Har ki Pauri is a Sanskrit term that means “the footsteps of the Lord”. It is the name of the most famous and sacred ghat in Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand, India. Haridwar is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, and Har ki Pauri is the place where the river Ganga leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains. It is believed that Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva have visited this place, and their footprints are imprinted on a stone wall here. Har ki Pauri is also the site of the Kumbh Mela, the largest religious gathering in the world, which takes place every 12 years.
Har ki Pauri attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists every year, who come to witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual of offering prayers and lamps to the river goddess. The ghat is also a popular spot for taking a holy dip in the river, especially during auspicious occasions and festivals. Har ki Pauri is not only a place of worship, but also a place of culture, heritage, and beauty. It offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse traditions of India, as well as a stunning view of the Himalayan peaks and the flowing river.
If you are planning to visit Haridwar, you cannot miss Har ki Pauri. It is one of the most memorable and spiritual experiences you can have in India. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Har ki Pauri, including its history, legends, festivals, attractions, and travel tips.
History and Legends of Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to legend, Har ki Pauri was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bharthari, who was a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Bharthari used to meditate at this spot, and after his death, his ashes were immersed in the river here. King Vikramaditya constructed a ghat here to commemorate his brother’s devotion and named it Har ki Pauri.
Another legend says that Har ki Pauri was the place where Lord Vishnu appeared during the Vedic period. He left his footprints on a stone wall here, which can still be seen today. The stone wall is known as Brahma Kund, and it is considered to be the most sacred spot in Har ki Pauri. Pilgrims believe that bathing in Brahma Kund washes away their sins and grants them salvation.
A third legend relates Har ki Pauri to the famous mythological event of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. It is said that when the gods and demons were churning the ocean for nectar or amrit, four drops of it fell on four places on earth: Haridwar, Prayagraj (Allahabad), Ujjain, and Nashik. These four places became the venues for the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years in rotation. Har ki Pauri is the place where one drop of nectar fell in Haridwar, and hence it is considered to be very auspicious.
Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pauri
The highlight of visiting Har ki Pauri is witnessing the Ganga Aarti, a daily ritual of offering prayers and lamps to the river goddess Ganga. The Ganga Aarti takes place every evening after sunset at Har ki Pauri. It is a spectacular sight to see hundreds of priests chanting hymns and mantras, waving lamps and incense sticks, blowing conch shells, ringing bells, and performing other rituals on the banks of the river. The ghat is illuminated with thousands of diyas or earthen lamps that float on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
The Ganga Aarti is not only a religious ceremony but also a cultural spectacle that showcases the faith and devotion of the people. It attracts thousands of visitors every day who join in singing praises to Ganga Mata or Mother Ganga. The Ganga Aarti is also broadcasted live on various channels and online platforms for those who cannot attend it in person.
The timings of the Ganga Aarti vary according to the season and sunset time. Generally, it starts around 6 pm in winter and 7 pm in summer. The duration of the Ganga Aarti is about 30 minutes. It is advisable to reach Har ki Pauri at least an hour before the Ganga Aarti to get a good spot and view. You can also book a boat ride or a VIP pass to get a closer look at the Ganga Aarti.
Want to do more around the area check our these 5 day itinerary or a 3 day itinerary including Haridwar.
Festivals and Events at Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri is the hub of festivals and events in Haridwar. Throughout the year, various religious and cultural occasions are celebrated here with great fervor and enthusiasm. Some of the major festivals and events that take place at Har ki Pauri are:
Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is the largest religious gathering in the world, which takes place every 12 years in Haridwar. It is a mass pilgrimage of millions of people who come to take a holy dip in the river Ganga at Har ki Pauri. The Kumbh Mela is based on the astrological alignment of the sun, moon, and Jupiter, which determines the auspicious bathing dates. The Kumbh Mela lasts for several weeks and features various rituals, ceremonies, processions, fairs, and cultural activities. The next Kumbh Mela in Haridwar will be held in 2034.
Ardh Kumbh Mela: The Ardh Kumbh Mela is a smaller version of the Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years in Haridwar. It is also a mass pilgrimage of millions of people who come to take a holy dip in the river Ganga at Har ki Pauri. The Ardh Kumbh Mela lasts for about a month and features similar events as the Kumbh Mela. The last Ardh Kumbh Mela in Haridwar was held in 2016.
Magh Mela: The Magh Mela is an annual festival that takes place in the month of Magh or January-February in Haridwar. It is also a pilgrimage of thousands of people who come to take a holy dip in the river Ganga at Har ki Pauri. The Magh Mela lasts for about a month and features various rituals, ceremonies, fairs, and cultural activities. The most important day of the Magh Mela is Makar Sankranti or January 14, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn.
