HARIDWAR: Where Ganga is Revered

Haridwar, literally “Gateway to God” is one of seven holiest cities in India on the banks of Ganga. The river Ganga after flowing for 253kms from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name GANGADWARA .It remains active and alive with its crowded markets, a multitude of temples, ashrams and ghats overflowing with pilgrims desirous of attaining salvation. A Gateway to the four pilgrimage of Uttarakhand, it is variously mentioned as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokhsadwar in the ancient Hindu scriptures and epics. A major Shaktipeeth from time immemorial, the place is believed to have both sanctified by the powerful trinity of Hindu mythology - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. This is why the place has been regarded as a venue for the purification of the mind, body and soul. According to the Samudra manthan, Haridwar along with Ujjain,Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the four places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Sanctified by the belief that visiting Haridwar during this period brings more nirvana to the Hindu soul than many years of penance and prayers do, millions of pilgrims throng the town for a dip in the holy Ganga during the Kumbh celebrations. 

 During this vacation to India, we decided to visit this sacred city and for me it was my third visit to the city. We stayed at Dehradoon, at my brother-in-laws place. Since my in-laws were also there, we decided to take them to the celestial city. We took a taxi and made a day’s visit. We visited the Bharat Mata Temple, an eight storied temple which has images of cities; heroes and great men. Our next stop was at Maya Devi Temple, known as one of the Siddhapeethas. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati had fallen at this ancient saktipeeth, located to the east of Har-ki-Pauri. Har-Ki-Pauri  is the main area and the most sacred Ghat where a holy dip is a must for every devotee. As you arrive at Har ki Pauri, you will witness a good number of long haired pilgrims, with their body smeared with ashes. At twilight, the scene become much livelier at the Ganga Aarti (worshipping the divine Ganges) is performed. Hundreds of glowing lamps and garland of flowers float along the waters of Ganges and the sound of temple bells and mantras being chanted in the background makes it a magical sight which can’t be express in words.  The ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of the holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed the Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. This sacred bathing Ghat is also known as Brahmakund. We performed aarti and will never forget the experience.

On our way to Haridwar we stopped at Shanti Kunj and Pawan Dham, two worth visiting places. Pawan Dham is 2kms from Haridwar town and is a modern and untraditional temple made entirely of glass pieces. The beauty of Pawan Dham lies in the aesthetically adorned ornamental idols and glass work designed on the temple walls, which makes it a famous tourist spot. You will find almost all Hindu deities made of glass and intricately carved. It represents the rich culture and heritage of India. All thanks to people of Moga(Punjab) that they put efforts and money to bring up this unique temple. As the name implies, Pawan Dham is a holy place that should not be missed by all those aspiring to visit Haridwar. At the entry to the temple lot of puja items and gifts are sold. I found something very unique among the items; photo’s where you can see different deity from different angles. The bigger photo cost me Rs80 and the small one cost Rs40. 

Another place you will enjoy visiting is Shanti Kunj, officially known as Shri Ved Mata Gayatri Trust. It is a place of religious discipline and spiritual peace. The institute teaches and trains people on how to live a joyous life and contribute towards social reconstruction. The branches and sub-centres of the institution are not only spread across India but throughout the world. Shantikunj also has the eminence of running free schools and degree colleges in rural areas.  It is at a distance of 6 km from Haridwar Railway Station. Pilgrims come to Shantikunj to learn and practice 'Sanjeevani Vidya', the art of living. The ancient system of Ayurveda takes on a new meaning at Shantikunj. There are expert Ayurveda physicians who provide free service to the incumbents. As a part of a research, there are around 250 rare medicinal plants have been preserved. The spiritual sanatorium of Shantikunj also offers practical guidance in order to control and connect the body, the mind and the innerself. For visitors, the research institute also organises nine-day spiritual training sessions on how to bring about assimilation between spiritual science and day-to-day life. Founded and developed by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in 1971, it is the head-quarter of All World Gayatri Pariwar, which has more than 70 million followers all over the world. The serene beautiful complex will do wonders on you.

It is almost impossible to leave Haridwar without stuffing into your bag some of the most interesting and well-crafted items. Generally, tourists come here for a spiritual experience and therefore shopping in the holy town is not on their wish list. But once you come to know of the varieties, the quality and the craftsmanship on offer, you will definitely want to go on a shopping spree, before you leave the place. For travelers, it can also be the most unexpected souvenir shopping opportunity in Haridwar. Have some empty space in your backpack and start on your souvenir shopping in Haridwar. Intricately carved stone idols, beads, copper and brass puja utensils, glass bangles, cane baskets, purses and bags, key rings and jewellery are some of the most popular buying items in Haridwar. Also are available prayer articles, yoga books, religious CD’s and DVD’s. You will find lot of shops in the narrow lanes of the bazaar area. They are scattered all throughout Haridwar.

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 in the 21st century. Besides being a religious place, it has served as the center for learning arts, science and culture. Its unique Gurukul School of traditional education, scenic beauty, lush greenery full with Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies, give the place a unique charm and flavor. For the wildlife lovers, the Rajaji National Park which is 9kms from Haridwar is a must-visit place. Do plan a visit, you will surely enjoy.