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HARIDWAR- THE HOLY PLACE
 Haridwar
located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the north
Indian state of Uttaranchal represents the point where the
Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ageless pilgrimage
destination, held in reverence for centuries. Several
temples and ashrams are found in this town and a visit to
Haridwar is like stepping into a comletely different world.
Once known as Gangadwara, Haridwar (and Rishikesh)
represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines
of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Haridwar has very rich ancient
religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures
of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur.
This city is also well known for many other things apart
from the holy river Ganges. Besides this, Kumbh fair is
organised at the interval of every 12 years in this city in
which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world
participate.
Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
 Har
Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred ghats in India. It is
said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of
his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, the Ghat
is magnificently illuminated in the evening during a Maha
Aarti performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a
must, not be missed by any visitor.
Mansa Devi
Located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat, the Manas
Devi Temple is worth visiting. The temple can be reached by
the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to
the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of
Haridwar.
Chandi Devi
On the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the
other side of the river Ganga, the Chandi Devi temple was
constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929
AD. Chandi Devi is a 3 km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams.
This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very
pleasing sight.
Maya Devi
Maya Devi Temple is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This
ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of
Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying his
wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her
husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this
place.
Daksha Mahadev Temple
At a distance of 4 kms from Haridwar is a town called
Kankhal. It is said that the king of this place King Daksha
Prajapati performed a yagya. His daughter, Sati was married
to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage
and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.
But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not
take the insult and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On
knowing this Shiva's followers killed Daksha. But later
Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha temple is
a mark to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred
places in Haridwar.
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