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Learn About Places uttaranchal > Haridwar Uttaranchal


Haridwar Uttaranchal

Haridwar Uttaranchal

Haridwar General Information
 
Introduction :: Haridwar Haridwar is situated at the base of the Shivalik hills, where the Ganga, comes down from the mighty Himalayas meets the plains. Haridwar, literally is 'The gateway to the Gods'. "This place is very beautiful", at one sight one will say so and fall in love with the scenic beauty of the blend of height and plains. A Gateway to the four pilgrimage of Uttarakhand, Haridwar is also known as Gangadwar, Tapovan and Mayapuri. In its long history back to pre-historic time, the Haridwar got it name from the rishis. According to the mythology it is known as Kapilsthan. legend goes that the suryavnshi Prince Bhagirath performed penance here to salvage the souls of his ancestors who had perished due to the curse of the sage Kapila. The penance was answered and the river Ganga trickled forth from Lord Shiva's locks and its bountiful waters revived the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara. Mythologically, drops of nectar churned out from the primordial ocean fell at the four sites of the Kumbh mela including Haridwar. The kumbha mela, happening once every 12 years and the Ardha Kumbha Mela (Coming once every six years) are big draws. One of the oldest living cities, Hairdwar has been in people's mind from the period of Buddha to the British advent and now even is the 21st century. Besides being a religious place, it has served as the center for learning arts, science and culture.
 
Area
12 sq. km.
 
Altitude
2927 Mts.
 
Climate
Summer :- Max 35.6ºC, Min 16.9ºC.
Winter :- Max 28.3ºC, Min 10.6ºC.
 
Rainfall
162 cm average yearly.
 
Clothing
Summer :- cottons/tropical.
Winter :- woolens.
 
Languages Spoken
Hindi, English , Garwali.
 
STD Code
01334

Haridwar Sightseeing

Har-ki-Pauri :: Har-ki-Pauri, Haridwar The Main ghat and is supposed to be at the precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Consequently, the river's power to wash away sins at this spot is superlative and endorsed by a footprint Vishnu (God of Hindu) left in a stone here. The ghat is on the west bank of a canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Each evening at sunset priests perform Ganga Aarti (the river worship ceremony) here, when lights are set on the water to drift downstream while priests engage in elaborate rituals. In addition to the main ghat, a series of smaller ghats extends along the canal bank, with large orange and white life-guard towers at intervals to ensure that bathing pilgrims don't get swept away.

Bara Bazaar :: On the north side of the canal, between Har-Ki-Pauri and the Upper Rd, is colorful Bara Bazaar. Along with the religious paraphernalia, or prasaad (food offered to the gods, images of the deities, religious pamphlets etc) are scores of tiny stalls crammed along both sides of bazaar selling an assortment of goods including shawls, brassware, glass bangles, wooden whistels, bamboo canes and can baskets.
 
Mansa Devi Temple :: Atop a hill overlooking Haridwar, this temple is dedicated to the goddess mansa. Mansa is one of the forms of Shakti Durga who makes wishes come true. It is connected by a ropeway to the heart of town.

Chandi Ghat Temple :: Erected on Nhil Hill by a Kashmir raja, Suchet Singh, in 1929, and there are a number of temple at the hill. You may see large river turtles on the banks of the Nildhara River.

Gorkhnath Temple :: An imposig edifice dedicated to Guru Gorkhnath on main road leading to Har-Ki-Pauri. As might be expected in such an ancient pilgrim centre, Haridwar has temples for all devotess, all shades of religious persuasions underthat great umbrella of faith called Hinduism.
 
Saptrishi Ashram :: About 5km from Haridwar, named after the seven rishis (sages) who prayed here for the good of humanity. It has mythological origin and it is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) who had trapped the Ganga agreed to release the River on King Bhagirath's request, provided it split into seven streams.

Bharat Mata Temple :: It is a 'modern' temple dedicated to 'Mother India'. An imposing seven-storyes high structure, it has statues of gods and goddesses and other Indian saints, sages and heroes of Indian myth and legend.

Pawan Dham temple :: This temple is famed for its fantastic glass and mirror work, and its elaborately garbed idols.

Haridwar Excursions
 
Rishikesh :: Rishikesh, Haridwar Excursion About 24 Kms from Haridwar. Located in the laps of lower Himalayas, and is surrounded by scenic beauty of the hills on three sides with Holy Ganga flowing through it. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. There are many temples-some ancient, some new along the river Ganges. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage centre closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centres of Hindu religious thought and spirituality, and as a very grat Yoga Centre. There are a great many ashrams and Yoga institutes here. Rishikesh is also the gateway and the start-off point for journeys to important religious places like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. Rishikesh is also acquiring greater significance as a centre for white water rafting, other riverine sports, a base for treks and hikes in the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas.

