Wherever you go, go with all your heart, and so..
INSPIRING THE TRAVELLER WITHIN YOU, WE TAKE YOU TO THE..
CELESTIAL AND IMMORTAL LAND OF LORDS HARIDWAR
In the list of religious and spiritual tourism, Haridwar is titled as the city of dreams. The holy Ganga steps down on this holy land and so it has some magical-magnetic qualities that visitors get attracted towards it effortlessly. Its history, geographical composition, and the natural charm make the city so fresh and vivid that a person gets allured towards it inevitably!
HARI KA DWAR
As I enter Haridwar, it feels as if I am embarking a beautiful excursion to a yard that lies in the lap of The Gigantic Himalayas and The Breathtaking Southern Shivalik Hills. But as I commenced the journey, I was tangled in the question as to why the city is named as Haridwar? It is believed that, Haridwar is the first door of the City of Hari. This opens the doors to the way leading to the cities of Shiva and Vishnu.
A CITY THAT IMPRISONS YOU
Standing on the lands of Haridwar, I remember a myth renowned regarding this city that goes as, “One who visits Haridwar remains here forever”. The lush green natural beauty of the city is unmatched and unparalleled and engraves an undoubted ability to entice tourists. And why it wouldn’t be.. After all, the city marks a live presence of numerous historically important museums, pilgrim places, natural locations, sport stadiums and birds and wildlife sanctuaries.
I try to take my attention towards the “panch tirtha” located in the city. Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi, Vishnu Ghat and Kankhal. These are the places that when visited gives a clear and wider vision of Haridwar.
FOOTSTEPS OF THE LORD
Taking bath in the “Har Ki Paudi” is the most intense desire of every devotee visiting to Haridwar, because it is believed that once you take dips in the holy water you will attain “Moksha”. We also took two-four dip while moving towards our path of salvation!
It is said that after Vishwakarmaji was taking “Amrit” away from the gods and demons fighting for Elixir that came out of sea churning, then some drops of nectar fell on earth and those places became places of religious significance. The nectar’s drop also fell in Haridwar and the place where they fell was Har Ki Pauri.
THE MYTHICAL MANSA
Mansa Devi is worshiped as Lord Shiva’s “Manas Putri”, his daughter by-heart. This famous temple is set in Haridwar on a Shaktipeeth. Few books suggest that it was when a snake called “Vasuki” demanded a sister, Lord Shiva gifted him with “Mansa” as his sister. But, Vasuki couldn’t bear her glow and handed her to Sage Halahal in “Naglok”. This is the same Mansa for whom Halahal is believed to sacrifice his life to save her.
Another major myth according to many ancient religious texts is that she was born from Kashyap’s mind. Hence, her name is ‘Manasa’ meaning born out of mind.
A DIVE INTO THE VISHNU GHAT
As soon as you enter Haridwar, the wharfs (the ghats) woo you and you get highly tempted towards them. The Vishnu Ghat is one of the most serene, pure and famous spot in Haridwar. This is the same place where Hindu Lord Vishnu took dips in the holy water in the ancient times. It is believed that one may transcend his all sins once he takes dips here. Although, we didn’t dive in the holy waters but we feel fortunate enough to become evident observer of the huge mob of devotees.
CHANDI DEVI MANDIR
The temples in Haridwar far surpass the total number of homes in the city! Adding to the list of the ancient temples, the Chandi Devi temple is another source of attraction for anyone who has fallen under the mesmerizing trap of the city. The famous temple is located on the “Neel Hills” that is in the eastern heights of the southern range of the great Himalayas and hence is renowned as the Neel Hill Pilgrimage. Built by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929, the temple is one of the most ancient temples of the country and counts in one of the total 52 “Shakti peeths”.
KNOW THE EPICS OF KANKHAL
After this our next stop was Kankhal, which is very near to the city of Haridwar. On arrival we came to know that the legendry Prajapati temple, Sati Kund and Daksha Mahadev temple are also located at this place. This place is also known for the ashrams and the world famous Gurukul Kangri University. If you visit Haridwar, then, without failing, you should definitely pay your visit to Kankhal. The green gardens of banana, plum, lychee, peach, etc. entice the mind.
One should definitely visit and enjoy the ancient, religious, and natural beauty of this place!