Hari ke Dwar – Haridwar

No pilgrimage or spiritual journey in India is complete without a trip to Haridwar; the land of mythologies at the foothills of Himalayas. Located on the banks of the Ganges, Haridwar is considered as the holiest place to wash away sins. For those looking at a weekend break, Haridwar is a comforting haven that holds the confidence of spiritual pursuers from across the world.

We reached Dehradun airport by evening and hired a cab to Haridwar, which is approx. 40 kms away. The weather was pleasant and was getting cooler by the time we reached our hotel Hotel Le Roi, Haridwar @ Har Ki Pauri Road, which is strategically located next to Haridwar station.

Getting around the place is easy with different types of rickshaws (cycle rickshaw, e-rickshaw, regular rickshaw) available at reasonable rates. You also have the option to hire a cab for the day to take you around. The cab option may turn out to be economical as well as a time saver if you want to explore maximum places in a day if you are a first time visitor like us. You can also leisurely walk around the place if you are up to it.

We experienced and explored the holy city of Haridwar by following the below trail over a day and half…

Haridwar > GhantaGhar > Har ki Pauri > Ganga Mata Temple and Mahadev-Parvati temple at Har ki Pauri > Morning aarti at Har ki Pauri > Shitala Mata Mandir > Daksheshwar Mahadev Mandir > Mata Anandmayi Ashram > Chandi Devi temple > Vaishno Devi Mandir > Bharat Mata Mandir > Mansa Devi Mandir > Evening aarti at Har ki Pauri > Head to Rishikesh

As we begin our journey, frantic locals and relaxed pilgrims head to their respective destinations as chimes of temple bells and faint chanting of the priests echo through the ambiguous lanes and alleys.... 

Har ki Pauri: Literally meaning the ‘footstep of God’, is a holy bank on the river Ganga. The place is brimming with people wanting to take a dip in the sacred waters. Every morning at the wake of dawn and every evening at sundown as dusk sets in, Ganga aarti is performed at the ghat, with bells ringing and flaming torches. Har ki Pauri has become my favourite place in Haridwar. I thoroughly enjoyed peacefully sitting by the ghat and soaking in the good vibes around me.

Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri: The Ganga aarti organized every evening near GhantaGhar at Har Ki Pauri is a mesmerizing experience that must not be missed by anyone. Be sure to reach an hour to two early to catch your seat at a vantage point, which will allow you to have a good view of the proceedings.

The peace in your soul is palpable as you experience the Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri. You are transported into a different world as the bells ring, the chants are recited, and the hymns are sung by the priests when performing the pooja.

Float A Wish: Post the aarti, you may want to float a wish in the Ganges by offering flowers, diya and incense sticks neatly placed in leaves. These are easily available along the ghat. Don’t forget to come back to Haridwar to thank Ganga Maiyya when your wish comes true.

Take a dip in holy waters: It would be a sin to come to Haridwar and not take a dip in Bramhakund at Har ki Pauri. Being a part of hordes of devotees who take a dip in the freezing waters of the mighty Ganga is an experience in itself, especially early in the morning. It surely tops the list of things to do in Haridwar. Take a holy dip or soak your feet, but be sure to cleanse your sins here

Temple Hopping: The ancient temples and ashrams in the primordial city of Haridwar see thousands of devotees around the year.

(L-R) Temple view at Har ki Pauri, Ganga Mata Temple & Mahadev-Parvati temple at Har ki Pauri and Shri Daksheshwara Mahadev temple

• Visit the Ganga Mata Temple and Mahadev-Parvati temple at Har ki Pauri when you are there to take the holy dip or participate in the aarti.
• The Shitala Mata temple on the riverbank, Shri Daksheshwara Mahadev temple, the Chandi Devi temple on Neel Parvat are some of the other important temples.
• The Mansa Devi temple atop the Bilwa Parvat is very popular as she is considered to be the wish-fulfilling goddess. You can either walk up the hill or take the cable car.
• Maya Devi temple, Vaishno Devi temple and Bharat Mata temple are some of the popular ones.
• Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple completes the trio of popular siddhpeeth in Haridwar.

Food Trail: Haridwar is renowned for its street food. The kulhad chai / lassi / coffee is a must have. The aloo puri at Mohanji Puriwale and the kachoris at Kashyap Kachoriwala are to die for. Try the sweets at Mathura Walon Ki Prachin Dukaan.

Local Shopping: Don’t forget to carry the Gangajal back home. It’s the most pure here. There are shops around the ghat that sell gallons and bottles in varying size for you to have your fill directly from the river.

Shopping is really not one of the prime attractions in Haridwar due to the city’s religious roots. However, if you wish to explore, there are Moti Bazar, Jwalapur, Bara Bazar and Kankhal. These are scattered across the city selling mostly handicrafts, religious curios, and ayurvedic medicines.

Harr Harr Gange! Namami Gange!