Haridwar City Travel Guide, India
You can visit Haridwar throughout the year. The city is stretched over 12.3 sqkms. It is at a height of 315 meter from sea level. Haridwar has a good literacy rate of 73.43 percent. As per 2011 census population of Haridwar district was 18, 90,422 in which Haridwar city has 1, 75,010. Sex ratio in Haridwar district is 880 female per 1000 male. Languages spoken in Haridwar are Hindi, Garhwali & English. Alcohol and Non vegetarian food is strictly prohibited in Haridwar. For clothing Cotton clothes in summer & woolen clothes in winter are best options. Western and short clothes (such as swim suites, miniskirts) should be avoided as Haridwar is a holy place. Never wear shoes while entering any temple, holy place or even river Ganga. At many places photography inside the temple or ashram is not allowed.
Haridwar Attractions:
Hari Ki Pauri:
HarikiPauri is one of the most sacred bathing ghat in India. Har Ki Pauri is 02 kms far from the Haridwar Railway Station. Har means God &Pauri means foot prints. Har Ki Pauri means footprints of God. It is believed that Lord Vishnu came here in ancient time & also there is a stone where his footprints are still there on the stone wall. Har Ki Pauri is also main place for holy bath during the Kumbh Mela. Hindu people believe that if you take a holy dip (bath) here river Ganges will wash all you sins. Everyday there is ceremony called Ganga Aarti is organized here. Ceremony is dedicated to River Ganga which is constantly providing life in the form of her water to people. Ganga Aarti is widely visited by thousands of people everyday (Mostly in evening).
Mansa Devi Temple:
Mansa Devi Temple is situated on the top of the Shivalik Hills. This temple is dedicated to the daughter of Lord Shiva, Goddess. Mansa Devi. Because of its situation at a great height the temple is like the tower of Haridwar City, which is looking downhill the city, as a loyal mother looks after her dearly loved children. In this temple you will find in one statue of the Goddess 3 mouths and 5 arms and in the the other statue you will find 8 arms. You can have a eye-catching view of the city from this temple. One who visit this temple with devotions and offers prayers wholeheartedly is believed to get his wishes fulfilled in this temple. You can reach the temple by rope way (Cable car). There are three ways to reach the temple
1. By cable car (ropeway) (5 Minutes ride).
2. By normal trek (1.5km one way)
3. By steps (480 steps approx)
Chandi Devi Temple:
Suchat Singh the king of Kashmir constructed Chandi Devi Temple in 1929 AD. Neel Parvat which is on the other bank of river Ganga, can now be approached by means of a ropeway. This ropeway starts from Gauri Shanker Temple which is 3 kilometers path from Chandi Ghat. The myth behind this temple is that, the place where the temple exists is the place where Goddess Chandi killed Chanda-Munda who was the army chief of the demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, and this way the place got the name Chandi Devi and so came into existence the Chandi Devi Temple. It is believed, that the major statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharya in 8th Century AD. Like Mansa Devi & Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple is also one of the siddhpeeths in Haridwar. Chandi Devi Temple can be reached by two ways.
1. By Cable Car (ropeway) (10 Minutes ride).
2. By trek (03 km one way)
Jain Temple:
Haridwar a city of temples has also a famous Jain temple. Jain temple is marvelously engraved and sculptured. Because of its carving it is the most beautiful temples of Haridwar. In Haridwar Jain Temple is a new attraction. Built in 1990s the temple is a major attraction for Jain religion. Jain Temple is located on the Rishikesh Highway of Haridwar. The compound of the temple has been built in amazing Jain architectural manner with Jaisalmer stone. Jain Temple is devoted to Shri Chintamani Parshwnath Bhagwan. You can also see idol of Shri Aadinath Bhagwan there.
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple:
DaksheswaraMahadev Temple as the name suggests is devoted to lord Shiva (Mahadev). It is also known as Daksha temple or Daksha Mandir. Dakash Temple a very old temple of Daksha Mahadev, is situated in South of Kankhal city, which is at a distance of 4 Kilometers fromHaridwar. The legendary behind this temple is that King Daksha Prajapati who was the father of Sati (Lord Shivas first wife) performed yagya at this place. Lord Shiva being not invited by Daksha Prajapati made Sati felt insulted. The consequence of this was that Satiburnt herself in the yagya kund. This incident forced the devotees and supporters of Mahadev, and their anger made them kill King Daksha, but soon after Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. This way Dakash Temple came into being and Daksha temple is therefore a tribute to this myth. This temple is situated in town named Kankhal which is 04 kms far from Haridwar Railway Station. At Maha Shivaratri festival Millions of pilgrims comes to visit this temple.
Maya Devi Temple:
Maya Devi Temple is also one of the famous temple where you will see the statue of 3 headed Durga and the statues of Bhairava and Lord Shiva. It is the thinking that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this very old shaktipeeth, to be found to the east of Har-ki-Pauri. This temple is dedicated to the power and strength of goddess. In the evening you can enjoy the evening temple ceremony (temple Arti. The temple is located in central area of Haridwar.
Bilkeshwar Mahadev Mandir:
Bilkeshwar Temple as the name suggests is dedicated to lord Shiva & his wife Goddess Parvati. The temple is located at Bilvaparvat near bilkeswar colony Haridwar. According to Hindu mythology the legend behind the temple is discussed in (Skandapurana). One of the ancient Gaurikund (Bathing place of Goddess Parwati) is located 500 meters far from the Bilkeshwar temple. From Hridwar Bus stand the temple is at a distance of 2 kms.
