Haridwar: Gateway to the Divine

Haridwar: Gateway to the Divine Mythology & Spiritual Legacy One of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism is Haridwar which translates to the Gateway to Lord Vishnu. It is said that when the great churn of the ocean was taking place drops of the nectar of immortality, or Amrit, came down in this place and made it very powerful spiritually. Haridwar also has Kumbh Mela (Same as Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh), one of the biggest religious festivals on the Earth, every twelve years. A large number of pilgrims visit to take a bath in the Ganges River (Most Sacred river on the Earth as per Hindu Puran) to find freedom in the rebirth cycle, or moksha and cleanse themselves on a spiritual level. Haridwar place is even mentioned in old scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Skanda Purana. A long time has it been a seat of Vedic scholarship and of ascetic existence. Famous Temples & Sacred Rituals Har Ki Pauri: It is the famous Ganga ghat. Humans believe that it is the footprint of Lord Vishnu. The evening Ganga Aarti is an excellent religious ceremony.  And the view of hundreds of flower lamps floating along the very clean Ganga, to the hymns of priests and thousands of singers.  Personal narrative: the dancing fires were marvelous to children, and the feeling of everyone in attendance was strong. It touched people of all ages.  Sponsor an Aarti on a family and receive such perks as holding the Aarti plate or chanting a personal mantra.    Mansa Devi Temple: It is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi which is considered a goddess of fulfilling wishes and is also situated on top of Bilwa Parvat. Pilgrims attach threads on the tree of the temple to indicate their prayers.  Use the cable car (Udan Khatola) and ride all the way to Mansa Devi Temple giving the children a panoramic view of Haridwar and the Ganges; it is a fun ride.  Pay a visit to the old Daksh Temple and other ancient sites located in Kankhal, which is even older than Haridwar itself, in addition to shops and old houses.  Visit Moti Bazaar after the Aarti, lots of shops selling religious articles, fake jewelry, local artisans, and choose something unusual to take home. Personal narrative: Children were thrilled to observe colorful statues and had to travel the crowded people and remain with each other.    Chandi Devi Temple: The temple was constructed in the year 1929 and is dedicated to Goddess Chandi who defeated demons Shumbh and Nishumbh. Ropeway can access it and provide excellent sightseeing.  Daksha Mahadev Temple: And linked to the legend of Sati and Lord Shiva, this temple is solemn when it comes to the use of ancestors.  Maya Devi Temple: It is one of the oldest temples in Haridwar and it is believed that the heart and the navel of goddess Sati landed at this place.  That’s why it is one of the Shaktipith. Localities and Cultural Essence.  Bada Bazaar: This is a market where you will get Ayurvedic herbs naturalyy cultivated in Uttarakhand, puja Items and local sweets such as pedas and sohan halwa.  Kankhal: This is a sacred locality in which Daksha Mahadev Temple and some old ashrams are located.  Kankhal is also the home of Mata Sati and her father, Dakha Prajapati. Bhimgoda Kund: A mythological place where one of the Pandavas Bhima hit on the ground to form the source of water when the Pandavas were in exile an din need of waters. The very religious and sacred rhythm of Haridwar is usually experienced in the chanting, rituals, and the river air. It is a location where families get back to tradition and leave normal life behind.    Travel Guide: Family Tourist Travel in Haridwar.       Get around by using Erikshaws (battery rickshaws) which are ubiquitous, pollute less and can be shared or reserved.       It is close to Ranipur Mod/railway station which provides easy accessibility to any part of the city.       Eat the local street food such as Kachori sabzi, aloo puri, jalebi, but seek smaller restaurants that have better food and less traffic.       Haridwar is not a night city; most things are closed by 9 00 PM so children should be planned to do things in the evening.