Somvati Amavasya: Somvati Amavasya is a monthly festival that takes place on the no moon day or amavasya that falls on a Monday or somvar in Haridwar. It is considered to be very auspicious to take a holy dip in the river Ganga at Har ki Pauri on this day. It is believed that doing so fulfills one’s wishes and grants peace to one’s ancestors. Somvati Amavasya attracts thousands of visitors every month who come to perform various rituals and prayers at Har ki Pauri.
Other Festivals: Apart from these festivals, there are many other occasions that are celebrated at Har ki Pauri throughout the year, such as Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, Shivaratri, Janmashtami, Ram Navami, etc. These festivals mark various mythological events and honor various gods and goddesses. They are celebrated with great joy and devotion by the locals and visitors alike.
Nearby Attractions to Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri is not only a place of worship but also a place of exploration. There are many other attractions near Har ki Pauri that are worth visiting and experiencing. Some of them are:
Mansa Devi Temple: Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most popular temples in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is located on top of a hill called Bilwa Parvat, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the river. The temple can be reached by a cable car or a trekking route.
Chandi Devi Temple: Chandi Devi Temple is another famous temple in Haridwar, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, who is considered to be a form of Goddess Durga or Shakti. The temple is located on top of a hill called Neel Parvat, which is also known for its rich flora and fauna. The temple can be reached by a cable car or a trekking route.
Bara Bazaar: Bara Bazaar is a bustling market in Haridwar that sells various items related to religion, culture, and tourism. You can find idols, statues, pictures, books, CDs, DVDs, beads, rudraksha, gemstones, ayurvedic products, handicrafts, souvenirs, etc. here. Bara Bazaar is also famous for its street food stalls that offer delicious snacks like kachori, samosa, jalebi, etc.
Bharat Mata Mandir: Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple in Haridwar that is dedicated to Mother India or Bharat Mata. The temple is a seven-storey building that depicts the history, culture, and diversity of India through various statues, paintings, maps, and symbols. The temple is a tribute to the patriotic spirit and the national unity of India.
Shantikunj Ashram: Shantikunj Ashram is a spiritual and social organization that was founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya in 1971. The ashram is a center for learning and practicing various aspects of Indian culture, such as yoga, meditation, ayurveda, astrology, etc. The ashram also conducts various humanitarian and environmental activities and campaigns. The ashram welcomes visitors who want to experience its peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
Haridwar Museum: Haridwar Museum is a museum that showcases the history, art, and culture of Haridwar and Uttarakhand. The museum has various exhibits and galleries that display ancient artifacts, sculptures, paintings, coins, manuscripts, weapons, costumes, jewelry, etc. The museum also has a library and an auditorium that host various events and programs.
Travel Tips for Visiting Har ki Pauri
If you are planning to visit Har ki Pauri, here are some useful tips and advice that will help you make the most of your trip:
How to Reach Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri is easily accessible by different modes of transport from various parts of India. You can reach Har ki Pauri by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport to Har ki Pauri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 35 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Haridwar. The nearest railway station to Har ki Pauri is Haridwar Junction Railway Station, which is about 3 km away. You can take a rickshaw or a taxi from the station to Har ki Pauri. You can also drive to Har ki Pauri by car or bike from nearby cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Rishikesh, etc.
Where to Stay near Har ki Pauri
There are many accommodation options available near Har ki Pauri that suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, guest houses, hostels, ashrams, etc. Some of the popular hotels near Har ki Pauri are Hotel Ganga Lahari, Hotel Alpana, Hotel Ganga Azure, etc. Some of the popular ashrams near Har ki Pauri are Parmarth Niketan, Swami Dayananda Ashram, Shri Santosh Puri Ashram, etc.
What to Wear and Carry
When visiting Har ki Pauri, you should wear comfortable and modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. You should also carry a scarf or a shawl to cover your head when entering temples or performing rituals. You should also carry some essentials like water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. You should also carry some cash for donations or shopping at the market.
What to Avoid or Be Careful of
When visiting Har ki Pauri, you should avoid or be careful of some things that may spoil your experience or cause trouble. You should avoid wearing shoes or leather items when entering the ghat or the temples. You should also avoid littering or polluting the river or the surroundings. You should also be careful of pickpockets or touts who may try to scam you or sell you fake products or services. You should also be respectful of the local customs and beliefs and follow the rules and regulations of the authorities.
Conclusion
Har ki Pauri is one of the most sacred and beautiful places in India that offers a unique blend of spirituality and culture. It is a place where you can witness the glory of nature and the devotion of humanity. It is a place where you can feel the presence of God and the power of faith. It is a place where you can experience the essence of India.
If you are looking for a memorable and spiritual trip in India, you should definitely visit Har ki Pauri. It will enrich your soul and enlighten your mind. It will make you appreciate the diversity and unity of India.
We hope this article has given you all the information you need to plan your visit to Har ki Pauri. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.
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