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Har-ki-Pauri
:
The main ghat, 1.5km, Har-ki-pauri (the footstep of God) was constructed
by King Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother Bharathari. It
is believed that Bharathari eventualy came to Haridwar to mediate
by the banks of holy Ganga. This sacred bathing ghat is also known
as Brahma Kund. This is the place where Lord Vishnu is believed
to have left his foot print. At this point part of the Ganga has
been diverted just to the north to become the Canal. Bathing at
Har-ki-Pauri washes away all the sins.
Every evening at sun set priests perform the Ganga Arti ceremony
where lights and floral diyas are set on the water to driftdown
stream and priests engaged in elaborate rituals and chanting ofmaniras.
The reflection of golden hues is the most enchanting sight in the
twilight. The religious focus of the town is ghat at Har-ki-Pauri.
In addition to the main ghat, a series of smaller ghat extends along
the canal bank. On the north side of the canal is Bara Bazar with
scores of tiny stalls selling the usual religious paraphernalia
and assortment of goods lie bangles, shawls, brassware, ayurvedic
medicine, bamboo articles etc.
Mansa Devi Temple :
The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of Bilwa
Parvat on the southernmost hill of the Shivalik. Mansa is one of
the forms of Shakti Durga. Here, one statue of the Goddess has three
mouths & five arms while the other statue has eight arms. It
is worth taking the Ropeway or it is accessible on foot (1.3km).
The temple on the hill above the city affords a beautiful view of
the city of Haridwar.
Chandi Devi Temple :
The temple of Chandi Devi erected on Neel Parvat on the other bank
of river Ganga by a Kashmiri King, Suchet Singh in 1929, is reached
by an about three km trek to the south east from Chandighat. Legend
has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon king Shumbh-Nishumbha
was killed by Goddess Chandi here after which the place got the
name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established
by the Adi Shankaracharya in 8th Century A.D.
Daksha Mahadcv Temple :
4 km in the town of Kankhal is situated the ancient temple of Daksha
Mahadev. The mythological story about this place is that king Daksha
Prajapati, father of Lord Shivas first wife Sati performed yagna
at this place, but he didnot invite Shiva. Sati, in anger, burnt
herself in the yagna kund. This provoked Mahadev to destroy Daksha
Yagna &c behead the king, but when the gods praised Lord Shiva,
the Lord Mahadev brought him back to life. Daksha Mahadev temple
is thus a tribute to this legend.
Maya Devi Temple :
Said to be the place where the heart &: navel of goddess Sati
had fallen. This is an ancient temple of Mangia Devi the Adhisthartri
deity of Haridwar, known as one of the Siddhapeethas.
Jai Ram Ashram :
Situated on the Rishikesh road is the Jai Ram Ash ram about 3 km
away with pristine white & sculptures depicting the gods and
the demons baffling for the wafers of humanity. There are electronically
animated scenes from the Hindu epics.
Gurukul Kangri University :
4 km on the Haridwar Jwalapur byepass road is this Institution known
for following a, unique system of education in India. This teaches
Sanskrit &C Pharmacy according
to the ancient system and has an Ayurvedic College as well. The
Ved Mandir Museum with archaeological exhibits in display can also
be seen.
Others Bhimgoda Tank (3km) north of Har ki Pairi is said to be formed
by a blow from Bhimas knee. Pawan Dham Temple (4km) further on the
same road is this temple famed for its fantastic glass & mirror
work &c elaborately garbed idols. Lal Mata Temple (3km) about
a km further on the left, this temple is a replica of Vaishnav Devi
Temple in Jammu &c Kashmir. Bharat Mata Temple (3km) is eight
storey high with an image of Lord Shiva. Sapt Sarovar (6km) is named
after seven rishis (saints) who prayed here for the good of mankind.
