Indian Cities & Destinations - Comprehensive guide to
cultural heritage of India where you discover art & craft, dances,
music, costumes, and languages of India.
Haridwar
is to know that beyond the superficial sophistry of politically correct
contemporary Hinduism lies a faith as simple as the contours of a lily in
full bloom, as old as the abode of the Gods amidst the northern snows.
Not for nothing is Haridwar called the /"Gateway to the Gods/".
Situated at the base of the Shivalik hills of Uttar Pradesh, an aura of
divinity surrounds this sacred town where the Ganga is believed to wash away
the sins of millions who take a dip in its holy waters. Tradition traces the
origins of the town to the great penance performed by King Shweta. Lord
Shiva/'s father-in-law, Daksha Prajapati also performed a yagna here.
Again,
it is here that the Devas brought the pitcher of nectar to foil the designs
of the Rakshasas. Besides being an important pilgrim centre of the Hindus,
Haridwar is a major adventure sports circuit offering possibilities for
river rafting, tracking and mountaineering. It is also known world over for
its herbal remedies and Ayurveda (the ancient Indian science of medicine).
Haridwar has purified the mind, the body and the soul.
Not only in spiritual or religious terms Haridwar has come up as a major
learning center for arts, science and culture. This place has
maintained the Gurukul tradition of teaching. This ancient tradition of
teaching has maintained its fervour in Haridwar.
 Major
Attractions of Haridwar |
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Har-ki-Pauri : Har Ki Pauri, the sacred
ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother
Bhartrihari. The golden reflection of floral diyas in the river Ganges is
the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga aarti ceremony at
the ghat.
Chandi Devi Temple : The temple of
Chandi Devi a top the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganges was
constructed in AD 1929 by Suchat Singh, the then King of Kashmir. The temple
is a 3-km trek from Chandi Ghat and it is believed that the Adi
Shankaracharya established the main statue in eighth century AD. The Chandi
Devi Temple is now also accessible by a ropeway, which starts near the Gauri
Shankar Temple.
Destinations
