Haridwar
The sacred city Haridwar lies at the foothills of the Himalayas at an elevation of 249.7
meters, at the point where the Ganges enters the plains. One of the most popular destinations of spiritual tourism, Haridwar is also the gateway to the other Himalayan shrines – Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Down the ages, Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul. Haridwar is now a major learning center for the arts, science and culture.
Haridwar is famous for the Mega Kumbha Mela, which happens once in 12 years. During this purification ritual, an estimated 50 million people assemble here to bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges.
Haridwar gets vivid in the evenings as the ghats get filled with the offerings of flowers and diyas (lighted lamps). Har-ki-Pairi, the most popular bathing ghat is believed to have been built by King Vikramaditya. The ghat sits on the western bank of the Ganges canal and hundreds ofworshippersgatherfor the Ganga aarti (River worship ceremony). Haridwar is known for a number of temples. The Gorakhnath temple is an imposing edifice, dedicated to Guru Gorakhnath. To reach the hilltop Temple of Mansa Devi, you will have to take a cable car. Alternatively, you
A Sketch Map not to Scale
can walk up (1.5 km) to the temple, but only if you are brave enough to face the menacing monkeys who may snatch your bags. The Chandi Devi Temple is located on the Neel Hill, 4 km southeast of Haridwar. As done by most pilgrims, you can buy a ticket at Mansa Devi to ride on both cable cars and take an AC coach between the two temples.
Dham Ashram is famous for its Hanuman Temple and its excellent glasswork. The Maya Devi temple dates back to the eleventh century. It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati (first wife of Lord Shiva) fell in the premises of this ancient temple. Goddess Maya Devi is known to be an incarnation of power or Shakti. A visit to Haridwar is incomplete without seeking the blessings of Goddess Maya Devi.
It is worthwhile to pay a visit to the Moti Bazaar, one of the busiest shopping areas in Haridwar, where you can shop for religious items such as Rudraksha or sacred beads, Gangajal or water of the holy Ganges stored in a container, images of deities etc. It is situated between the Har-ki-Pauri and the Upper Road.
Tourist information GMVN Tourist Office, Railway Road. Ph: 2244240
The Parmarth Ashram presents a beautiful image of Goddess Durga and the Pawan
Rishikesh has a lot to offer. You can learn to play Sitar, the stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music or Tabla, a popular Indian percussion instrument while staying at your hotel; engage in rejuvenating Yoga; practice humming or meditation; undergo crystal healing and all styles of massage; listen to spiritual songs while sipping Ayurvedic tea; or chant mantras yourself for your spiritual upliftment. Contrary to popular belief, Rishikesh is not only confined to spiritualism. It is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hangout and gateway to the Himalayas.
Place of interest Lakshman Jhula This is a famous hanging bridge across the Ganges, located about 3 km from Rishikesh. The bridge located along the old route to the holy shrines of Badrinath