Devi
Maya Sakthi peet is in Haridwar, meaning 'gateway to God Hari'. It is
on the banks of river Ganga at the foot hills of Shivaliks.The Ganges
leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains with Haridwar being the
first major town on the plains. Devi Dhakshayani's heart and navel
from her burnt body fell in this place when she went into 'yoga-agni
to keep the honor of her consort lord Siva. The consort of Maya Devi
is here Siva. This is also called 'Mayapuri-Peetam'
This
holy place has gained fame from the grace of the trinity of gods
Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The water here is pure, clear and cool .
People carry the holy water from the river, which remains fresh for
years.Dense forests and water holes enhance the beautiful sights of
this holy land. Haridwar is among the seven sacred places where it is
believed high level of spiritual merit can be earned through prayers. Through
out the year Haridwar is crowded with devotees. Devotees gather in
this place to take a holy dip in the Ganges. Every evening Aarti
(prayer with lighted lamp) is performed at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat. It
is a beautiful sight as thousands of lamps and marigold flowers float
and illuminate the Holy waters.
Har-ki-Pauri:
This is the main sacred Ghat (riverbank) of the Ganga in Haridwar. This
ghat gets its name from a footprint on a stone in one of its upper
walls which is believed to be that of Lord Vishnu. This is the spot
where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
The
ancient epics mention the different names of this place as Mayapuri,
Gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Kapilsthan. Haridwar is the gateway to the
four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri. This is one of the oldest living cities. It finds a
mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures. It has retained its
importance as being the mystic venue for the salvation of the soul.
This is the place of 'tapas' for sages and rishis. It is one of the
venues of the Kumbha Mela that takes place once in 12 years.
History
of the place: Legend
from Holy scriptures state that Haridwar is one among the four sites
where drops of Amirtam , the elixir of immortality, accidentally
spilled over from the pitcher, in which it was being carried away by
the Garuda after the Samudra madhanam (churning of the ocean); the
other three places are said to be Ujjain, Nasik, and Allahabad
Another
legend says for this pilgrim place is that sage Kabilar had cursed
the ancestors of prince Bhagiratha . Hence ,he wanted to wiped of
for their sins by performing penance to Lord Siva here. Siva pleased
with the prayers of Bhagiratha, allowed the Ganges to dribble
through his locks and fall on the earth from heaven.
It
is from here that the Ganges emerging out of the Shivalik hills of
the Rudra- Himalayas travels a distance of 2,000 kilometres through
the fertile Gangetic plains of North India. It is also the site where
the river has been approach for advantageous uses of provision and
hydro-power generation by a complex system of barrages (low gated
weirs) with large canal systems. Its ancient history, closely spun
around the epic Mahabharatham , apart from the holy ghat, there are a
large number of temples in the city dedicated to Lord Siva, and
Sakthi (a cable car way has been built to approach this temple, apart
from the ancient approach by steps over the hills), Vishnu and a
galaxy of other deities. It is the pious location where, Hindus from
all parts of the country, particularly North India.
Apart
from the regular annual pilgrimage season from April to November,
during February–March Magh Mela ('mela' means "fair") is
also held on a large scale. Other spectacular events that are held
here are the Ardh Kumbha Mela (half Kumbh Mela) held every six years.
Maha Kumbamela is held during January or February in every 12 years
depending on the Almanac. It is the occasion when lakhs of people
congregate here for a holy dip in the Ganges. The Kumbh Mela (literal
meaning is ('festival of pots') is the "confluence of faith"
since lakhs of people irrespective of their caste affiliations attend
it. Astrological combination of planets decide the date for the
event; generally when Jupiter, Sun and Moon are in the same zodiacal
sign of the Aquarius, but in Haridwar it is fixed when Sun is in
Aries and Jupiter in Aquarius, which is called the 'Vaishaki snanam.
