Haridwar- A Sacred Land for Worship and Emancipation

Introduction to Haridwar

Blessed with ghats, mesmerizing temples and mind soothing chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Jai Ganga Maiya’, Haridwar, the divine place is one of the seven holy cities in India. Vedic history depicts Haridwar as the land of emancipation. It is believed that by taking holy bath in the ghats, one can purify the soul and opens the ways for eventual nirvana or mukti. The sacred land of Hindus is also named as ‘Ganga-Dwarka’ and ‘Mayapuri’. This is the land where Ganga unites the plains and forms an entryway to many pilgrim centers of the consecrated land of Uttarakhand/Uttaranchal. The gateway to God, Haridwar is a beautiful place for devotes and visitors. Besides being a spiritual place, it has also served as the centre for learning culture, arts and science.

History

Haridwar is an ancient city situated in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The sanctified town is a treasure trove of India’s culture and heritage. According to Hindu myth, the story of King Daksha and his spiritual sacrifice in the ‘Skanda Purana’, the navel of the razed body of Goddess Sati fell here. As a result, the council of Goddess Sati came up in this region. It is also said that, drops of amrit or nectar roiled out from the primordial ocean and fell at four locations, at each of which the “Kumbh Melas” are organized after every 12 years.

Places to see in Haridwar

If you are deeply in love with spiritualism, philosophy and religion, Har ki Pauri is the perfect destination for you. The holy place is the most visited and popular sites of Haridwar and regarded as one of its five major sanctified places. It is believed that it is the place where two great Hindu gods, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva appeared in the Vedic age. In religious terms, it is also said that Brahma, the creator of Universe, performed a yagna at this holy place. It is also believed that Har ki Pauri is comparable to Dashashwamedh Ghat in Banaras. A dip in sacred water of ghat is said to liberate a person from all his sins. All over the year, religious ceremonies like ‘upanayan’, ‘mundan’ and ‘asthi visarjan’ take place here. An evening ceremony (aarti) performed by priests on the banks of Ganga is a highly divine and enchanting experience for any devote. A wonderful aura of gleaming orange lights and mantras purifies the atmosphere and offers you mesmerizing scenario.

Chandi Devi TempleChandi Devi temple is snuggled at the top of Neel Parvat and constructed by Raja Suchet Singh of Kashmir in the year 1929. It is nestled at a distance of 4 km from Har ki Pauri. It is believed that Goddess Chandika Devi took a short break on Neel Parvat. This happened after the Goddess killed devil kings Nishumbha and Shumbh. This place of worship was built to welcome her back. The temple is popular as one of the Siddha Peethas (sacred place where one’s desires are fulfilled) together with Maya Devi and Mansa Devi of Haridwar. Visitors from all walks of life visit the temple to see the blessings of Goddess.

Mansa Devi Temple Mansa Devi is one of the most well-known temples of North India. Mansa Devi temple is the oldest place of worship in the town of Haridwar. It is situated at a distance of 800 metre from Har ki Pauri. Devote to goddess Mansa Devi, the temple takes up a wonderful place atop the Bilwa Parvat. It is believed that devotees who pray to the goddess with pure heart can get whatever he/she years for by the blessings of Mansa Devi. On the top of temple hill, there are many shops where marigold garlands, fruits, incense sticks and coconut are available for followers. In order to reach temple, one can hire cable car or go for trekking. From the top of Bilwa hill, one can have a scenic view of Haridwar.

Daksha Mahadev Temple - Daksha Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Kankhal. The place of worship stands as a mark of respect to the sacrifice of Mata Sati. The temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 A.D. The holy place is clocked in by numerous tourists in August and also known as the sacred month of Sawan. Special ceremonies are performed here on the festival of Shivratri.

Sapt Rishi Ashram - The holy town of Haridwar is accurately a treasure trove of Ashrams. Sapt Rishi ashram is the never-miss-out spot of Haridwar. The well-known ashram is located 5 km away from Har ki Pauri and a perfect destination for those who look for spiritualism. According to Hindu legends, the ashram is the place where seven sages (saptrishis) had meditated once. People who are interested in meditation and yoga can pay a visit to the ashram and get good lessons for life.

