PILGRIMAGE
IN INDIA
Haridwar:- Haridwar is the gateway
to the four pilgrimages
of Uttaranchal. It's also your starting point on the journey to
the sacred sources of the Ganga and the Yamuna Rivers. The
holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the Most
sacred
Hindu rituals. Round the year, Devotees from all
over the
country flock here in their thousands to perform "Poojas"
or
prayers. Renowned for the "Maha Kumbh Mela"
which
appears Every 12 years and the enchanting "Aarti" at
"Har
Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder
with hundreds of
burning wick lamps floating down the Ganga, this town has
been distinguished for centuries in the Indian society. The list
of attractions in Haridwar is endless.
Har-Ki-Pauri, the
sacred ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the
memory of his brother Bhartrihari. The
golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is the most enchanting
sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti
ceremony at the ghat. Haridwar has a number of
interesting sites that you can include
in your excursion. Rishikesh, around 28 km off Haridwar, is at the
base of the Himalayas and it is where the Ganges comes down to the plains
from the hills. A breathtaking experience of natural beauty and undiscovered
wildlife awaits here. Not to mention the peace and tranquility
of a landscape associated with sages and meditation. During the
19th century, Haridwar became an important centre of Arya Samaj, a reform movement
in the 19th century India. In 1902, the Arya Samajis, or the followers
of this sect, founded the Gurukul of Haridwar that became the famous Centre
for Vedic Studies.
Legend:- According
to the mythology it is known as
Kapilsthan. legend goes that the suryavnshi Prince Bhagirath
performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished
due to the curse of the sage Kapila. The penance was
answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and
its bountiful waters revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Mythologically,
drops of nectar churned out from the primordial ocean
fell at the four sites of the Kumbh mela
including Haridwar. The kumbha mela, happening once
every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbha Mela (Coming once every six
years) are big draws. One of the oldest living cities, Haridwar
has been in people's mind from the period of Buddha
to the British advent and now even is the 21st century. Besides
being a religious place, it has served as the center for learning arts, science
and culture.
Places of Interest:-
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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