Prince
Bhagiratha did panance for salvation of 60,000 of his ancestors in
Har ki powri in Haridwar. In the Holy Writ of , Haridwar has been
variously mentioned as Kapilasthana, Gangadwara and Mayapuri, and
besides it is the entering point to the Cha Dam the four main centers
of pilgrimage in Uttrakand The four are Badrinat, Kedarnat, Gongotri
and Yamunotri generally Saivates, and Vaishnavates called this place
Hardwar and Haridwar (Hari means Sri Vishnu and Hara means Lord
Siva.)
The
Legendry King Bhagiratha said that” after many years of penance
could able to bring down this celestial river Ganges from Heven
for salvation of sixty thousand of my ancestors from Kabila Rishi's
curse”. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on the
stone that is set in the upper wall of Har Ki Pauri, where the Holy
Ganges touches it at all times.
Haridwar
came under the rule of the Manury Empire 322–185 BCE , and later
under the Kushan Empire c. 1st–3rd centuries. The Archaeologist
report said Haridwar has proved that the Terra Cota Culture in the
date 1700 BCE-1200 BCE existed in this region. There are lots of
ruins here among them some fort and three temples decorated with the
broken stone sculptures. There are some dams here, two of them
major dams on the river Ganges, the Bhimakoda Bridge is situated here
which is built in 1840s, it diverts the waters of the Ganges to the
Upper Ganges Canal, which irrigated the surrounding lands. Though
this caused severe depreciation to the Ganges water flow, and is a
major cause for the natural process of the Ganges as an inland
waterway. Haridwar
has been an abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit. It has also
been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and
culture. The city has a long-standing position as a great source of
Ayurvedha medicines.
Pancha Tirth (five pilgrimages) with in Haridwar are 'Gangadwar', ('Har ki
pauri'.) “Kushawart” (Ghat in Kankal). Bilwatirtha (Manasadevi
temple) Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi temple) Sivaliks (Maya devi
temple)
Chandi
Devi Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess chandi, who sits atop the 'Neel Parvat'
on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. It was constructed in 1929
A.D. by the king of Kashmir Suchat singh Skandha puranam mentions a
legend, in which Chanda Munda , the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings
Shumbha and Nishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after
which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the
main statue was established by the Adi Sankaracharyar in 8th century
A.D. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandighat and can also be
reached through a rope way.
Mansa
Devi Temple: Situated
at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess , literally meaning
the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist
destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a
picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols
of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other
one has eight arms.
Maya
Devi Temple: Dating
to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the
Adhishthatri Devi (Patron Goddess) of Haridwar, is considered one of
the Siddhapithas and is said to be the place where the heart and
navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in
Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple.
Kankhal
(Dakshneswara Mhadeva temple:) Dhakshshameswara
Mahadeva temple is ancient temple. is situated in the south Kankal
town. According to scripture Dhakshayini's father King Daksha ,
performed a Yagna, he deliberately did not invite Lord Siva. When
Dakshayini arrived uninvited, her further insulted her, Sati felt
very angry with her father she explained about her consort Lord Siva
and she cursed her father and she immolated by yoga agni . Lord
Siva became very furious and sent Veerabhadra and destroyed the
the yagna Later all Daksha brought to life with the goat head.
Dhkshaneswara mahadeva temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati
Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is
situated in the Kankal . Neel Dhara Pakshi
Vihar. This
Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara,
at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home
to many migratory birds during the winter season.
Dudhadhari Barfani
Temple: Part
of the ashram of Dudhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in
white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially
the temples of Rama Sita and Hanuman. Sureswari
Temple: Temple
of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of Rajaji National Park.
Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints
etc. Loir is dedicated to the achievements of India's revered women,
such as Radha Mira Savitri Devi Draupadhi Ahalya Maitri Gargi etc.
The great saints from various religions, are featured on the fourth
floor Sant Mandir. The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic
coexistence of all religions practiced in India and paintings
portraying history and beauty in various provinces, is situated on
the fifth floor. The various forms of the Goddess Sakthi can be seen
on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all
incarnations of Lord Vishnu . The eighth floor holds the shrine of
Lord Siva from which devotees can gain a panoramic view of Himalayas,
Haridwar, and the splendor of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar, and
remixed devotional songs and bhajans. Garments are other major
shopping attraction for locals. Bharatha
Matha Mandir: This is a multistory temple dedicated to Bharatha Matha and
It was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Ghandhi on the banks of
the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Samanvaya Ashram,
and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet. Each floor
depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayanam
until India's independence.
