Haridwar




It is because during the Samudra Manthan, one of the four drops of Amrit spilled accidentally over from the pitcher and dropped down in this city. As a matter of fact, the holy river Ganga enters the Indo Gangetic Plains of North India at Haridwar, after flowing for about 275 kilometers. This is one of the major reasons that this city was also known as Gangadwara in the ancient times.

Haridwar also celebrates Kumbh Mela, one of the grandest Hindu festivals, at a period of every 3 years and people from all across India and other countries visit this religious city in order to take holy dip into the holy River Ganga. It is important for you to note that Haridwar has now turned out to be the headquarters as well as the largest city of the district. Apart from its religious importance, Haridwar has emerged out as a developing city.

History

Haridwar is simply a paradise for nature lovers. This religious city actually represents a kaleidoscope of the Indian culture as well as an Indian civilization. In earlier times, Haridwar was known by various names like Gangadwara, Kapilsthan and Mayapuri. It is also a fact that this religious city is an entry point to all the four pilgrimage centers (Char Dham) of the Hindus that are located in Uttarakhand and they are respectively Gangotri, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Kedarnath. This is one of the major reasons that the followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu call this place Haridwar.

Climate and Geography

Haridwar faces a tropical climate all across the year. Summers in Haridwar are quite hot and the temperature ranges from 25 degrees to 44 degrees. However during winters, the temperature ranges from 6 degrees to 24 degrees. If you are planning a trip to this religious city with your friends or family, then the best time for you to visit Haridwar is during July to October.

The holy River Ganga emerges out from the mountains and touches the Indo Gangetic Plains. The water of River Ganga is quite cold and generally clear except for the rainy search in which the soil flows along with the water. It is important for you to note that River Ganga flows in a series of channels. A major part of the Haridwar district is forested and the famous Rajaji National Park also lies within the boundaries of the Haridwar district. This National Park of Haridwar is an ideal destination for tourists who love wildlife and adventure. This National Park is easily accessible through different gates like the Mohand gate and the Ramgarh gate that are located about 25 kilometers away from Dehradun. You can also obtain easy access to this national park from the Kunao gate which is about 6 kilometers away from Rishikesh.

Major Attractions

Har Ki Pauri

Har ki Pauri is a sacred ghat and it was constructed by King Vikramaditya during the 1st century BC. This sacred ghat was built in the memory of Bharthari, brother of King Vikramaditya. People believe that Bharthari came to Haridwar and meditated for many years on the bank of River Ganga. There are many small ghats within Har Ki Pauri and one of these sacred ghats is Brahmakund. One of the most interesting features of Har Ki Pauri is the evening aarti of River Ganga. This grand aarti is really an enchanting experience for most of the visitors. Pilgrims float oil lamps in the flowing water of River Ganga and it eventually enhances the overall beauty of this ghat. People from all across India and other countries come to this sacred ghat in order to attend prayers.

Chandi Devi Temple

The Chandi Devi temple is actually dedicated to Goddess Chandi and it is mainly located on the eastern banks of River Ganga. This temple was built during the 1929 AD by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir. The main status of this grand temple of Haridwar was established in the 8th century AD, by Adi Shankaracharya. You can easily reach to this temple via ropeways.

Mansa Devi Temple

The Mansa Devi temple is mainly located at the top of Bilwa Parvat and this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. People believe that goddess Mansa Devi fulfills the desire of everyone. Mansa Devi Temple is one of the popular tourist destinations and one can easily reach to this temple via cable cars. You will also enjoy the picturesque view of the entire Haridwar city.

Kankhal

Kankhal is an ancient temple of Haridwar and it is dedicated to Daksha Mahadev. It is also renowned as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple. This temple is mainly located in the South Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva’s first wife Sati performed a Yagna at this temple. This temple also consists of a Sati Kund, a renowned Hindu mythological heritage.

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