Dehra Dun  :: This hill station is located in the Shivalik hills. Just 54 kms from Haridwar. The thick woods and scenic beauty of the place is enough to capture the imagination of any tourist.
 
Piran Kalier :: On the outskirts of Roorkee is the Dargah of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahmed 'Sabir'. It is a must for any visitor to visit this place. The place is known as Piran Kalier and is located 23 kms South of Haridwar. This Dargah is famed for its mystical powers and is visited in large numbers both by Hindus and Muslims. In fact this place is an living example of Hindu-Muslim unity. During the Rabeeull month of Islamic calender, an Urs is celebrated from the first day of sighting the moon to the sixteenth day.
 
Deoprayag :: This is again one of the sacred places for the Hindus. At this place the aggressive Alaknanda merges with the gentle flowing Bhagirathi. The place is 95 kms from Haridwar.
 
Chila :: At Chila is located the Rajaji National Park a popular destination for nature and adventure lovers. The pristine scenic beauty and rich biodiversity of the park has been attracting wildlife lovers from India and abroad The park has 23 species of mammals and about 315 avifauna species.

Haridwar Ashram

Saptrishi Ashram :: Saptrishi Ashram, HaridwarIt has mythological orgin and it is said that Saptrishis (Seven sages) Who had trapped thew Ganga agreed to release the River on king Bhagirath's request, provided it split into seven streams. The Ashram six km from haridwar.

Hariharanand Ashram :: Founded by late Swami Hariharanand, it has several branchesin the country.
 
Pawan Dham :: It is 5km from the city, it s famous for its Hanuman Temple with inset glass pieces.
 
Parmath Ashram :: It has beatiful images of goddes Durga.
 
Manavkalyan Ashram :: It has statues of 12 'avtars' of God.
 
Doodhadari :: About 6km fromm haridwar, it is famous for its Hanuman and Raghvendra Temples.
 
Bhimgoda Tank :: On the way to Rishikesh, it is said to have made by the Pandava Prince Bhim with a blow of his knee.
 
Gurukul Kangri Unversity :: Founded by Swami Sharadanand, it is an educational instition of repute it also has museum and a pharmacy.


Haridwar Shopping
Haridwar Shopping :: Haridwar offers you some good handicraft items which can be kept as decorative pieces or can be used as gift items. In the markets surrounding the temples, one can find jewellery imitations which are very popular among the devotees. The bangles, chains, ear and nose rings are some items which can be bough there. Then the shops also have items made of stone. From Rishikesh Ganga enters the plains and in all this area it sheds its load of stones which are not only polished naturally but come out in amazing shapes and sizes. These stone are used to make small idols which are very neatly, delicately and intricately carved. Look out for Kitchen set toys made from stone. The main shopping centers are Moti Bazaar, Upper Road, Jwalapur, Kankhal.


Haridwar Travel Information
How to Reach Haridwar

Air :: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehra Dun 35 km.
Rail :: Haridwar is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kalka, Lucknow, Mumbai.
Road :: Haridwar is well connected by road with all major cities in the state.

Some important cities distance from Haridwar
Rishikesh     24 kms.
Mussoorie     90 kms.
Dehra Dun     52 kms.
Badrinath     290 kms.
Yamunotri     240 kms.
Delhi       214 kms.

FAIR,  FESTIVAL  AND  MAHOTSAV  OF HARIDWAR

Haridwar is one place where fairs are being organized with full enthusiasm  round the year, such as Somwati Amavasya, Kartik Poornima, Shravan Poornima, Ganga Dussehra and other important bathing dates of Hindu calendar. The Kanwad mela during the month of Shravana is very popular among masses in which lacs of devotees of Lord Shiva come to Haridwar to take holy water of river Ganga. Apart from these, Kumbh mela and Ardh Kumbh mela at the interval of 12 and 6 years respectively do not need any introduction.  District administration had also organised 'Haridwar Mahotsava', a 3-4 day cultural festival on the bank of river Ganga and 'Ayurveda Mahotsava'. Besides this 'Urs' is organized annually at the holy dargah of Piran Kaliyar in which people of all sects participate and pray for their well being.

