Haridwar is one of the most sacred pilgrimage city in India. A visit to Haridwar is must for each and every Hindu, as a dip in the Ganges near Haridwar is considered holy and sacred. However other than the dip in Ganges River, a pilgrim also visit the various religious places in Haridwar which mostly comprises of temples and ghats. Here's a few list of all the major religious places in Haridwar a pilgrim must definitely visit:
Har ki Pauri is one of the most religious places in Haridwar. It is a ghat also sometimesreferred as Brahmakund where pilgrims bathe to get rid of their sins. The Har ki Paur is usually crowded throughout the year as pilgrims from all over the world get down in this ghat to bathe in the holy river Ganges. The enchanting sight is when during Ganga Arti the whole Har Ki Pauri Ghat is enlightened with diyas and Maha-arti is performed with several pilgrims attending it.
Mansa Devi Temple is found located on the Bilwa Parvat (Bilwa Hill). one of the holiest seven places in India. It's very popular with pilgrims who flock there in hopes of getting their wishes granted.This temple holds great importance for every Hindu as it has a statue of goddess with three mouths and five arms. The Mansa Devi Temple can be reached only by a ropeway.
Mansa Devi Temple can be reached in two ways: on foot or by cable car. Walking requires a one and a half kilometer hike uphill. The track is sealed but the exertion can be draining during the hot months. Hence, many people prefer to take the cable car (also referred to as a ropeway) up, and walk down. The first cable car starts running at 7 a.m. during April to October, and 8 a.m. the rest of the year. Tickets cost 48 rupees per person, return. The departure point is centrally located in town.
Devotees who visit the temple usually like to take some prasad (offerings) for the Goddess. There's no shortage of sellers, either where you board the cable car or outside the temple. Bags containing a coconut and flowers sell for around 20 rupees, and it's possible to buy plates of flowers for around 10 rupees. The entry to the temple is also lined with vendors peddling everything from jewelry to music.
Inside the temple, you'll reach the footsteps of the Goddess. Give some of the prasad to thepandits (Hindu priests) and you'll receive a blessing. However, do note that these pandits are very money hungry and are known to openly demand donations (with threats that wishes won't be fulfilled unless you comply). From there, you'll be herded into the inner sanctum where the idol of the Goddess resides. The rest of your prasad will be taken, and you'll be given some broken pieces of coconut in return. Quickly make a wish to the Goddess before again being herded onwards. At the exit, you'll find idols of other gods and goddesses (accompanied by eager pandits) that you can pray to as well.
Chandi Devi Temple:
Chandidevi temple is one of the popular shaktipeethas in Haridwar,North India. It is also called siddhapitha as it is believed that the Goddess Chandi fulfills the wishes of her devotees. The temple is situated at the hilltop near Haridwar. 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.
Daksha Mahadev Temple also refered as Kankhal, is one of the oldest temples of Haridwar. This temple has a great legendary tale attached to it, as it is said that father of Sati, Raja Daksh was killed by followers of Mahadev during a rift and Lord Mahadev bought him back to life. During this period as a tribute, this temple was built.
Unlike all other temples Piran Kaliyar is a durgah built by Ibrahim Lodhi in 13th Century. This durgah is also most visited religious places in Haridwar. People from all over the world visit this durgah especially during the annualURS which is a festival celebrated with great spirits.
Bharat Mata Mandir:
Bharat Mata Mandir is a huge multi-storey temple dedicated to Mother India. This temple was buitl by Acharya Shankaracharya as a tribute to Bharat Mata. Each floors of this temple depict important eras of Indian History Like first floor for Bharat Mata, second for Shoor Mandir depicting war herpes, third floor for Matru Mandir depicting important Indian women in history, and so on.
Sapt Rishi Ashrams is a religious place places in picturesque ashram. This place holds great religious importance as the name suggests all the seven important sages namely Kashyapa, Atri, Vishwamitra, Janadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam have said to meditated here. Sapt Sarovar is the splitting of Ganga River into seven streams at this place. The above stated religious places hold great importance and are must visit destinations in Haridwar, but that's not all, there are many other religious places in addition to this which too hold great significance like Ramanand Ashram, Shanti Kunj, Parvati Shivling, Jairam Ashram, Doodhadhari Barfani Temple and so on.
