Har Ki Pauri

Haridwar, a land of emancipation is one of the most celebrated places visited by countless devotees every year. It is also known as the land of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and also the land of power-Mayapuri. The sacred place that vibrates with the continuous chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’, ‘Jai Ganga Maiya’ and ‘Alakh Niranjan’ is a touchable proof of Hindu culture that endeavors constantly to look for salvation in the midst of confusion, pain and chaos. Devotees in huge numbers come to this place to perform rites like ‘upanayan’ (the starting rite), ‘mundan’ (shaving off the head) and last rites of a person. The holy city obtains a unique magnetism in the evening at the ghats with spectacular huge ritual pujas and thousands of Marigold and gleaming lights floating over the waters of Ganga.

Har ki Pauri- Introduction

The holy land of Haridwar is dotted with numerous sacred temples and ghats. Har ki Pauri is one of the most sacrosanct ghats in Haridwar that magnetize countless Hindu devotees from every corner of India and world as well. It is deemed to be the end of river Ganges from mountains and entrance into plains. Nestled in the base of Garhwal Himalayas, Har ki Pauri remain stacked with devotees all over the year. It is the place where numerous saints come when they want to achieve nirvana. However, the splendor of this place is at its height during the season of Kumbh Mela in the divine town of Haridwar.

History and legends

Har ki Pauri is also known as “Brahma Kund”, this ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the remembrance of his brother Brithari who used to meditate on the banks of Ganga River. According to historical records, the footprints of Lord Vishnu are still present on the stones of Ghat. According to other folklore connected with the place, the Hindu deities Vishnu and Shiva appeared at this place during Vedic age. The other myth says that God of Creation, Lord Brahma carried out a sacrifice ceremony called ‘yagna’ at this place.

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

‘Maha Aart’ or ‘Ganga Aarti’ is one of the most essential events that every devotee must witness while visiting Har-Ki-Pauri. The aarti starts at the time of dusk; just the sun sinks down, therefore the timings of maha aarti keeps on changing. However, to shun rush, it’s better to reach at the ghat before sunset. The splendid golden diyas that floats on the ghat gives a chanting view to devotees. The aarti begins at 7 pm and took 30-40 minutes. People offer prayers at the ghat with ghee lamps, incense sticks, flowers and puja ki thali. The aarti symbolizes five things especially these are earth (prithvi), water (Jal), fire (Agni), wind (vayu) and ether (akash). A magnificent aura of chants and lights fills the atmosphere with glory and sanctity.

One of the most captivating scenes that you can observe is when followers flow their diyas into pure water with a hope that their desires will fulfill soon. The echoes of mantra, fragrance of incense sticks and view of waving oil lamps are something, which shouldn’t be missed by any individual. This fascinating view will leave you speechless and you won’t feel like leaving the sanctified place.

Sacred Dip at Har Ki Pauri

Pilgrims from every corner of the world come at this place to take a holy dip in the water of Ganga. Brahma Kund--the bathing Ghat at Har ki Pauri is known for the spot where Lord Brahma carried out holy yagna in ancient times. It is said that a holy dip at this ghat can liberate a person from all wrongdoings and repression of the world. In order to protect devotees, metal chains are hanged from the bridge. Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh Mela are the most fortunate occasions amidst Hindus, when the believers gather here in huge number to take bath in the Ghat.

Fast Facts

• Proper Name- Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
• Location- Har ki Pauri, Haridwar Uttarakhand India
• Elevation- 314 mt (1,030 ft)
• Area- 12.3 square km (4.7 sq. mt)
• Best time to visit- October to March
• Temperature- Summer 40 (Max) & 24(Min) Degrees Celsius, Winter 26 (Max) & 4 (Min) Degrees Celsius

Reaching Haridwar

By Flights- Jolly Grant domestic Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Haridwar that is 36 kms far from the holy site. One can avail the taxi services from airport to reach Har ki Pauri.

By Trains- The wide network of Haridwar connects it with prime destinations of India. Trains to reach Haridwar run on a daily basis.

By Road- Reaching Haridwar by road is an excellent traveling alternative. There are numerous deluxe and state buses that run on a regular basis to go Haridwar.

 

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