HARIDWAR CITY GUIDE
Haridwar is one of the holy `Thirthas' or `Crossings' that is the focus of the massive Kumbh Mela festival, which is held every twelve years. This is the point from where Ganges emerges from the mountains to enter the plains. Haridwar possesses a crucial geographical and spiritual significance, which associates it with sacred sites and river sources of the mountain. It is also a major rail and road junction linking Delhi and Gangetic plains with the mountains of Uttrakhand and their holy pilgrimage
Hari
Ki Pairi
This
is the main Ghat and is the precise spot from where Ganges leaves the mountains
to enter the plains. People have a dip here, as it is believed to wash away
sins. The Ghat also has a foot print, which is supposed to be that of Lord
Vishnu. Each evening, there is Ganga aarti / river worship performed, when small
lamps are left to drift along the river.
Mansa Devi Temple
This temple is on a hill next to the town. If you have energy then you can
walk the approximate 1.5 km distance and it guarantees a good view. There are
vendors selling, puja samagri (things) needed to perform worship ceremony. It
includes coconuts, marigolds and incense sticks.
Bara Bazaar
This is a colourful market in the town. There are small vendors who sell
lunchtime snacks, ayurvedic medicines, brassware, glass bangles, shawls, various
things made of wood and cane baskets.
Parmeshwar Mahadev Temple
This temple is around 4 km from Haridwar and houses a sacred lingam, which
is made of mercury.
Pawan Dham Temple
Almost 2 km from the town is the Pawan Dham temple. It is famed for the
excellent mirror and glasswork it has and also for its elaborately decorated
idols.
Lal Mata Temple
This temple is a replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Kashmir. There is an
artificial hill and there is a frozen lingam, a replica of the lingam in
Amarnath.
There are many temples that are worth a visit, like the Daksha Mahadev temple,
Bharat Mata temple and Chanda Devi. There are other places of interest like Jai
Ram Ashram, Anandamayee Ma Ashram, Sapt Rishi Ashram and Parmath Ashram.