Haridwar

Haridwar, originally uploaded by amit_n1.

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Haridwar

CHANDI DEVI- 6 km.

The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat. Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh-Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot. The 'Udan Khatola' (Ropeway) can be booked through phone services at 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM.

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.

Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills 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. Ph: 01334-227745. [1]

MAYA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.

Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

HAR-KI-PAURI -1.5 km.

This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors.

DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE -4 km.

The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife), performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing this Sati felt was infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund.

King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.

NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR - 3.5 KM

This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganga river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.[2]

SATI KUND - 4 km.

Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.

BHIMGODA TANK

This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har-ki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee, or goda, to the very ground.

JAIRAM ASHRAM

Just off Bhimgoda, this ashram houses a diorama exhibition comprising life-like, animated statues depicting various stories from the Hindu mythology, though its piece de resistance is a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, making it a must-see for any visitor to Haridwar.

SAPT RISHI ASHRAM & SAPT SAROVAR - 7 km

It is said that Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.

PARAD SHIVLING - 2 km

Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.

DOODHADHARI BARFANI TEMPLE

This temple complex made in white marble is one of most beautiful modern temples of Haridwar, noted for its simplcity, elegance and quietitude. The main temple houses idols of Ram-Sita. It is preceed by an array of smaller temples of the deities from the Hindu pantheon. Right across the Ram temple is an imposing temple of Lord Hanuman.