Haridwar Kshetram

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. 

 

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