Bharat Mata Mandir:
As is clear from the name Bharat Mata Mandir is devoted to India. In this mandir India is predicted as a mother (Bharat mata). Mother India Temple or Bharat Mata Mandir is located near Sapt Rishi Ashram around 04 kms far from Haridwar. Its compound has 08 floors. Each floor has idols of various gods, goddesses, kings, leaders & revolutionists. Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated in 1983 by the late Indian Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi.
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple:
Doodhadhari Barfani temple in Haridwar is a big centre of attraction. This temple is so much relevant not only because of its religious importance but also because of its stunning construction work too. You can find this temple in Doodhadhari Barfani Baba’s Ashram. Compound of the temple is built in white marble. Within the compound of the temple, you will find temples devoted to several Hindu gods and goddesses. The Temple is situated 06 kms far from Haridwar Railway Station. Because of its work the temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Haridwar. Inside the compound of the temple you will find two main temples, one is that of Lord Ram & his wife Sita and other is that of lord Hanuman.
PawanDham Temple:
Pawan Dham temple is the known temple which has aesthetically decorated eye-catching idols. Because of the glass work designed on the walls of the temple makes the temple a famous tourist spot. Pawan Dham is at a distance of 2 kilometer from the main city of Haridwar and is about 3 km from Har-ki-Pauri. Pawan Dham temple is located Just 02 km from Hari Ki Pauri & 04 km from Haridwar railway station. Because of the most beautiful work of glass & mirrors the temple is a good tourist attraction spot.
Ghats in Haridwar:
In Haridwar Ghats is also the best option to visit as they are an important part of this holy town. In Haridwar Ghats are structured in such a manner that you will get steps which allows people to take bath in the River. Every year on an average almost 50% people are there who visit Haridwar and take holy dip there. Some of the major Ghats in Haridwar are Har Ki Pauri, Subhash Ghat, Brahmakund, Mahilaghat KushwahGhat and VIP Ghat is one of the important ghats in Haridwar.
KumbhMela:
After every 12 years KumbhMela is celebrated in four different locations on the basis of alignment of planets since 5th century. Among the four places Haridwar is one of them where KumbhMela is organized. KumbhMela is considered as one of the largest gatherings in the world. In 2022 next KumbhMela will be organized in Haridwar. Like Kumbhmela it is Ardh Kumbhmela which is organized after every 6 years. In 2016Next ardh kumbhmela will be organized at Haridwar.
KanwarYatra:
Kanwar Yatra (Kanvad) also known as Kavad Mela as per Hindu calendar is celebrated in the month of saawan (July- Aug month) by the devotees of Lord Shiva. The devotees also known as Kanvariyas visit Haridwar, Rishikesh & Gaumukh and take water of River Ganga which is later offered to temples of Lord Shiva. During this Kavad Mela more than 60 lakh people visit Haridwar in less than 15 days.
Ashram visit:
Haridwar is a religious town so it is also well-known for its several ashrams. In Haridwar every division of Hindu has their own ashram. In Haridwar there are several ashrams. The work, culture and rules in every ashram is their own and different from each other. If you visit these ashrams you will find that different ashrams have different purposes. Each and every ashram has their own traditions so if you visit that particular ashram you have to follow their rules & regulations. You can also see that some ashrams are devoted to particular religious personalities and some are recognized to serve mankind, some are for doing yoga & other particular activity. Spiritual leaders from all over India often visit these ashrams. There are some ashrams which are recognized for their social & religious activities. Life in these ashrams is very peaceful and so thousands people are living. Do visit these ashrams to know the culture and do meet the people living in ashrams and if you are coming here for long stay & have spiritual purpose.
Shantikunj Ashram:
One of the biggest & most popular ashrams in Haridwar is Shantikunj Ashram. Worldwide it is also known as Gayatri Parivar. There are hundreds of rooms in the ashram for devotees. During the day several social & spiritual activities are going on in Shantikunj Ashram. Do visit if you want to learn about Ashrams.
Anandamayi Maa Ashram:
In Haridwar Anandamayi Ma Ashram is also recognized as Maa Ananda Mayi Ashram. Located in Kankhal area the ashram is 05 kms from Haridwar Railway Station. This Ashram is devoted to a well known spiritual leader, Sri AnandaMayiMaa.
Gurukula Kangri University:
Gurukul Kangri University also famous as Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya is located 07 kms from Haridwar Railway Station. This University has very good quality archeological museum. This Museum is basically on culture, history & archeology. The University is founded in 1902. In this University system of teaching is traditional Indian teaching (Gurukula System).
Bhimgoda Tank:
Bhimgoda tank is located 4 kms from Haridwar Railway Station. As per Hindu mythology and as the name this tank was created by Bhim (Ancient Character). From well-known Har Ki Pauri distance of Bhimgoda Tank is just 1 kms.
Kankhal:
Kankhal a small town near Haridwar is 04 kms from the Haridwar Railway Station. You can see Daksh Temple & Sati Kund at Kanakhal.
Other temples to visit in Haridwar:
Kali Temple, Gorakhnath Temple, Bhagirath Temple, Sriyantra Temple, Pashupatinath Mandir, Ganga Mandir, Swaminarayan temple, Sri Geetakutir, Sri Ram Temple, Tapovan Temple, Neeleswar Temple, Vaishnodevi Temple, 11 Mukhi Hamuman temple, Ayyappa Temple, Bhairava Templeand many more temples.