Har Har Gange! This celebratory exhoration has been the cry of the devout from time immemorial, shouted with gusto while taking a plunge of faith into the pleasantly cold waters of Jeevan Dayini( the giver of life), Moksha Pradayini (bestower of salvation) Ganga at Haridwar. Visiting a tempe is in itself secondary here. The age old ritual of taking a bath in the fast flowing holy river takes precedence over everything else for pilgrims.
the hypnotic beauty of Ganga at Haridwar seems to bring time to a standstill. Most visitors stop by here en route to a longer stay in upstream Rishikesh. This holy town however, remains the base for those with ritual commitments, Indeed, Haridwar and Rishikesh appear to reflect the mood of the river as she flows past them: Haridwar is the embodiment of fervour and energy, Rishilesh of calm and introspection.
Haridwar is the dwar(door) to Hari (vishnu). It was old even before many of the world’s ancient towns were born, and finds mention the Vedas and Upanishads. It was then called Mayapuri, one of the seven sacred Mokshapuris. It is also one of the four sites of Kumbh Mela.
The most sacred site, the Har ki Pauri, was built by King Vikrmaditya in honour of his brother, the saintly poet Bhartruhari, who is said to have meditated here. The Bhartruhari Smriti reveals that Raja Vikrmaditya first built the steps and then Brahmakund next to the site. This ghat is believed to be the the exact spot where the holy Ganga enters the plains. the river Ganga enters the sacred Brahmakund from one side and exits from the other. Nowhere is the water in th ekund more thgan waist high. But the Ganga flows very swiftly and only the expert must try swimming unassisted. Chains and rails have been provided for pilgrims to hold on to, and have a safe snan here. The footprints of the Lord Vishnu- vishnucharanpaduka, are believed to be imprinted on the wall beneath the swiftly swirling waters of the Ganga at this ghat. A priest will be able to guide you to reach and touch it. Attending the evening aarti at the Har ki Pauri is a must for any pilgrim, several times over if possible. A day or two should suffice to see the sites in Haridwar but the Ganga easily lures the visitor to stay longer.
Things to do in Haridwar
1. Partake of ‘aarti’ at Har-ki-Pauri
2. Visit the Rajiji National Park
3. Bharat Mata Mandir
4. Mansa Devi Mandir.
5. Jain Temple
6. Shanti kunj Ashram.
How to Reach Haridwar
Haridwar is an important Hindu pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand, north India. The popular Har ki Pauri Ghat and evening Ganga Aarti are popular attractions here. It remains occupied by pilgrims round the year. Places of religious interests like Chandi Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple are worthy of a visit during one’s stay in Haridwar
How to Reach Haridwar by Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun serves as the nearest airport to Haridwar. Visitors can take a direct flight to Dehradun from Mumbai or Delhi or connecting flights from anywhere in India. Local vehicles can be availed from outside the airport to reach Haridwar by road from Dehradun.
How to Reach Haridwar by Road
Haridwar can be reached easily by road from Delhi, Haryana, UP, Punjab and other parts of Uttarkhand. A number of state transport and private buses connect Haridwar with these places. Bus service is available at frequent basis and fares are also economical. Visitors can board these buses depending upon their suitable timing.
How to Reach Haridwar by Rail
Haridwar has its own railway station which connects the pilgrimage town well with rest of India. It is directly linked with cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Dehradun, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Patna, Gaya, Varanasi, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Kochi by a good number of express trains.
How to reach Haridwar by Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the airport closest to Haridwar, tourists can move from here to Haridwar quite comfortably. Tourists coming into Jolly Grant Airport can take a taxi or bus to reach Haridwar.
Nearest Airport : Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
How to reach Haridwar by Rail
Haridwar railway station is well connected to all major cities and towns of India. There are a number of regular trains available. Tourist can easily book their seats in any class of the train as per their choice and budget to reach Haridwar safely and comfortably.
How to reach Haridwar by Road
Haridwar is well connected by roads to all major cities and towns, so people as per their choice and comfort can take the bus to reach Haridwar smoothly. Haridwar is connected to Chandigarh (205km), Delhi (210km), Dehradun (59km) and Nainital (223km) through a good network of roads.
