Haridwar Temple Tourism

Haridwar:The Gateway to God

Haridwar is famously called as the 'Gateway to God'. Though the term Haridwar suggests the 'Abode of Lord Vishnu.' Millions of people from all over the world come and visit this Holy city every year. Historically, the city was also called as Gangadwára during the anciet times. It is located in the Indian State of Uttarakhand and is thronged with exquisite and historical temples. It is also lauded for being the gateway to four significant pilgrimages in Uttarakhand. Along with it, Haridwar is known for marking the advent into the sacred origins of Yamuna and Ganga River. Foreigners travel to Haridwar to witness the magnetic and trance creating 'Aarti' in the evening. The Hindu temples in Haridwar are revered to have healing and auspicious powers, thereby earning the trust and respect of more followers.

The Chinese traveller Huan Tsang has mentioned Haridwar in his travel writings by the name of 'Mo Yu Lo' in 629 AD. The Turkish invader Timur Lang also invaded the city on 13th January 1399. In the 16th century, Ain-i-Akbari, the Constitution of Akbar also mentions Haridwar as Mayapuri. The Bhimgoda dam was built in 1840 and the first railway track was tracked in 1886. The industrial unit of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was later establishing, marking the beginning of modernisation. From 2000 onwards, Haridwar which was initially located in the state of Uttar Pradesh is now the pride of Uttarakhand.

Places to see in Haridwar:

Har ki Pauri Ghat: This holy ghat has become one of the identities of Haridwar, its main attraction. It is also called as Brahmakund. The famous Kumbh Melas that are celebrated after every twelve years in Haridwar are celebrated at Har ki Pauri. King Vikramaditya has built this sacred ghat in the memory of his dear brother Bahtrihari, who used to peacefully meditate on the banks of the River Ganga. The evening Aarti performed here during twilight spellbinds everyone into a trance, with the beautiful impression of lit diyas being reflected on the water of River Ganga, creating perfect illusions.

Chandi Devi Temple: The King of Kashmir Suchat Singh had built the Chandi Devi Temple in 1929. It is perched on the Neel Parbat. It is presumed that Adi Shankaracharya established the main idol present in the temple. It is fondly also called as Siddh peetha, as it has the power to fulfil the varies prayers of the followers. Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir has constructed the temple.

Bharat Mata Mandir: Also known as the Mother India Temple, it was inaugurated in 1983 by one of the late Indian Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi. Devotees keep thronging the temple in large numbers every year. Different floors of the shrine have been adorned by the sculptures of different deities. Additionally, the Indian freedom fighters are also commemorated here who lost their lives in protecting their mother India.

Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: This revered temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located near to the Nar Narayan mountain ranges. It is believed that the Lord Shiva drank the poison 'halahala' after the Gods and the Demons had churched the ocean to obtain 'amrita'. The churning of the ocean, called as 'samudramanthan' has been depicted in the forms of idols of gods and goddesses over the temple.

Shantikunj: All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP)'s headquarters called as Shantikunj is located in Haridwar. It was established by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Several foreigners searching for spiritual guidance come over to the Shantikunj to seek spiritual guidance and healing.

Excursions from Haridwar

Tourists can also travel to the near by places such as Rishikesh (20 km), Rajaji National Park (24 km), Roorkee (32 km), Dehradun (54 km) and Mussoorie (81 km).

When to Reach
The best time to visit Haridwar is between October to February when the weather is very pleasant.

How to Reach

Air: The Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun is located 35 km away from Haridwar.

Rail: Trains connect the Haridwar railway station with Indian cities such as Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore and Mumbai.

Road: Haridwar is connected to other major cities through the National Highway 45.