Daksha Mahadev temple

Location : Haridwar District, Uttrakhand

Famous For : One of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva in

                     Uttrakhand

Improtance : There is legend that king Daksha father of

Godess performed a Yagya here and did not invite Lord Shiva. Godess Sati feel insulted and jumped in the fire of Yagya. On knowing this follower of Shiva killed Daksha but Shiva brought the Dakha life back.
Daksha Mahadev temple is one of the most ancient temples of Lord Shiva, situated in Kankhal.
The temple is approximately 4 km away from the main township of Haridwar. Mythology has it relate this temple that King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife) performed yagya at this place, but didn't invite Lord Shiva (Mahadev). Feeling insulted, Sati burnt herself in the yagya kund. Provoked by this, the ganas (followers) of Lord Shiva killed King Daksha. Later, Lord Shiva brought him back to life.


There is a pit within the grounds of the temple which marks the exact location of the sacrificial fire. One of the five most Holy places in Haridwar, the temple stands as a tribute to the sacrifice of Sati Mata. Also known as Shri Daksheshwar Temple, it was initially built by Queen Dhankaur, in 1810 AD. It was, however, reconstructed in 1962.

The holy Shiv idol, in phallic form, is situated at the centre of Shri Daksheshwar Temple. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees in August, also known as the holy month of Sawan, the month of Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar. Special rituals are also performed here on the Shivratri, the marriage day of Shiva and Shakti. Close to this temple are two other holy places, Daksha Ghat and Nileshwar Mahadev Temple.

Chandi Devi Temple

Constructed In : 1929


Constructed By : Suchat Singh

Location : Neel Parvat, Haridwar

Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most sacred shrines in Uttarakhand. The temple is situated a top the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga and was constructed in 1929 AD by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. Legend has it that Chanda-Munda the army chief of the local demon king, Shumbha-Nishumbha, was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. Chandi Devi Temple is now accessible by a ropeway also, which starts near Gauri Shanker Temple.


Chandidevi temple is one of the popular shaktipeethas in North India. It is also called siddhapitha as it is believed that the Goddess Chandi fulfills the wishes of her devotees. The pilgrims can visit the temple by the ropeway in around 5 minutes while the steep climb by steps takes over 45 minutes. The main image at Chandidevi temple is said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple is open throughout the year for the devotees, from 6 am to 8 pm, on a normal day. The morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 in the morning. Right now, Chandi Devi Temple is managed by the Mahants. However, it is in the process of forming a trust for its management.

You can get auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, tongas and taxis for reaching Chandi Devi temple, from any part of Haridwar. You can also opt for the trekking-route, of about 3 km, from Chandighat. Another mode of reaching the main shrine is through the cable car, which is less time taking as well as adventurous. It hardly takes 20-25 minutes to reach the holy shrine this way. Pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year to seek the holy blessings of Goddess Chandi. The temple of Anjana Devi, the mother of Lord Hanuman is merely 200 meter from this temple.

Maya Devi Temple

Maya Devi Temple, one of the Shaktipithas in India, is an ancient shrine located at Haridwar in Uttaranchal. The deity of Goddess Maya Devi is worshipped with great honor. This shrine is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar.


It is believed that the heart and naval of Goddess Sati (the wife of Lord Shiva), who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her husband, fell in this place.

According to some historical records the Maya Devi temple came into existence in Haridwar in the 11th century. This shows the ancient glory associated with this famous Maya Devi shrine of Haridwar. Devotees come to this sacred temple of Haridwar to offer their prayers to the presiding deity. The Goddess of Maya Devi temple resembles the form of shakti and as such people worship this divine power.

Maya Devi temple is situated in one of the easily accessible locations of Haridwar.

Goddess Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar, is known to be an incarnation of power or shakti. A visit to Haridwar is incomplete without seeking the blessings of Goddess Maya Devi. Maya Devi temple is the third ancient temple of Haridwar still intact, apart from Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav temple. Tourists coming to visit the temple can avail of auto rickshaws, taxis, vans and buses which are found in abundance in Haridwar. Reflecting the pious religious aura Maya Devi Temple is a must visits in Haridwar.