Kumbh Mela :: Naga Sadhus in the Kumbh Mela,traditionally they don’t wear any clothesat all and have no material possessions
The name of Haridwar is linked with The Kumbh mela which is a large pilgrimage festival and is held every year in April at the beginning of the Hindu solar year. Every twelve years the great festival of Maha Kumbh Mela is held. Besides, every six years an Ardh Kumbh, or half Kumbh. These gatherings are perhaps amongst the largest of human congregations in the world. During these important festivals millions of pilgrims throng to Haridwar from all over India. The local hotels and Dharamshalas are not enough to house the crowds and huge campsites are set up to cater to the teaming millions. According to astrologers, the 'Kumbh Fair' takes place when the planet Jupiter enters Aquarius (called as Kumbh in Sanskrit or Pot) and the Sun enters Aries. According to Hindu mythology, during the churning of the ocean or samudramanathan, the 'Devas' (Gods) and 'Asuras' (Demons) churned the ocean to obtain Nectar or amruta. When the coveted ‘Kumbh’ or pitcher of nectar was obtained from the depths of ocean, one of the gods whisked away the 'Kumbh' from the ‘Asuras’ to prevent the Asuras from getting it. As he ran heavenward with the Kumbh, a few drops of the nectar spilled at four places: Haridwar, Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik and Ujjain. This is the mythological reason for the choice of the four destinations for the Kumbh melas that attracts thousands of sages, saints and pilgrims.

Next Kumbh Dates:
Dates for the Maha Kumbh Festival (every 12 years in 4 locations).
A sadhu (holyman)
performing austerities

In 2010, March-April, Ardh Kumbh Mela will be held at Haridwar.

In 2013, January 27th to February 25th Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Allahabad (Prayag).

In 2015, August 15th to September 13th Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Nasik.

In 2016, April 22nd to May 21st Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in Ujjain

Makar Sankranti :: An important festival in northern India, it marks the beginning of season change. It is the time of the sun’s movement towards the north and is called Uttarayan. It is celebrated as Kite festival. In Gujarat People give alms to the poor on this day and take dips in holy rivers. For it is believed that all good deeds performed on this day have a multifold effect. Uttarayani fair is held around this time. Another locally celebrated festival around this time is Ghughutia or Kale Kauva. People make sweetmeats of flour and jaggery and make it in the shape of pomegranates, sword, knives and other such interesting shapes. A necklace is made with these then with an orange in the centre. Little children wear these and go out to attract crows and other birds and offer them pieces from their necklaces.

Basant Panchami :: A popular festival in northern India, Basant Panchami heralds the spring, 40 days before the onset of spring season. It is usually celebrated sometime between mid January to mid February. Yellow is the color of the day - yellow clothes, yellow flowers and yellow rice. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped on this day, she is considered to be the goddess of knowledge and so the festival holds special importance for school going children. It is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar and is considered a good time to get married, buy property or start a new venture.

Phool Dei :: The festival is celebrated in the beginning of month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar, which comes sometime in mid March. It is mainly a festival of young girls, where in they go from house to house with plates full of rice, jaggery, coconut, green leaves and flowers. These girls give their blessings and wishes for the prosperity of the house and are given presents, jaggery, sweets, and money in return.

Harela and Bhaitauli :: This festival is celebrated on first day of navaratri. It's an important Kumaoni festival where women fill baskets with soil and sow seven different kinds of seeds in them. On the tenth day when the seeds have germinated and grown into grasses they are plucked and placed in the hair and tucked behind the ears. It is during this time that brothers send gifts to their sisters. The presents are called Bhaituali.

Harela and Bhaitauli :: The festival is celebrated on the first day of August or Bhado as it is called in the Hindu calendar. This is the time when the fields are lush green and the harvest is plenty. Traditionally this was a time when young men would give presents to their father in laws and uncles. The special food associated to this festival is chapattis stuffed with ghee and urad dal in it. The festival‘s is not as popular as it once used to be.

Khatarua :: While some say that the festival is celebrated in lieu of victory of king of Kumaon, the popular belief goes that the festival marks the beginning of autumn season. It's celebrated sometime in mid September, the first day of the month of Ashwin according to the Hindu calendar. Bonfires are lighted around which children dance. People offer cucumbers to fire as it is said to destroy all the evils. Special care is taken of animals during this time.

Bat Savitri :: Another popular festival celebrated in the entire northern India by married women for the well being of their spouses. The festival is celebrated on the last day of the dark half of the month of Jyeshtha according to the Hindu calendar. Women worship Savitri who with her intense devotion brought her husband from death and observe fats. They also worship a holy tree called Bat or Banyan tree.

Ganga Dusshera or Dasar :: The festival is celebrated sometime between May and June on the tenth day of the month of Jyeshtha according to the Hindu calendar. This is the day of worshipping river Ganga and people take a dip in holy rivers. Many people put up stalls and offer water and food.

Kavad Mela :: The Kavad Mela is a very important festival in Haridwar. It usually occurs in the months of July & August. Millions of people from neighboring villages carry pots on their shoulders and heads and bring them to Haridwar on foot, many of them walking hundreds of kilometers. They fill their pots with water from Ganga and after making an offering at the Neel Kantha Temple in Rishikesh and then head back to their respective villages. The festival also occurs before Maha Shiv Ratri (the great night of Shiva) in March-April.