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Haridwar is an ancient city situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on the banks of the holy river Ganga and is a land of legends and myths. It is considered to be one of the sacred places to visit in India and is the gateway to the Char Dham trek comprising Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Beautifully nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, the city houses popular temples and shrines, which are thronged by a profusion of pilgrims from all over the country who flock here to take a dip in the holy river and get rid of all the ‘paap’ (sin) and achieve absolution and blissfulness. Over time, the city has evolved from being a mere religious destination to a multifaceted cultural and spiritual center, and only after exploring Haridwar will you realize that there is a lot more to explore in the city than just visiting temples and taking a dip in the holy Har ki Pauri. Look for the best hotels in Haridwar to make your stay in the holy city memorable.
Haridwar is the most prominent pilgrimage in Hinduism and hence the temples in Haridwar are highly revered across India. Haridwar has an abundance of temples and ancient shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses, and most of these sacred places are perched on hilltops and offer stunning panoramic views of the entire city. The ancient city is also known for being one of the four sites for the Kumbh Mela, the largest peace assemblage that is spread over a period of five weeks and draws millions of devotees once every 12 years. Haridwar will be hosting the massive religious gathering in 2021. The best hotels in Haridwar need to be booked well in advance to make the most of your stay in this city.
Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, and one of the prime holy places to visit in Haridwar. The Goddess is believed to be a form of Shakti and is considered to have emerged from Lord Shiva’s mind. The temple is also one of the ‘Panch Tirths’ or the five pilgrimages in Haridwar and is perched atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills. It is said that the presiding deity fulfills all your wishes if you pray earnestly and with devotion. Devotees can be seen offering coconut, flowers, and even jewelry to appease the Goddess. You can reach the temple zenith by means of a ropeway, the panoramic view from which is exhilarating. Also, look for hotels in Haridwar near railway station to make travel easier.
Address: Bypass Road, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Best time to visit: Navratri
One of the most charming religious sites in Haridwar, perched on the Neel Parvat of the Shivalik Hills, the Chandi Devi Temple was erected in the year 1929 by the then king of Kashmir, and it is believed that the idol of the goddess inside the temple was installed as early as the 8-century. This is one of the most famous pilgrimages and lures devotees all around the year. The place is also known as Siddha Peetha, a place where devotees worship to fulfill their wishes. The ropeway cable car that leads to the temple is yet another feature that adds to the magnificence of the temple and offers a topological view of the hilly terrain. But to make the most of your historical experience, it is advised to hike your way up to the top through the verdant greenery and the divine aura. Haridwar hotels can be booked with ease by going online.
Address: National Highway 58, Haridwar
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Best time to visit: Chandi Chaudas, Navratri, and Kumbh Mela
This is one of the most significant temples located in the heart of the city and is visited by people from all corners of the country. The temple is believed to be one of a kind as it is one of the few temples that are dedicated to Mother India and is touted as one of the greatest and most famous religious sites in Haridwar. The place is a beautiful spiritual retreat for all its devotees. The temple was built by one of the Hindu Saints, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya, and its presiding deity is Lord Vishnu. However, idols of several other Gods are also enshrined in the temple. The place of worship also finds mention in various popular Hindu religious scriptures such as Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Book the best hotels in Haridwar near this temple.
Address: Sapta Sarovar Road, Motichur, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, open all days
Best Time to visit: Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and Republic Day
Believed to have been constructed in the 11-century, the Maya Devi Temple is one of the important holy places to visit in Haridwar. The temple is one of the three Shaktipeeth located in the holy city of Haridwar and is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Maya, who is considered to be a form of Adi Shakti or Absolute Power. In ancient times, Haridwar was even called Mayapuri in veneration of this deity. The shrine has 3 heads, 4 arms, and is also one of the Siddh Peetha temples located in the city. Along with the presiding deity, the temple is graced by the idols of Goddess Kamakhya and Goddess Kali who are also a form of Adi para shakti. Search for the best hotels in Haridwar near this temple.
