Explore Haridwar
The history of Haridwar is very old and full of mysteries. “Haridwar” is one of the seven holiest places in India, located in Uttarakhand.
Haridwar History
हरिद्वार का इतिहास बहुत ही पुराना और रहस्य से भरा हुआ है | “हरिद्वार” उत्तराखंड में स्थित भारत के सात सबसे पवित्र स्थलों में से एक है | यह बहुत प्राचीन नगरी है और उत्तरी भारत में स्थित है | हरिद्वार उत्तराखंड के चार पवित्र चारधाम यात्रा का प्रवेश द्वार भी है | यह भगवान शिव की भूमि और भगवान विष्णु की भूमि भी है। इसे सत्ता की भूमि के रूप में भी जाना जाता है | और वास्तव में इसका नाम “गेटवे ऑफ़ द गॉड्स” है । यह पवित्र शहर भारत की जटिल संस्कृति और प्राचीन सभ्यता का खजाना है | हरिद्वार शिवालिक पहाडियों के कोड में बसा हुआ है |पवित्र गंगा नदी के किनारे बसे “हरिद्वार” का शाब्दिक अर्थ “हरी तक पहुचने का द्वार” है |हरिद्वार चार प्रमुख स्थलों का प्रवेश द्वार भी है | हिन्दू धर्मं के अनुयायी का प्रसिद्ध तीर्थ स्थान है |
प्रसिद्ध तीर्थ स्थान “बद्रीनारायण” तथा “केदारनाथ” धाम “भगवान विष्णु” एवम् “भगवान शिव “ के तीर्थ स्थान का रास्ता (मार्ग) हरिद्वार से ही जाता है | इसलिए इस जगह को “हरिद्वार” तथा “हरद्वार” दोनों ही नामों से संबोधित किया जाता है |
हरिद्वार का प्राचीन पौराणिक नाम “माया” या “मायापुरी” है | जिसकी सप्तमोक्षदायिनी पुरियो में गिनती की जाती है | हरिद्वार का एक भाग आज भी “मायापुरी” के नाम से प्रसिद्ध है | यह भी कहा जाता है कि पौराणिक समय में समुन्द्र मंथन में अमृत की कुछ बुँदे हरिद्वार में गिर गयी थी | इसी कारण हरिद्वार में “कुम्भ का मेला” आयोजित किया जाता है | बारह वर्ष में मनाये जाने वाला “कुम्भ के मेले ” का हरिद्वार एक महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है .
Har Ki Pouri Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar holds immense significance in Hinduism. It is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprint, making it one of the holiest ghats for devotees. The name “Har Ki Pauri” translates to “The Footstep of God,” symbolizing its spiritual importance. According to Hindu tradition, taking a holy dip in the Ganges at this ghat cleanses one of sins and is believed to bring liberation (Moksha). The site is especially revered during Kumbh Mela, a sacred gathering that attracts millions of pilgrims. Har Ki Pauri is also famous for the evening Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing ritual that draws numerous devotees and tourists. Its divine atmosphere, along with the breathtaking views of the river, makes it a major pilgrimage destination in Uttarakhand.
The ancient Daksha Mahadev Temple, also known as Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, is located in the town of Kankhal in Haridwar.
This sacred temple holds great religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, especially during the holy month of Saavan according to the Hindu calendar, when it attracts a large number of pilgrims. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati, who is associated with an important mythological event. The temple is a center of deep devotion and faith, making it a key spiritual site for visitors to Haridwar seeking blessings from Lord Shiva.
Daksh Mnadir Kankhal, Haridwar
Mansha Devi Temple Haridwar
Another popular temple in Haridwar, located on Bilva Parvat in the Shivalik hills, is the Manasa Devi Temple. Manasa Devi is believed to be the incarnation of Shakti, created by Lord Shiva. It is said that she fulfills the wishes of her devotees, attracting large crowds throughout the year. Thousands of Hindus visit the temple annually, praying for their desires to be granted, trusting that Manasa Devi will shower her blessings upon them. One of Haridwar’s most famous attractions, the temple draws both devotees and tourists seeking its spiritual significance and scenic beauty. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganges River, enhancing its charm. Visitors can either take a ropeway or trek up to the temple, making the journey as memorable as the destination itself.