Bharat Mata Mandir

Inaugurated On : Sapt Sarovar, Haridwar


Built by : Swami Satyamitranand Giri

Location : Sapt Sarovar, Haridwar

Attraction : Eight floors with different themes

How to reach : One can easily reach Bharat Mata Temple

by taking local Buses or by hiring tazis from Haridwar



The Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Late Prime Minister.Smt. Indira Gandhi and stands along the River Ganges in Hardwar. Bharat Mata Mandir was founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri. It is situated adjacent to the ashram, and stands eight stories tall to the height of 180 feet.


This eight-storied temple is tall to the approximate height of 180 feet. Elevators are installed in the temple to aid the pilgrims. Each storey of the temple is based on a particular theme, housing figures of many mythological legends, religious deities, freedom fighters and leaders.

On the first floor, Statue of Bharat Mata adorns the hall, where the Goddess is holding a milk pot in one hand and stack of grain in the other hand. This image of Goddess represents the nurture granted by the Mother as a toddler and as an adult.

The second floor ‘Shoor Mandir’ is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India.

The third floor is known as 'Matru Mandir' that celebrates the achievements of honored women like Meera Bai, Savitri and Matiri etc.

The great saints from various religions, including Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor ‘Sant Mandir’.

The fifth floor has an assembly hall, where all the practicing religions in India, are represented in a harmonious manner on the walls. It also reveals the historical facts and paintings screening the natural beauty of India.

The various forms of the Goddess of Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

The eighth floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva from which devotees can gain a panoramic view of Himalayas, Hardwar, and the splendour of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar.

Mansa Devi Temple

Location : At the top of Bilwa Parvat in Hill.


Significance : One of the Siddha Peethas.

How to reach : One can easily reach Mansa Devi Temple by taking

local Buses, rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Haridwar.

Maa Mansa Devi is one of the most popular temples of Haridwar. The temple Situated on the Vilwa Parvat. The top of the hill gives an excellent view of Haridwar. It is a Shrine dedicated to Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag King Vasuki. Mansa Devi Temple can be reached by taking local buses, rickshaws or by hiring from Haridwar. In order to reach the hill-top, one can either go for trekking or for cable-car.


Maa Manasa Devi temple is one of the most important temples of North India.

Goddess Manasa Devi was born from her - Saint Kashyap's, mind and therefore became famous by the name 'Manasa Devi'. 'Mansa' also means wishes and therefore also known as the Goddess fulfilling the wishes of the devotees visiting the temple.

Devotees visiting the temple tie threads on a sacred tree near the temple seeking blessings of the Goddess for fulfillment of their wishes. They return to untie a thread from the same tree once their wishes are fulfilled. Located on top of Shivalik hills, this temple is one of the most ancient and famous Sidhpeeths (holy places where one's wishes are fulfilled). Manasa Devi along with Chandidevi and Mayadevi temple form a Siddhpeeth triangle in Haridwar. Here one statue of Goddess has three faces and five arms while the other image has eight arms. The temple is of great importance to the followers of Hinduism. One can have a panoramic view of Haridwar from the top of Bilwa Hill.

Haridwar Excursions

Rajaji National Park Chilla


Patanjali Yogpeeth Gurukul Kangri University

Lacchiwala Gurukul Kangri University

S.I.D.C.U.L.

Chilla
 
Gurukul Kangri University

Travel plan

It would be best to plan your travel to Haridwar between the months of October and March. Owing to its location in the Himalayan foothills, Haridwar's climate is free from extremes. The average temperature in the town 15 degrees and 38 degrees centigrade. Haridwar experiences very chilly winters; temperature during winter months can reach a minimum of 6 degrees centigrade. So, if you are travelling to Haridwar during winter, do not forget to carry heavy woollens with you. Plan your trip accordingly to extract the maximum of your holidays in Haridwar.

Geographical Facts

Haridwar, meaning the gateway to God, remains tucked away at the foot of the Shivalik Himalayas. Located at an elevation of 819 ft (249.7 m) above sea level, spans over 2,360 sq km. After River Ganga takes birth at Gangotri, it journeys over a distance of 253 km before it makes an entry into the Northern Indian plains. Haridwar has the distinction of being the place that Ganga first touches before it enters the Indo Gangetic plains. Owing to this, the pilgrimage town of Haridwar in Uttarakhand is also referred to as 'Gangadwara', meaning the gateway to Holy Ganges. The location of Haridwar is so that it is also rich in nature, be it wild jungles and wildlife species.


