Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2021
Hardwar, or Haridwar
One of the holiest places for Hindus in India, It is significant that pilgrims often go from Haridwar to the two great Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, as Har means Shiva (the deity of Kedarnath), Hari means Vishnu (the deity of Badrinath), and Dwar means gate. Hardwar is therefore the gateway to the two holy shrines of Shiva and Vishnu.
The town has also been called Gangadvar, meaning ‘Door of the Ganga’ because at this place the sacred river Ganges leaves the mountains to flow out upon the Indian plains. Many years ago it was also called Kapilsthan after the great sage Kapil, who lived and meditated there.
Today, Hardwar is the home of many Ashrams (hermitages and places for meditation) and Dharamshalas (rest houses for pilgrims) that have been established by various swamis, yogis and religious institutions. Throughout the year large numbers of pilgrims come to bathe in the Ganges, especially at the Hari-ka-charan ghat (also called Hari-ki-Pauri), where a footprint of Vishnu is worshipped.
Haridwar must visit 05 divine temples
An ultimate getaway for Hindu devotees, Haridwar is one of the holiest places in the world and is visited by millions of tourists every year. With its exact history still unknown, it is believed to be one of the oldest places in India and is said to have been flourishing since the Vedic Period. It has also been mentioned several times in ancient Hindu texts and mythology. Therefore, it is the quintessential place amongst Hindus to achieve salvation
The most sacred of them all, Har Ki Pauri is a holy bank of Ganga river in Haridwar and is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva once appeared during the Vedic Period. It is also said to be the exact spot where the sacred waters of Ganga river leave the mountains and enter the plains of India. How about getting yourself to this spiritual site and witnessing its beauty and majesty as pilgrims from all over the world take a holy dip in its waters?
Due to its religious significance, it is believed that a trip to Haridwar is always incomplete without visiting Har Ki Pauri and taking a dip in its holy waters. Do you know Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering of Hindus, is also celebrated at Har Ki Pauri once every twelve years? Isn’t is a perfect place to get lost in the valleys of spirituality and divinity?
Located atop the Shivalik Hills, Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Haridwar and is believed to be the abode of Goddess Mansa. Even though the exact history of the temple is still unknown, it is said that the temple was established thousands of years ago when Lord Shiva appeared in front of Mansa and offered her with several divine powers, thereby, turning her into a goddess
Today, the temple is one of the five pilgrimage sites in Haridwar and is visited by millions of Hindu devotees and tourists every year. The temple can be accessed either through a trek up the hill or taking the ropeway service. From the top of the temple, you can also enjoy the panoramic beauty of Ganga river and the beautiful settlement of Haridwar. Doesn’t it seem a heavenly site? If yes, then why refrain from planning a trip to Haridwar now?
Dating back to the 11th century, Maya Devi Temple is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas as it is the place where the navel and the heart of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Vishnu cut her corpse into 52 pieces in order to relieve Lord Shiva from the pain of her death. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is one of the holy shrines in Haridwar.
No Hindu devotee can afford to miss visiting this divine temple which is also known for fulfilling the wishes of its visitors.
The major festivals celebrated here include Navaratri. The major reason why one must visit this beautiful temple lies in its peaceful and spiritual environment which will certainly help you meditate and introspect. So, what do you think about a visit to Maya Devi Temple now?
Another wish-fulfilling temple in Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple is located atop Neel Parvat amidst the expanse of the Shivalik Hills and was built during the early 20th century by a king of Kashmir. However, the idol of Goddess Chandi placed inside the temple dates back to the 8th century and is believed to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu priests. Like Mansa Devi Temple, it can also be accessed either through a trek or taking the ropeway service.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the few temples in Haridwar which are also popular for their historical significance. Built in the year 1810 by Queen Dhankaur, the temple is one of the most visited pilgrimages sites in Haridwar today, especially amongst Shaivites.
As the temple is said to be the site where Daksha Prajapati, the father of Goddess Sati, performed a yajna thousands of years ago, the temple is named after him.
How about getting yourself to this ancient beauty and exploring its spiritual aura? The peaceful ambience and natural surroundings of the temple will certainly help you pacify your mind, body and soul.
