Bharat Mata Temple
This is one of the important temples of Haridwar. It has eight stories in which the images of cities, heroes and great men are installed.
Shanti Kunj
It is the famous ashram of Gayatri. Followers and pilgrims from far and wide converge here for yoga and natural cures.
Maya Devi Temple
It is an ancient temple of Maya Devi the Adhishtkatri deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri.
Har-Ki-Pauri
Har-Ki-Pauri the sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing Ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti Ceremony. It is the most important Ghat on the river Ganga, where a holy dip is a must for every devotee.
Daksh Mahadev Temple
The ancient temple of Daksh Mahadev is situated in the south of Kankhal town. This temple was constructed by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 AD. Kankhal has several temples and ashrams.
Sapt Rishi Ashram
The Ganga flows in seven streams in front of this Ashram, hence this place is also called Sapt Sarovar.
Kanva Rishi Ashram
42 km. The ashram is situated on the banks of the Malini river along the forest road to Kotdwar.
Chila Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajaji national Park)
Haridwar is also a popular destination for adventure lovers. Chila Wildlife Sanctuary, a part of Rajaji National Park, covers an area of around 240 sq. km. which attracts wildlife lovers with its pristine scenic beauty and rich bio diversity. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species. One may watch a herd of elephants roaming majestically in the jungle or may find oneself excited by a wildlife of many kinds including tigers, leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan yellow throated marten, samber, cheetal, barking dear, wild boar, langur, ghural, sloth bear, king cobra, woodpecker, etc. The river shelters fish in abundance. Fishing is allowed with permits. Time to visit: 15th November 15th June. No entry before sunrise and after sunset.
Piran Kaliyar
The Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed `Sabri on the outskirts of Roorkee, around 23 kms, is a must-visit-place for every visitor. It is situated towards the south of Haridwar. The place is known as Piran Kalier. This place is one of the living examples of unity between the Hindu and Muslim religions. Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires of the devout, the Dargah is visited by millions of Muslims and Hindus alike from India and abroad.The Urs is celebrated at this Dargah every year, from the 1st day of sighting the moon to the 16th day during the Raheeull month of Islamic Calendar.
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of the best-located pilgrimage centers along the right side of the bank of the Ganga. The holy river emerging from the high mountains not far from here, runs deep and silent through the thickly wooded hills of the Terai that straddle this region. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered wildlife await here. Not to mention the peace and tranquillity of a landscape associated with `munis and meditation. According to legend, sage Raibhya Rishi, undertook staunch penance at Rishikesh to please God. In answer to his meditation, god appeared here, manifested as `Rishikesh and the place thus came to be called after him. Today, Rishikesh has become a center for learning and research in yoga and meditation the renowned Indian methods for mental and physical health.The International Yoga Festival which attracts participation from all across the world is held here annually for one week in the month of February (2nd to 7th) on the banks of the serene Ganga.The rope-bridge `Lakshman Jhoola stands majestically here, as a landmark. This is where Lord Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on a jute rope. The old Lakshman temple is situated on the western bank. Other attractions like the school of Yoga and Meditation and white water rafting camp at Shivpuri, 15 km. up stream, extends an irresistible invitation.
Triveni Ghat
It is an interesting placed to be at dawn, when people make offerings of milk to the river and feed fishes. After sunset, priests set floating lamps on the water during the Aarti Ceremony. Nearby is the Bharat Mandir, the oldest temple.
Neelkanth Mahadev
According to mythological accounts, during Sagar Manthan, Lord Shiva drank all the effluent venom here, which turned his throat blue. Hence, Shiva also became famous as Neelkanth. A four hour walk from Lakshman Jhoola, this temple is situated at a height of 1700 meters. Quite truly, a not-to-be-missed travel destination away from the madding crowd.
Maha Kumbh – 1998
Haridwar – one of the oldest and holiest pilgrim centers of India, is all set to receive nearly eight to ten million devotees during the Maha Kumbh in April 1998. The history of the Kumbh Mela dates back to the creation of the Universe. Mythological legends state that the Gods and the Demons once churned the oceans to retrieve the Kumbh (pot) containing the nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Dhanwantari, the divine healer appeared with the `Kumbh’ containing nectar in his palms, a great fight followed between the Gods and the Demons to wrest the pitcher. During the fierce battle in the sky, a few drops of nectar fell at four different places: Prayag (Allahabad), Haridwar, Nasik and Ujjain. Since then these four sacred placesA have witnessed the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs periodically, every twelfth and sixth year when pilgrims and devotees converge to commemorate this divine event.
According to belief of astrologers during this battle the planet too played an important role. In fact, the Kumbh fair takes place when the Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun enters Aries. This planetary position is said to medicate the waters of the Ganga and turn it into nectar on these days thereby attracting millions to purify their inner self through holy bathing rituals. Spiritually position of planet during the Kumbh fair is good for concentration and medication.
Held every twelve years, the Kumbh fair has come down to us through time as an institution of great significance. It is a unique event that blends religious and social features alike.
With the entire atmosphere saturated with chiming bells, incense and flower fragrance, Vedic hymns and mantras… the Maha Kumbh experience can only be described as pure enchanting for the soul. |