Ardh Kumbh Ardh Kumbh is celebrated after every six years with enthusiasm and jollity. It is believed that a dip in holy water of Ganga washes of all the wrong deeds and liberates an individual from the circle of life and death. According to Hindu mythology, it is said that Gods and devils were struggling over a nectar pot for immortality and in this scuffle few drops of nectar fell in four places Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Allahabad. On these four places, Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place after 6 and 12 years respectively.

How to get in

By air Jolly Grant Airport that is 36 kms away from Haridwar is the closest airport. The airport is well-linked to Delhi with regular flights.

By trains - Haridwar has excellent railway connectivity with major places in India. These rail services links Haridwar easily with all the prime cities of India.

By road - UP roadways bus stand are positioned at the southwest end of the Railway Road has the facility of ordinary and luxury buses that drops visitors to Haridwar.

• Area covered- 12, 302 sq. km
• State- Uttaranchal
• District- Haridwar
• Altitude - 2927 meters
• Temperature - summer: Max 35.6ºC, Min 16.9ºC, winter: Max 28.3ºC, Min 10.6ºC
• Rainfall- 162 cm
• Languages- Hindi, English and Garhwali
• Best season to visit- October- March

Haridwar has a very rich cultural and religious heritage. It’s an ideal destination for those who are deeply in love with spiritualism and Indian culture.

Rishikesh

Topmost Sightseeing Places in Rishikesh Rishikesh- A Brief Introduction

Rishikesh is an abode of Gods and a place of devotion and penace of saints and sages. Rishikesh is a sacred town at the union of rivers Ganges and Chandrabhaga, Rishikesh is a perfect destination for those who have a religious inclination and ardent for meditation, yoga and adventure. 24 kms from Haridwar and 43 kms from Dehradun, the spiritual place is located in the midst of dense forest, imposing water front and serene environment.

Historical Background

Rishi means “seer” was the name given to priests living in caves in the neighboring hills, sanctified men to whom Vedas were originally divulged. There are legends about this consecrated place in the scriptures. As per the myths of Rishikesh, Saint Raibhya Rishi sat on the banks of Ganga and performed relentless penance. Finally, he was rewarded for his penance and deity come appeared in front of him in the form of Lord Rishikesh. The place is also famed as the place for meditation of the Gods or Tapo Bhumi.

Sightseeing in Rishikesh

Lakshman Jhula Lakshman Jhula is one of the major attractions of Rishikesh. The 450 ft long hanging bridge was constructed in 1939 and located on the banks of river Ganga. According to myths, Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama crossed river Ganga on a jute cord from this spot. The sight from the bridge itself is panoramic. To experience the beauty of the place at its best, you can take a boat ride and see the picturesque view. Nearby Lakshman Jhula, visitors can have a look of 13 storied temple, where the statues of deities are kept. The bridge offers you a wonderful view of river Ganges and welcomes you with open arms.

Triveni Ghat -Triveni Ghat is the place where the evening aarti is performed by saints for Goddess Ganga. It is the major ghat in Rishikesh where believers take dip in pure and holy water of Ganga. It is said that this is the place of union of three holiest rivers Saraswati, Yamuna and Ganga. Scores of believers stand on the steps of ghat at evening time and take part in evening prayers. The golden flames of pure ghee lamps, Vedic chants and fragrance of incense sticks mingles the spiritualness in the air. These evening prayers at ghat symbolize remembrance, hope and good luck for future.

Bharat Mandir - Bharat Mandir is nestled in the heart of Rishikesh. It is almost half kms away from Triveni Ghat. It is said that Bharat Mata Mandir is the oldest temple in Rishikesh. According to historical facts, Adiguru Shankaracharya laid the basis of this temple. The idol of God Narayana (Vishnu) is preserved in the holy place. It is made up of black stone and beautified with a single piece of saligram. Bharat temple is an ideal destination for those people who have a desire to explore historical figures and facts.