Looking at the geographical map of Northern India, one comes to known that Haridwar lies at 29.96 degrees North latitude and 78.16 degrees East longitude. Occupying a position in southwestern part of Uttarakhand, Haridwar remains surrounded with dense jungles. In these Himalayan forests, a number of wild animals and bird have found shelter.

How to reach Haridwar

Air

Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun is the nearest landing facility from Haridwar at a distance of 41 kms. There are flights to Jolly Grant from Delhi and a few other destinations.

Rail
Haridwar is well connected to the rest of Uttaranchal and Uttar Pradesh with rail network.

Road
Deluxe bus services regularly operate to Haridwar from Delhi and most destinations of Uttar Pradesh. National highway 45 connects Haridwar with the rest of India. The holy town is at a distance of 214 kms from national capital of Delhi.

Haridwar Maha Kumbh Photo

Haridwar Information

Population: 14,47,187 upto 2001


Area: 2360 Sq.km.

Altitude: 292.7 Meters

Latitude: 29.58 Degree North

Longitude: 78.13 degree east

Temperature: SUMMER 42.5 C - 16.9 Degree Cel.

WINTER 28.3 C - 6 Degree Cel.

Rainfall: 165cm

Season: Throughout the year

Haridwar History

HARIDWAR – Dwar of Hari or Gateway to Lord Vishnu, is a holy city situated at the base of Shivalik ranges of high Himalayas as well as on the flow path of revered River Ganga. Lakhs of devotees from all over India visit Haridwar every year to take a dip in the holy River Ganga.

The followers of Lord Shiva(Har) and followers of Lord Vishnu(Hari) pronounce this place Haridwar and Haridwar respectively as told by some. Haridwar is known as Mayapuri, Kapila, Gangadwar as well. It is also a point of entry to Dev Bhoomi and Char Dham (Four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand) Viz. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Archaeological finding have proved that terracotta culture dating between 1700 B.C. and 1200 B.C. existed in this region. Haridwar is one of the first towns where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the planes. And that's why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush green forests and small ponds add to the scenic beauty of this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is just 10 kms from Haridwar. Its an ideal destination for wild life and adventure lovers. In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly beautiful as thousands of diyas (lamps) and marigold flowers float and illuminate the holy waters.

Legendary king Bhagirath is said to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth in order to provide salvation to his ancestors. It is also said that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. Lord Vishnu is said to have his foot print on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri where the Holy Ganga touches it all the times . Devout believers feel that they can go to heaven by getting their salvation after a dip in the sacred Ganga at Haridwar.
Haridwar is also one of the four places; where Kumbh Mela occurs after rotation of every twelve Years and Ardh Kumbh after every six years. It is said that drops of Amrit (Elixir) fell in to the Brahmkund of Har-Ki-Pairi, therefore considered that a dip in the Brahmakund on this particular day which is very auspicious and when Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh) once in every twelve years the Maha Kumbh fair is celebrated at Haridwar. Kumbh, 1998 was the last Maha Kumbh of this century.
Yet beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it waves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buudha to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served as centre of attraction for many, for learning the arts science and culture. Haridwar's long standing position as a great source for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the scenic beauty and lush greenery...all give the city unique flavors and charm; a must among the sojourn centers in a discoverer's intinary of Uttarakhand - A destination for all seasons.
It is also believed that Amrit which was one of fourteen ornaments that came out from the Samundra Manthan was sprinkled at 12 places in the universe out of which 8 places are in heaven. Har-Ki-Pauri in Haridwar was one of the four places where Amrit was sprinkled on earth. As a result , every 12 years Khumbh comes to Haridwar and draws half a million pilgrims.

Haridwar as today has not only religious importance but it has another temple of modern civilization i.e. BHEL, a 'Navratna PSU' to its credit. The Roorkee University at Roorkee is one of the oldest and prestigious institute of learning in the fields of science and engineering. Another university of the district i.e. Gurukul having vast campus is giving traditional educations of its own kind.

Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on the ghat, which is indicative of the name.

uttrakhand office list

uttrakhand offices