|
|
|
|
Haridwar City
|
Haridwar, literally means 'The gateway to the Gods,one of seven sacred cities of India lies 214 km northeast of Delhi, Haridwar is situated on a 3 km stretch of the banks of the Ganges River in the foothills of the Shivaliks.It is located on the right bank of river Ganga and from here the holy river spreads over the northern plains.
According to a mythological legend, Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to Saint Kapila's curse. Bhagirath was blessed and the holy river descended on the earth and its water revived the sons of King Sagara. Following the tradition of Bhagirath, devout Hindus stand in the sacred waters here, and pray for the salvation of their ancestors
Har Ki Pauri
This sacred Ghat was was constructed by kind Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhatrihari. It is believed that Bhatrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahamakund . The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga ceremony. The riverbank temple her is hallowed by the imprint of god Hari's foot print. The ghat is regarded the most sacred in Haridwar and this is the most auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the 12 year Kumbh and the 6 year Ardh Kumbh.
Mansa Devi Temple
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat .Here one statue of the Goddess has three mouths and five arms while the other statue has eight arms.
The beautiful view of the city can be seen from this place. The temple can be reached by trolley through ropeway or on foot.
Mansa Devi Temple in Haridwar is an ancient and powerful Serpent Goddess, worshipped in different forms and names all over the world. The most important day of Mansa Devi poojan is Naag Panchami. She is also worshipped for protection from incurable diseases.
Chandi Devi Temple
The temple of Chandi Devi at the top of Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in1929 A.D. by the King of Kashmir-Suchat Singh.
It is 3 kms. trek from Chandighat. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century Ad. It is situated at a distance of 6 kms. on Neel Parvat on the other bank of the main Ganga river.
The temple of dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi and her deity was enshrined in the temple in the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple is believed to be constructed in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir.
Daksh Parjapati Temple
The journey from Haridwar to Kankhal is quite a scenic one. During your drive, you can soak up heart-stirring views of the surrounding areas and the Himalayan landscape. Moreover, you can pay a visit to Birbhadreshwar en route to Kankhal. The temple has been built in the dedication of King Daksha Prajapati (Sati's father).
The Daksha Mahadev temple is popular among devotees due to its association with an interesting legend. Hindus believe that it is here that King Daksha had performed yagna. It is here that Sati burnt herself as she came to know about the insult done to her husband (he was not invited to the yagna). When Lord Shiva got the news, he took the life of King Daksha. However, Lord Shiva returned the life of Daksha later. So, the Daksha Mahadev temple is a reminder of this interesting legend and is regarded in high esteem by Hindus.
If you are traveling to Haridwar, you can never miss visiting the Daksha Temple as it occupies a significant place in the Hindu mythology.
Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, Uttarakhand is one of the largest Yoga institutes in India. Named after the Ancient Yog Guru Patanjali. The institute is Ramdev's flagship project & has been set up for treatment, research & development in Yoga and Ayurveda, as well as the manufacturing of Ayurvedic medicines. It is also the home of the University of Patanjali.
The world famous Swami Ramdevs Ashram, famous for Yoga and its Ayurveda treatment, is located just short of Hardiwar on route to Delhi.
Chilla Wild Life
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the east bank of the River Ganges, sprawls over an area of 249 sq. km. Established in 1977, this sanctuary was however combined with the sanctuaries of Motichur and Rajaji in 1983 so as to create Rajaji National Park.
Situated at a distance of 10 km from Haridwar, the wildlife residing in this sanctuary includes elephants, tigers, bears and small cats. In addition, the entire area of this sanctuary is mostly inhabited with elephants, besides a variety of interesting birds. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between November and June. For tourists, wildlife safaris along with elephant rides are also available.
Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Temple Bharat Mata Mandir, which is also known as Mother India Temple, is one of the most visited temples located in Haridwar. The temple is dedicated to Bharat Mata by her devoted patriotic nationals. This religious shrine was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. In 1983, this temple was inaugurated by Late Prime Minister, Smt. Indira Gandhi.
Located at Sapt Sarovar, the temple is visited by large number of devotees every year. With a height of 180 ft, the temple stands tall with eight stories. Different legends, mythologies and deities are represented by each floor of this shrine. In addition, the Bharat Mata Mandir is also dedicated to all the patriotic freedom fighters, who contributed to the freedom of the country.
Shanti Kunj Ashram
If you are in search of spiritual peace, Shanti Kunj in Haridwar is one of the best places to visit. Officially, the ashram is registered by the name of Shri Ved Mata Gayatri Trust. The overall ambiance at Shanti Kunj and the lessons that are being tough here on a regular basis set a wonderful example of the best religious discipline. The Shanti Kunj Ashram has spread its branches throughout India and the world. The ashram's major target is rural areas.
The biggest attraction at Shanti Kunj is the teaching of Sanjeevani Viday (meaning the art of living). Not only followers of the Hindu religion, but tourists from all parts of world also arrive here to learn the art of happy living. The ashram is located at 6 km from the Haridwar railway stations.
The Ayurveda practitioners at the Shanti Kunj Ashram are known to provide free treatment to people who need it. The spiritual sanatorium at the ashram is the place where people learn how to live a life of complete peace and joy. Researchers at Shanti Kunj do a great job of applying spiritual science to improve the everyday life of people. The ashram aims to eradicate the social evils that our modern-day societies are struggling with.
|
|