Legend has it that Sati, who was the divine concert of Lord Shiva, married him against her father’s wishes. Once Daksh Prajapati, Sati’s father, decided to perform a Yagya and invited all the gods except Lord Shiva. In spite of being cognizant of this fact, Sati reached her paternal home and asked her father to invite her husband. However, Daksh insulted her daughter and Lord Shiva. Not able to bear her husband’s defamation Sati self-immolated herself in the Yagya’s Agni. Moreover, all tourists need to book hotels in Haridwar beforehand as the place is visited frequently
When Lord Shiva heard of Sati’s sacrifice, he enjoined Virbhadra and Khali to destroy the Yagya and kill Daksha. Loaded with fury, he travelled the entire world carrying his wife’s burnt corpse, moaning, and dancing to the tunes of tandava. To rescue the universe from Shiva’s rage, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra and cut Sati’s body into pieces. According to Hindu mythology, these broken pieces fell on 52 different places in the Indian subcontinent, which came to be known as Shakti Peeth. Goddess Maya Devi Temple is established where Sati’s heart navel fell and is hence considered one of the most revered shakti peeth of all.
Address: Sapta Sarovar Road, Motichur, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, open all days
Best Time to visit: Navratri and Kumbh Mela
One of the prominent Jain temples in Haridwar, this temple holds a special significance for the Jain community but is visited by people from all faiths owing to its distinct architecture, which gives it a unique identity. The divine aura, aesthetics, and magnificence of this region leave you in awe and enhances the holiness of this temple. The temple came up in the early 1990s with the blessings of Saint Padam Sagar Suri Maharaj and it also marked the end to the long-pending aspirations of Jains for a spot in Haridwar. The entire temple complex, spread over a vast area has been constructed in Jaisalmer stone in the Jain style of architecture and is flanked by lush Himalayan ranges. Go for the the best hotels in Haridwar near this temple.
Address: Bhoopatwada, Rishikesh Road, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, open all days
Best Time to visit: Round the year
Deemed as one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar and the whole of India, Har Ki Pauri is a revered landmark and is visited by a profusion of devotees and visitors seeking the blessings of the Holy Ganga. A dip in the magical waters of the Ganges here is believed to wash away one’s sins and according to the Indian mythology, the ‘Brahmakund’, where the evening and morning aarti take place is said to be one of the four places where the drops of Amrit were accidentally spilled by the celestial bird Garuda. In the evening, the river gets illuminated in golden hues of countless diyas and lighted candles offered by the devotees. It is a sight to behold.
Har Ki Pauri is also famed for being the place where River Ganga flowing through the Himalayas touches the plains for the first time, oozing tranquillity and blissfulness. The chanting of mantras and prayers and the sound of gongs with sages meditating exudes spiritual vibes and offers a spiritual retreat to be cherished. Look for the best hotels in Haridwar near Har ki Pauri
Tip: Don’t forget to partake in the stunning Ganga Aarti which takes place daily between 05:30 AM to 06:30 AM in the morning and between 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM in the evening.
Address: Harkipodi, near Krishna Dham, Kharkhari, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, open all days
Best Time to visit: March to October and during Vaisakhi, Diwali, Kumbh Mela and Chhath
A famous temple in Kankhal, Haridwar Daksha Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is swarmed by devotees in the auspicious month of Sawan in August. The temple is named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati who was the first wife of Lord Shiva. Daksha is one of the 14 Prajapatis, creator deities, who preside over procreation and are the protector of life in Hindu mythology. In fact, the temple is one of the top five sacred places in Haridwar and is adjacent to the famous Das Mahavidya temple, dedicated to the Mahavidyas. Book the best hotels in Haridwar near this temple.
Address: Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, Kankhal, Haridwar
Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, open all days
Best Time to visit: Mahashivratri
Haridwar has a perennial mystical air around it and is the perfect holiday option for anyone seeking spiritual intervention as well as a chance to indulge in and get closer to nature. The ancient city has been a major Hindu pilgrimage site for centuries and presents a vibrant and fascinating blend of culture. Over time, it has become more than just a religious city where people thronged to perform immersion of the ashes or took a dip in the water to wash away their sins and has evolved into a yoga and meditation hub and a spot for learning the Sanskrit language The modern-day, Haridwar is the reflection of the culture of India and thus offers multitude options to its visitors.
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April 15, 2024 
