Considered as one of the 7 holiest places in India, Haridwar is a major pilgrim spot located in the state of Uttarakhand. The origins of the city dates back to the ancient Hindu texts. It is one of the 7 places where drops of the elixir of life that erupted from the Samundra Manthan or the Churning of the Seas by the Devas and the Asuras leading to its creation. The city came under the reign of the ancient dynasties like the Mauryas and the Kushana and is mentioned in the texts of the Chinese traveler Hieun Tsang. The city is located 314 meters above sea level and is a popular tourist destination. Here’s a list of thebest places to visit in Haridwar, The Gateway to the Gods.
1. Har Ki Pauri
One of the most revered places in Haridwar, Har ki Pauri literally means the Lord’s Footsteps. The most famous land mark at the Ghats is the footprint of Lord Vishnu himself. The foot print is said to be at the precise location where the River Ganges enters plains from the mountains. The area is famous for being the location of the Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela.
2. Chandi Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Chandi Devi, a form of the Hindu deity Durga. The Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples in India and attracts thousands of pilgrims during the festivals of Navratra and the Kumbha Mela. The temple was founded by the ancient Hindu Philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who lived during 700 – 820 AD.
3. Shanti Kunj
Shanti Kunj is known to be the headquarters of the All India Gayatri Pariwar and was founded in 1971 for the moral and spiritual regeneration in the Indian culture. The spot is one of the most visited by thousands of tourists who come here for spiritual guidance. The ashram is known to organize various spiritual training programs.
4. Maya Devi Temple
The temple is dedicated to Maya Devi an incarnation of Shakti and dates back to the 11th century AD. After Haridwar was plundered by The Central Asian conqueror Timur Lang this temple was one of the 4 ancient temples that were still intact. It is also the place where the heart and navel of the Goddess Sati fell after she immolated herself and is known as the Shakti Peetha.