On
the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. The second floor, Shur
Mandir, is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India. The third
floor Matri Mand Devi Maya Sakthi peet is in Haridwar, meaning
'gateway to God Hari'. It is on the banks of river Ganga at the foot
hills of Shivaliks.The Ganges leaves the Himalayas and enters the
plains with Haridwar being the first major town on the plains. Devi
Dhakshayani's heart and navel from her burnt body fell in this place
when she went into 'yoga-agni to keep the honor of her consort lord
Siva. Lord Siva's consort of Maya Devi is here . This is also called
'Mayapuri-Peetam' This
holy place has gained fame from the grace of the trinity of gods
Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. The water here is pure, clear and cool .
People carry the holy water from the river, which remains fresh for
years. Dense forests and water holes enhance the beautiful sights of
this holy land. Haridwar is among the seven sacred places where it is
believed high level of spiritual merit can be earned through prayers. Through
out the year Haridwar is crowded with devotees. Devotees gather in
this place to take a holy dip in the Ganges. Every evening Aarti
(prayer with lighted lamp) is performed at the Har-ki-Pauri Ghat. It
is a beautiful sight as thousands of lamps and marigold flowers float
and illuminate the Holy waters.
Har-ki-Pauri: This is the main sacred Ghat (riverbank) of the Ganga in Haridwar. This
ghat gets its name from a footprint on a stone in one of its upper
walls which is believed to be that of Lord Vishnu. This is the spot
where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains.
The
ancient epics mention the different names of this place as Mayapuri,
Gangadwar, Mokshadwar, Kapilsthan. Haridwar is the gateway to the
four pilgrimages of Uttaranchal to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and
Yamunotri. This is one of the oldest living cities. It finds a
mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures. It has retained its
importance as being the mystic venue for the salvation of the soul.
This is the place of 'tapas' for sages and rishis. It is one of the
venues of the Kumbha Mela that takes place once in 12 years.
Kankhal Dakshneswara Mhadeva temple: Dhakshshameswara
Mahadeva temple is ancient temple. is situated in the south Kankal
town. According to scripture Dhakshayini's father King Daksha ,
performed a Yagna, he deliberately did not invite Lord Siva. When
Dakshayini arrived uninvited, her further insulted her, Sati felt
very angry with her father she explained about her consort Lord Siva
and she cursed her father and she immolated by yoga agni . Lord
Siva became very furious and sent Veerabhadra and destroyed the
the yagna Later all Daksha brought to life with the goat head.
Dhkshaneswara mahadeva temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati
Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is
situated in the Kankal .
Neel Dhara Pakshi
Vihar: This
Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara,
at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home
to many migratory birds during the winter season.
Dudhadhari Barfani
Temple is Part
of the ashram of Dudhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in
white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially
the temples of Rama Sita and Hanuman. Sapta Rishi Ashram
and Sapta Sarovar: A
picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages Kasyapa
Rishi Vasishta Rishi, Atri maharishi, Viswamitra Rishi,Jamadhagni
Bharadwaja Rishi and Gouthama Rishi have meditated. The Ganges split
herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would
not be disturbed by the flow. Shopping Famous
places: Bara Bazar, Moti Bazar, Upper Road, Ranipur
Mor, Jwalapur. Tourists usually buy items of devotion and inexpensive
ornaments. There are large number of shops throughout Haridwar where
one can buy devotional items ranging from Rudraksha ornaments,
Religious pictures and deity statues to music cassettes of remixed
devotional songs and bhajans. Garments are other major shopping
attraction for locals. Transportation: Road
, Rail and Air services are excellent. The domestic air port is Jolly
Grant Airport is located in Deharadun the international air port is
in New Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport which is 34 km from Haridwar.