Swarg Ashram - The ashram was constructed by Saint Swami Vishudhanand and located in eastern bank of Ganga River. Swarg Ashram has few temples, but every temple is extremely beautiful and unique in its own way. Every temple is headed by a priest. A number of pious ceremonies like chanting, processions and death ceremonies take place in the ashram.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple Neelkanth Mahadev temple is located at a height of 1675m and wrapped between the valleys of Madhumati, Pankaja, Vishnukoot, Brahmakoot and Mani koot. The holy place is popular for its picturesque views and incredible landmarks, bordered by valleys, forest and mountains. Mythological legends say that “Neelkanth Mahadev Temple” is the sanctified spot where Lord Shiva consumed poison from ocean. The temple is built to pay respect to him. The shrine has a special aura that fills devotee’s heart with heavenly pleasure.

Parmarth Niketan - Parmarth Nikatan is another major place to visit in Rishikesh. It is one of the most popular ashram of the region. The ashram is renowned for its considerable work on Hinduism and also runs a school on Indian tradition and culture. Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti and Hawan are organized by ashram members at Parmarth Ghat. The melting sun, gleaming orange pure ghee lights, temple bells and mantras by priests purifies the whole environment and fills heart with a divine feeling.

Kunjapuri Temple - Kunjapuri Temple is believed as one of the 52 Shaktipeetha /Shaktipeeth/ Shaktipeetham of our celestial mother. The holy temple is snuggled on a small hill and around 15 km away from Rishikesh. The temple is popular amidst visitors for its captivating sunrise and sunset views. Being a major sacred place, thousands of followers come here during “Navratras”.

Vashistha Gufa - Vashistha Gufa is a popular attraction famous for meditation. Situated at the banks of Ganga River, the gufa is 16 km away from Rishikesh. The gufa is renowned for a linga that is believed to be spiritual. The serene cave is a perfect place for meditation.

Rishi Kund Rishi Kund is an ancient pond located near to Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, Uttaranchal. The pond is related to Kubz Saint, who was sanctified by Goddess Yamuna by flooding the pond with its holy water. It replicates the shrine of Raghunath, devoted to Lord Rama.

Trekking in Rishikesh

Apart from being a religious place, Rishikesh is also believed as one of the best trekking destinations in India. Trekking in Himalayas is not only thrilling, but a rewarding experience for adventure seekers. Wrapped by soaring mountain ranges from all the sides, Rishikesh offers trekkers some thrilling vistas of dark forest, shimmering rivers and wild mountains.

Well-known Routes for Trekking

• Kankul Khal Trek
• KalindiKhal Trek
• Kauri Pass Trek
• Roop Kund Trek
• Devi National Park Trek

Yoga and Meditation

If you are fed up with tedious and hectic life of city, come to Rishikesh and rejuvenate your tried senses. No matter, you are an adventure seeker or yoga lover, the beautiful has something for every visitor. Rishikesh has been a significant centre for learning yoga and art of meditation. The city is stacked with a good number of ashrams like Swami Dayanand Ashram, Yoga Niketam Ashram, Yoga Study Centre, and Sivananda Ashram. One can learn ancient practice from qualified gurus.

Adventure Sports in Rishikesh

Topography of Rishikesh is consecrated with tumultuous rivers, getting their energy from glaciers, rivulets and tributaries. These rivers and their close by areas makes Rishikesh an excellent place for adventure sports like Rock-Climbing, Trekking, White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Mountaineering and Skiing(in winters).

Figures and Facts

• Area- 11.20 sq km
• Language- Hindi, Garhwali, English
• State- Uttaranchal
• District- Dehradun
• Famous for/as- Pilgrim, Rafting
• Best time to visit- March to November
• Temperature- Summer: 40 °C (max) & 29 °C (min), Winter: 20 °C (max) & 5 °C (min)

How to reach

By Air - Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Rishikesh located at a distance of 21 kms. The airport is well-linked to Delhi with regular flights.

By Rail - Rishikesh is linked by railway networks with main Indian destinations. Regular trains connect Rishikesh to various cities.

By Road - Rishikesh is connected by motorable roads with prime destinations of Uttarakhand and northern state of India. Taxis and buses are easily available from Meerut and ISBT Kashmiri Gate.

The holy city of Rishikesh is packed with a number of holy shrines, serene ashrams, picturesque natural beauty and thrilling adventure activities. Due to the wonderful fusion of all these attractions, Rishikesh captivates thousands of tourists every year.

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