At a distance of 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 2 km from Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the Ganga River situated at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh.Ram Jhula was constructed in 1986 with the help of Sivananda Ashram. Previously, it was a hanging jute rope bridge without any pillars. Though similar in design, this bridge is bigger than Lakshman Jhula. With a length of 750 feet (230 m), it is a pedestrian bridge that is also used for two-wheelers. The bridge connects the areas of Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram, making it an important thoroughfare for both locals and tourists.
Lakshman Jhula Rishikesh
Rajaj Ji National Park
In 1983, Rajaji National Park was formed by merging three wildlife sanctuaries of Uttarakhand:
Rajaji, Motichur, and Chilla. It was named after the famous freedom fighter, C. Rajagopalachari, known as “Rajaji.” The park covers 820.42 sq km. In 2015, an additional 255.63 sq km of reserve forest was added as a buffer zone, bringing the total area to 1075 sq km, which was declared Rajaji Tiger Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. The reserve serves as the lungs of Uttarakhand’s three major cities—Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh—and is home to diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, elephants, and leopards.
The Chandi Devi Temple, located on Neel Parvat, is dedicated to Goddess Chandi.
This high-altitude temple is not only a place of worship but also a popular trekking destination. The combination of devotion and stunning natural views is truly remarkable. It is one of Haridwar’s five pilgrimage sites, where devotees come to fulfill their wishes. The faith and belief in this temple are strong. The view of Haridwar from here is breathtaking. The temple offers panoramic views of the city and the Ganges River, attracting photographers and nature lovers. Whether accessed by ropeway or trekking,
the journey enhances the spiritual experience.
Chanadi Devi ji Temple Haridwar
Rishikesh Ganaga Arti
At a distance of 4 km from Rishikesh Railway Station and 2 km from Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula is an iron suspension bridge over the Ganga River situated at Muni Ki Reti in Rishikesh.Ram Jhula was constructed in 1986 with the help of Sivananda Ashram. Previously, it was a hanging jute rope bridge without any pillars. Though similar in design, this bridge is bigger than Lakshman Jhula. With a length of 750 feet (230 m), it is a pedestrian bridge that is also used for two-wheelers. The bridge connects the areas of Swarg Ashram and Sivananda Ashram, making it an important thoroughfare for both locals and tourists.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Nilkanth, a form of Lord Shiva. Located about 32 km from Rishikesh in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand,
the temple’s architecture is influenced by the Dravidian style. The temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site and is surrounded by dense forests. It lies near the Nar-Narayan mountain ranges and is situated between the valleys of Manikoot, Brahmakoot, and Vishnukoot. The temple is also at the confluence of the Pankaja and Madhumati rivers, adding to its scenic and spiritual significance. This serene location attracts many devotees and nature lovers alike.
Nilkanth Mahadev Temple
Sureshvari Devi Temple Haridwar
Sureshwari Temple is an ancient temple located in Haridwar. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and Goddess Bhagwati. This temple is also considered as Siddhipeeth. Siddhipeeth Maa Sureshwari Devi is situated on “Surkut Parvat” in the dense forests of Ranipur at a distance of 8 km from Haridwar. The temple has great mythological importance and is counted among the famous Siddhpeeths. The tranquil environment of the temple, surrounded by lush greenery, adds to its spiritual ambiance, attracting devotees and tourists alike. Visitors believe that the temple has powerful energies that fulfill their wishes and bring them peace. The serene location also makes it a perfect spot for meditation and introspection. Festivals like Navratri are celebrated with great fervor here, drawing large crowds who come to seek blessings.