kashmir. The temple of Goddess Vaishno Devi is one of the most religious places in Haridwar.

This temple also comes as the most exciting place to visit. Throughout the temple, you have to climb stairs and pass through tunnels and caves.

Bharat Mata Mandir Haridwar

This temple is also known as Mother India Temple. This religious temple was established by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. In 1983, this temple was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.

A large number of devotees visit this temple located in Sapta Sarovar every year. Bharat Mata Temple is 180 feet high and has eight storeys. The mythology of the deities is associated with each floor of this temple. Bharat Mata Mandir is also dedicated to all the patriotic freedom fighters who contributed to the independence of the country.

Saptrishi Ashram

One of the oldest and most beautiful ashrams in Haridwar, Saptarishi Ashram is situated on the banks of the river Ganges, which proves to be a serene place for devotees and tourists in the city.

According to mythological beliefs, the place of the ashram is the place where the seven great sages of the Saptarishis Kashyapa, Vashishtha, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja, and Gautam decided to meditate.

Gau Ghat

This ghat of the Ganges, situated in the lap of nature, is quite clean and beautiful, it is famous that devotees come here to pray for freedom from cow slaughter as well as for the peace of the souls of their loved ones.

There are many ancient temples built amidst the greenery around the ghat, where one can go for darshan.

Pavan Dham

This temple made of glass is famous all over India for its beauty. The carving of this temple has been done with glass in such a way that the same idol is seen many times, here it has been decorated with beautiful tableaux of Hindu deities.

People often reach this ghat for meditation and peace of mind. This temple built on the Sapta Sarobar Road is the main temple of Haridwar where most tourists come.

This place is especially known for its glass works. This place is situated at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Haridwar railway station.

Parad Shivling in Haridwar

Parad Shivling is a unique religious place located in Harihar Ashram, Haridwar. The entire temple is decorated with the Shivling of Lord Shiva which is made of 151 kg of pure mercury.

This temple is decorated annually by thousands of devotees and pilgrims and is also known as Pardeshwar Mahadev. A huge crowd of tourists gathers here to see the wonderful view of the temple.

Swami Vivekananda Park

Swami Vivekananda Park is one of the places to visit in Haridwar, 2 km away from the city center. Swami Vivekananda Park is one of the few amusement parks in Haridwar located near Har Ki Pauri.

The mesmerizing park is triangular in shape and is surrounded by lush green lawns and flower beds along with a huge statue of Swami Vivekananda this statue is the main attraction of the park.

Chilla wildlife sanctuary Haridwar

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is a good place to visit in Haridwar Tourist place Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the eastern bank of the river Ganges, is spread over an area of ​​249 square kilometers.

This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1977 and this sanctuary was merged with Motichur and Rajaji sanctuaries in 1983 to form Rajaji National Park.

Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is located at a distance of 10 km from Haridwar. The sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, bears, small cats, a large number of elephants, and a variety of birds.

Chilla wildlife sanctuary Haridwar
Chilla wildlife sanctuary Haridwar

The best time to visit this sanctuary is between November and June. Elephant rides, as well as wildlife safaris, are also available for tourists here.

Crystal World Picnic Spots Haridwar

Crystal World is considered the ‘Best Entertainment Destination’ of Haridwar. Spread over 18 acres of land in the holy land of Ganga, one can take more than 18 thrilling water rides at Crystal World Water Park.

Apart from many other sports and activities, the famous 5D water ride is also available here. The park is also known to host private parties, weddings, and other functions. A good time can be spent here with family.

Patanjali Yoga Peeth Haridwar

Located in Kankhal on the Delhi – Haridwar highway, Patanjali Yog Peeth is possibly the largest yoga ashram in the world. The institute is the flagship project of Rishi Ramdev and research on Yoga and Ayurveda is carried out in this center.

Patanjali Yoga Peeth is spread over vast acres of land and is divided into two campuses. Patanjali’s organic and ayurvedic products manufactured from here are sent to every corner of the country and the world.

Patanjali Yoga Peeth haridwar
Patanjali Yoga Peeth

After coming to Haridwar, you should definitely see Patanjali Yoga Peeth. From here you can also get various information related to health and yoga.

Neel Dhara Haridwar

Situated in Haridwar, this place is famous for its clear blue water in the midst of the beautiful environment of the Ganges, as well as this place, covered with hills at both ends of the river, looks very beautiful as time has stopped.

Chandi Devi Temple is situated at one end of Neel Dhara Ghat and Mansa Devi Temple is situated at the other end, only then this place is quite spectacular, you can go here for morning exercise.


How to Reach Haridwar?

  • By Road

To reach Haridwar, you will first have to reach the ISBT bus stand in Delhi, from here you will get a direct Volvo AC bus to Haridwar very easily, this bus will take you from Delhi to Haridwar in 4 to 5 hours. The distance from Delhi to Haridwar is 242 km.

  • By Train

Haridwar is well connected to the railway stations of all the cities of India. You can reach Haridwar very easily with the help of a direct train.

Haridwar railway station
Haridwar Railway Station
  • By Air

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar. Which is located approximately at a distance of 51 km from Haridwar. From here you can easily reach Haridwar with the help of a taxi.


important things about Haridwar

By the way, Haridwar is always crowded with travelers. But when there is a special festival like Poornima, Amavashya happens. So there is more crowd of devotees to take bath. The Kavad fair and the Kumbh fair, where there is a crowd of travelers in the number of lakhs of crores.


Where to stay in Haridwar?

There are many options for staying in Haridwar, out of which resort, hotel, camping, cottage, or ashram where you will get the best arrangement for food and stay with all the facilities.

If you like to stay in the ashram, then Shanti Kunj, where special attention is paid to cleanliness and food is absolutely free, it is trust if you want, you can make some payment.

Apart from this, Sapta Rishi Ashram, where one can stay within a minimum budget also, from here Haridwar Tourist Place falls nearby, which falls everywhere within a radius of about 5 km.

If you want to stay in a hotel, then there are many hotels around Har Ki Pauri, which are available for every budget, and whose minimum rent is Rs.800 per day.


How to explore Haridwar?

There are many options to visit Haridwar such as – taxis, bikes for rent, tourist buses, or personal vehicles.

If you come to roam with friends, then the bike will be the best option, which will be easily available for rent in the railway station or bus stand, for which the original document is deposited as security, when you return the bike, it is returned to you.

The charge for the bike is a minimum of 500 per day for two people separately for different vehicles.

The second option is a taxi whose fare ranges from 600 to 800, apart from this, you can also roam Haridwar by taking a sharing taxi, which will be done on a very low budget.


Which is the best time to visit Haridwar?

Although tourists keep coming here for 12 months of the year to visit Haridwar, in the rainy season from the time of Sawan to June, most devotees come here to visit.


Tourist Place Near Haridwar

The rafting capital of India, Rishikesh is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India for all the visiting tourists.

This beautiful tourist place is famous for Camping, Water Rafting, Ashram, Bungee Jumping, River Ganges, Evening Aarti, Yoga, Dharamshala, Honeymoon, Wildlife, Waterfalls, and Adventure Sports.

Rishikesh has a wide range of hotel and resort accommodation options depending on the day and night, as well as a variety of delicious cuisines to be found here.

Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, the Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its own beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world.

Rishikesh uttrakhand near to haridwar
rishikesh uttrakhand

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