Haridwar - A Introduction
To experience Haridwar is to know that beyond the superficial sophistry of
politically correct contemporary Hinduism lies a faith as simple as the
contours of a lily in full bloom, as old as the abode of the Gods amidst the
northern snows. Not for nothing is Haridwar called the "Gateway to the
Gods". Haridwar Situated at the base of the Shivalik hills of Uttar Pradesh, an
aura of divinity surrounds this sacred town where the Ganga is believed to
wash away the sins of millions who take a dip in its holy waters. Tradition
traces the origins of the town to the great penance performed by King
Shweta. Lord Shiva's father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati also performed a yagna
here. Again, it is here that the Devas brought the pitcher of nectar to foil
the designs of the Rakshasas. Besides being an important pilgrim center of
the Hindus, Haridwar is a major adventure sports circuit offering
possibilities for river rafting, tracking and mountaineering. Haridwar is also
known world over for its herbal remedies and Ayurveda (the ancient Indian
science of medicine).
Places of Interest:
Chandi
Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi Temple, situated atop the Neel Parvat,
gives a panoramic view of the entire town. The temple was built in
the year 1929 by the then king of Kashmir Suchat Singh. According to a
legend, Adi Shankaracharya established the main statue here during the
eighth century AD. You can either trek the 3-km path to get to the temple
from Chandi Ghat or take the ropeway that starts from the nearby Gauri
Shankar Temple
Bharat Mata Temple
The
Bharat Mata Temple is a massive eight-storey structure consecrated in 1983.
Each floor of the temple houses statues of different mythological and
historical legends, religious deities, leaders and heroes who played
important role in the formation of the modern India. The temple was founded
by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. The first floor of the temple has the statue
of Bharat Mata or Mother India with a map of India on a raised platform.
Likewise, the other floors also contain renowned figures of Indian history
and mythology while the fifth floor serves as the assembly hall.
Shanti
Kunj
Shanti Kunj is another place to visit while you are in
this city. It is the most important centre for the Gayatri followers all over
India. The temple here houses 24 images of Gayatri. Shanti Kunj is also
famous for yoga practices.
Har-Ki-Pauri
Har-Ki-Pauri is regarded as one of the major attractions. It is
a sacred ghat built by the then King Vikramaditya in the memory of his
brother Bhartrihari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund.
Thousands of devotees come here to take a holy dip in the river Ganga during
the Kumbh Mela. Just near the ghat is the Gangadwar Temple, which is
regarded as the most important temple.
Maya
Devi Temple
The Maya Devi Temple holds great religious importance
for the follower of Hindu religion. It is said that a vital part of Goddess
Sati had fallen at this place during the process of divine dismemberment.
The temple is also regarded as one of the Siddhapethas dedicated to the
Adhisthatri Devi.
Bazaars
This city is also famous for its local bazaars or markets. The main Haridwar
bazaar is a long, winding street, probably the oldest part of the town, free
of all vehicular traffic. The road is no more than four yards wide. The
shops spill over with sweets, pickles, bead necklaces, clay images of the
gods, Shiva lingams, sacred texts, ritual designs, and pictures of the gods,
gurus and gotamas in vibrant technicolour. You can also indulge in some
items made of shells, pearls, rudraksha beads, and cane, jewellery like
bangles, chains, ear and nose rings, etc.
Excursion:
Places nearby Haridwar
 Chila
Wildlife Sanctuary
The Chila Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a
distance of 10 km away. It is a part of the Rajaji National
Park and houses a good number of rare Himalayan flora and fauna. The
sanctuary remains closed for tourists from June 15 to November 15 every
year.
Kanva Rishi Ashram
Situated at a
distance of 42 km from Haridwar, the Kanva Rishi Ashram lies along the
forested road to Kotdwar. The Malini River flows by the ashram.
Neel
Kantha
As the name suggests, the Neel Kantha is a temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700 metres and takes
around 4 hours on foot if you decide on to walk from Rishikesh. According to
a legend, this is the place where lord Shiva drank the poison churned out of
the cosmic ocean. The Shivratri fair held here is famous all over India
Rishikesh
If Haridwar is the town of
temples, Rishikesh is the ashram capital of Hinduism. Located at the
confluence of the Ganga and Chandrabhaga at a distance of 28 km from the
town, Rishikesh is a sacred spot where the great sage Raibhya
performed penance and was granted an appearance by God in his /'Hrishikesh/'
aspect. Rishikesh is today a centre of Vedic, yogic, herbal medication and
meditation studies. Along the east bank of the river lies a succession of
ashrams in serene surroundings: the river is beautiful, the air is fragrant
with freshness and there is benediction in the air. Rishikesh is a place to
be, not do.
Sapta Rishi Ashram
Situated
just a few kilometres from main town, the Sapta Rishi Ashram makes
an important excursion spot. As the name suggests, Sapta Rishi is believed
to be the meditation ground of seven sages named Kashyap, Vashit, Atri,
Vishwamitra, Jaindayani, Bhardwaj and Gautam. Legends say that the holy
river Ganga didn/'t want to disturb the sages in their meditation and so she
split herself into seven streams around each one of them keeping her flow
intact.
Triveni Ghat
Known for its
religious significance, the Triveni Ghat is an important bathing ghat. Here
people come to worship the river with milk and diyas. After sunset, priests
perform religious rites and set floating lamps on the water to mark the
aarti ceremony. |
