Haridwar as a pilgrimage destination:-

Haridwar, also spelled Hardwar, is an ancient city and municipality in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. Positioned on the banks of the Ganges River, it portrays Indian mores and traditions in full effect.

Haridwar as a pilgrimage destination is also home to some well-known festivals. Those are Makar Sakranti, Janmashtami, Maha Shivratri, Durga Puja, Ram Navmi, Kartik Poornima, Baisakhi, Ekadashis, Buddha Poornima, Poornimas, Ganga Saptami, Amavasyas, Ganga Dussehra, Surya Grahans, Kanwar Mela, Chandra Grahans and Somwati Amavasya.

Of all, the most celebrated one is about King Bhagirath, the Grandson of Suryavanshi and a follower of Lord Shiva is deemed to have gotten River Ganges down from heaven by carrying out severe penance to render liberation to his ancestors. And it is also believed that the city is blessed by the existence of all three supreme gods – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

The most sought-after sightseeing revolves around the Ganga River and the temples on the banks. The sacred bathing Ghat of Har-ki-Pauri, along the banks of the River Ganga, is the pulse of this city. Thousands of pilgrims come here to take a dip in the holy river, which is an enchanting sight when lit up with oil lamps during the evening ceremony of Ganga Arti.

Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who sits atop the ‘Neel Parvat’ on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. The temple is dedicated to Maya Devi an incarnation of Shakti and dates back to the 11th century AD. After Haridwar was plundered by The Central Asian conqueror Timur Lang this temple was one of the 4 ancient temples that were still intact.

It is also the place where the heart and navel of the Goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself and is known as the Shakti Peetha. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfils 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 holds great religious importance for the follower of the Hindu religion. The temple is also regarded as one of the Siddhapethas dedicated to the Adhisthatri Devi of Haridwar.

An important pilgrimage site for all Shiva devotees, Daksha Mahadev Temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 and rebuilt in 1962. The temple’s location is one of the three disputed sites in India claiming to be the place where Goddess Sati’s father Daksha Prajapati conducted a yagna, leading to a chain of events.

The Maha Shivratri here is filled with festivity and devotion with thousands of devotees coming here during this time. An important temple in Haridwar, this place is a must-visit for all devotees coming to Haridwar. Shanti Kunj is known to be the headquarters of the All India Gayatri Pariwar and was founded in 1971 for the moral and spiritual regeneration of the Indian culture.

The spot is one of the most visited by thousands of tourists who come here for spiritual guidance. The ashram is known to organize various spiritual training programs. Bharat Mata Temple.