Haridwar, which means ‘Gateway to God,’ is one of India’s seven holiest cities (Sapt Puris), situated on the banks of the sacred Ganga River in Uttarakhand. The old city is home to many temples, ashrams, ghats, and other revered monuments for Hindu visitors. The Panch Births (Five Pilgrimages) — Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Kankhal, and Kushavarta – are among the most important destinations to visit Haridwar. The city attracts a large number of worshippers and visitors every year, with footfall peaking during the Maha Kumbh Mela (hosted every 12 years) and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held every four years) (held every six years).
The following are some of the most popular locations to visit in Haridwar that you should include in your itinerary:
Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple, which is devoted to Goddess Maya, who is the principal goddess of Haridwar and for whom the city was once known as Mayapuri, completes the triad of Siddh Peeths in Haridwar. According to mythical literature, the temple was erected on the location where Goddess Sati’s heart and navel fell. It was established in the 11th century atop Har Ki Pauri Ghat and is one of its oldest temples. Hundreds of worshippers attend the temple every day to seek the goddess’s blessings and have their desires answered, but the footfall swells dramatically during Navratri and the Kumbh Mela.
Birla Ghat is located in Haridwar.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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Shantikunj Haridwar – How to Reach Santi kunj
Haridwar and Shantikunj are two of the most important pilgrimage sites in India.
Shantikunj, near Haridwar, is one of the world’s most well-known spiritual and moral enlightenment centres. It is the headquarters of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP), a worldwide organisation with millions of adherents. In addition to spiritual and moral upliftment, the centre promotes national integration and cultural and ethical principles. Shantikunj also features a residential university and a research centre (Brahmavarchas Shodh Sansthan) (Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya).
Several world-famous figures, including the Dalai Lama, have visited this must-see sight. You may also remain for free for up to two days if you participate in their daily activities, including bhajans and aartis.
Sapt Rishi Ashram – Haridwar
24X7 are the timings. Haridwar, Sapt Rishi Ashram
One of the most popular sites to visit in Haridwar is Sapt Rishi Ashram, situated along the river’s edge. The ashram attracts many people who are searching for a tranquil place to meditate and practise yoga, in addition to Hindu worshippers. The serene atmosphere of this location is so conducive to meditation that it drew the attention of the famed seven sages. Thus, the name — apt means seven and rishi means sage.
According to legend, Kashyapa, Vashishta, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja, and Gautam – the seven sages – meditated along the river’s banks when they were startled by the sound of the running river and caught it. As a result, Ganga divided the flow into seven streams (Sapt Sarovar).
Motichur, Haridwar
Haridwar’s Bharat Mata Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Bharat Mata.
Bharat Mata Mandir, which translates to “Mother India Shrine,” is a multi-storey temple in Haridwar devoted to patriots and liberation heroes. The 180-foot-tall temple with eight stories, inaugurated by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983, promotes the spirit of unity in diversity, which is the genuine soul of our wonderful country.
Each of the eight floors has its theme: Bharat Mata honouring Mother India, Shoor Mandir honouring Indian heroes, Matru Mandir honouring renowned women personalities, Sant Mandir honouring saints, Assembly Hall honouring religious harmony, Goddess Shakti on the sixth floor, Lord Vishnu on the seventh floor, and Lord Shiva on the eighth floor.
Motichur, Haridwar is the location of this event.
Bara Bazar – Haridwar
Despite the lack of high-end malls in Haridwar, the busy Bara Bazar can provide you with all you want. The many stalls in this bustling market offer religious relics, Ayurvedic remedies, wooden goods, handicrafts, and jewellery, among other things. Rudraksha and peda (sweet) are two of the most popular items purchased by tourists, including international visitors.
Apart from stores, there are several eateries where you may have hot samosas, kachori-sabzi, chole-bhature, and other dishes. Apart from Bara Bazar, you may visit Moti Bazar, Kankhal Bazar, and Jwalapur Bazar to get a taste of Haridwar’s old-world charm.
Subhash Ghat is located in Haridwar.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
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Conclusion
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Ganga Temple, Vaishno Devi Mandir, Vishnu Ghat, Alaknanda Ghat, Birla Ghat, and Gau Ghat are many other additional locations to visit in and near Haridwar. Swami Vivekanand Park, Fun Valley, Crystal World, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, and Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar are places to visit for fun. In Rishikesh, a worldwide tourist hotspot less than an hour’s drive from Haridwar, you may participate in thrilling activities such as white-water rafting and camping.