Haridwar, located in Uttarakhand, is a city of spiritual significance, known as the “Gateway to God.” It is home to numerous temples dedicated to various deities, creating a spiritual atmosphere that captivates millions of devotees worldwide. The city also features vibrant Pooja shops catering to pilgrims and seekers.
Haridwar is famous in India for its strong spiritual connections to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. People believe that Shiva’s footprint at ‘Har Ki Pauri’ and Vishnu’s mark from the ‘Samudra Manthan’ event are here. Many temples honoring these gods have been built in the city.
Why is Haridwar famous?
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| Haridwar |
Haridwar, which is also known as the “Gateway to the Gods”, is one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. The name Haridwar means “The Gateway to Lord Vishnu”. The city is located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at the foothills of the Shivalik range, where the Ganges enters the Indo-Gangetic plain. Haridwar is famous for its temples, ghats, and for being a place where one can attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Haridwar is famous, as well as some of the famous God’s temples in Haridwar.
Introduction
Haridwar is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with references dating back to the ancient Hindu scriptures. The city has been a center for spiritual and cultural activities for thousands of years. Haridwar is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a stone, which is now known as the Vishnu Padam. The city is also associated with Lord Shiva, who is believed to have meditated here for thousands of years.
Reasons why Haridwar is famous
There are several reasons why Haridwar is famous. Some of these reasons are:
1. The Ganges
Haridwar is situated at the banks of the Ganges, which is one of the most sacred rivers for Hindus. The Ganges is believed to have purifying powers, and a dip in its waters is considered to be holy. Haridwar is one of the seven places where the Ganges is believed to cleanse one of their sins. Millions of people come to Haridwar every year to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges.
2. Kumbh Mela
Haridwar is one of the four places where the Kumbh Mela is held. The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival that is held every twelve years. It is the largest religious gathering in the world, with millions of people from all over the world coming to Haridwar to participate in the festival.
3. Temples
Haridwar is home to several ancient temples. These temples are considered to be among the holiest in India. Some of the famous temples in Haridwar are the Mansa Devi Temple, the Chandi Devi Temple, and the Maya Devi Temple.
4. Yoga and Ayurveda
Haridwar is also known for its yoga and Ayurveda practices. It is a center for the study of Ayurveda, and several yoga schools are located here. Many people come to Haridwar to learn about these ancient practices.
5. Food
Haridwar is also famous for its food. The city is known for its street food, which includes chaat, kachori, and lassi. The food here is vegetarian, and it is prepared using traditional methods.
Famous God’s Temple in Haridwar
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| Haridwar famous temples |
Haridwar is home to several famous temples. Some of these temples are:
1. Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi. The temple is located on top of a hill, and it can be reached by a cable car. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of its devotees.
2. Chandi Devi Temple
The Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Chandi. The temple is located on top of a hill, and it can be reached by a trek or by a cable car. The temple is believed to have been built by Adi Shankaracharya, a Hindu philosopher, and theologian.
3. Maya Devi Temple
The Maya Devi Temple is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar. It is dedicated to the goddess Maya Devi, who is believed to be the manifestation of Shakti. The temple is believed to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her body.
4. Daksha Mahadev Temple
The Daksha Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the place where the father of Goddess Sati, Daksha Prajapati, performed a yajna, or a Hindu ritual, and did not invite Lord Shiva. This led to the death of Goddess Sati, and Lord Shiva’s anger destroyed the yajna and Daksha Prajapati’s head.
5. Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is a ghat located on the banks of the Ganges. It is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a stone. The ghat is also famous for its evening aarti, where hundreds of people gather to witness the ritual of lamps being lit and prayers being offered to the Ganges.
Conclusion
Haridwar is a city with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It is famous for its temples, ghats, and the Ganges. The city has a special place in the hearts of Hindus, and millions of people come here every year to seek spiritual enlightenment. The famous temples in Haridwar are an important part of the city’s heritage, and they attract devotees from all over the world.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Haridwar?
The best time to visit Haridwar is from October to February, as the weather during this time is pleasant.
What is the significance of Har Ki Pauri?
Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu left his footprint on a stone. It is also famous for its evening aarti, where prayers are offered to the Ganges.
How do I reach Haridwar?
Haridwar is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 35 kilometers from Haridwar.
Is Haridwar safe for tourists?
Yes, Haridwar is safe for tourists. However, it is advisable to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially during the Kumbh Mela.
What is the significance of the Kumbh Mela?
The Kumbh Mela is a Hindu festival that is held every twelve years. It is the largest religious gathering in the world, with millions of people from all over the world coming to Haridwar to participate in the festival. The festival is believed to cleanse one of their sins and grant them liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Haridwar Map