About Haridwar

We The sacred Himalayan town of Haridwar represents a living lesson on Hinduism. Located at the foot of the Shivalik Hills, the town attracts hordes of tourists and devotees from all corners of the world. Haridwar also holds significance because it stands as the gateway to the chardham, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath ji and Kedarnath ji. Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu epics and scriptures as 'Mayapuri', Mokshadwar' and 'Gangadwar'. Geographically, it is at Haridwar where the sacred Ganga enters the northern Indian plains.

During the Kumbh Mela (held at the interval of every 12 years), the population of the town swells up to millions. The next Kumbh Mela and the Ardh Kumbh Mela (held at every 6 years) are scheduled to be held in Haridwar in 2022. Today, Haridwar is seen as a mystic centre for the rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul.

Mansa Devi

One of the most visited temples in Haridwar, Mansa Devi Mandir occupies a place on top of the Shivalik hills. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, believed to fulfill the wishes of those who visit here. It is a tradition with the devotees to tie sacred threads around the tree that stands within the premises of the Mansa Devi temple. From the temple, one can have heart stirring views of the Haridwar town. Along with Chandi Devi temple and the Maya Devi temple, it completes the Siddhapeeth Triangle.

Chandi Devi

The temple stands in dedication to Goddess Chandi. One of the most ancient in the country, the temple can be reached either by a ropeway ride or by undertaking a steep climb, that takes up around 45 minutes. The rituals at the temple begin as early as 4 am in the morning. Visitors are required to strictly follow the dress code before entering the premises of the Chandi Devi temple.

Daksha Mahadev Temple

The temple is situated towards the south of the Kankhal town. Built by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810, the Daksha Mahadev Temple is the site where Daksha performed a yagna (a Hindu ritual to invoke gods and seek their blessings). In the Hindu mythology, Daksha Prajapati is the father of Sati, the spouse of Lord Shiva. The temple is just a few minutes drive from the railway station.

Sapt Rishi

The ashram is both ancient and much popular. The words Sapt Rishi is a combination of sapt (seven) and rishi (sage). According to the Hindu traditions, it is the place where the sacred Ganga split herself in seven streams to prevent any disturbance to the seven sages (Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja and Gautam) who were deeply absorbed in meditation. A 5 km drive from Har ki Pauri takes you to the Sapt Rishi Ashram.

Maya Devi

Dedicated to goddess Maya Devi, the temple is a major attraction for all visitors to Haridwar. The temple is counted as one of the shaktipithas in India. According to the Hindu mythology, it is the place where the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell down, while Lord Shiva was carrying her burnt body. The heart and naval of Goddess Sati fell at the spot where Maya Devi Temple was built. Numerous festivals are held at the Maya Devi temple in keeping with the customs and traditions. The temple is worshipped as an embodiment of shakti or power.

The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. It is regarded as a must visit for devotees going to Haridwar. The temple is visited by many devotees from various parts of the country especially during the Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.

Kumbh Mela

Lakhs of tourists arrive in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela, held at the interval of every twelve years. Devotees and pilgrims arrive here to purify their sould by taking a holy dip in the divine water of the Ganges. The highly revered Kumbh Mela begins when the plante Jupiter enters Aquarious and the Sun enters Aries.

Parad Shivling

The mythological site is located in the historical town of Kankhal, at 6 km from the town of Haridwar. The Parad Shivling remains enshrined inside the premises of the Harihar Ashram in Kankhal. Weighing 150 kg, the shivling is major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. Devotees worship the shivling to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Bhimgoda Tank

The tank is held in high regard by the whole Hindu community. As per the Hindu mythology, the Bhimgoda Tank was created when Bhim, a legendary character of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, hit his knee against the ground while the Pandava brothers were heading towards the Himalayas. The tank occupies a position at a distance of 300 m from Har ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Rishikesh

Rishikesh, also spelt as Hrishikesh, is a city near Dehradun in the Indian state Uttarakhand. The northern part of Rishikesh is in the Dehradun district while the southern part is in the Pauri Garhwal district. It is situated on the right bank of the Ganges River and is a pilgrimage town for Hindus, with ancient sages and saints meditating there in search of higher knowledge. There are numerous temples and ashrams built along the banks of the river.

It is known as the "Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World".The city has hosted the annual International Yoga Festival on the first week of March since 1999. Rishikesh is a vegetarian-only and alcohol-free city.

Rajaji National Park

More than 500 Elephants, 12 Tigers, 250 Panthers and good prey base including Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Wild Boar, Barking deer, Goral Two kinds of Bears Himalayan Black and Sloth, and over 400 bird species makes Rajaji National Park a perfect wild life and bird watching destination.