VALLEY OF FLOWERS - PART II
HARIDWAR
During our two days stay at Rishikesh we went to Haridwar, the next day. Haridwar is a larger place than Rishikesh and is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal. It is located on the foot hills of Shivaliks and on the banks of River Ganga. This major pilgrimage center is well connected by trains to all the major towns of India.
It represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ageless pilgrimage destination, held in reverence for centuries. Several temples and ashrams are found in this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a completely different world. Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. Haridwar is also the site of celebration of the Kumbha Mela, once in twelve years, when Jupiter transits to the zodiac sign of Aquarius.
Pilgrimage Attractions in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
- Chandi Devi
- Mansa Devi
- Daksha Mahadev Temple
- Sapt Rishi
- Maya Devi
- Ardh Kumbh
- Kavand Mela
The main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pauri (known for a footprint of Vishnu on a stone in a wall). It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, the Ghat is magnificently illuminated in the evening during a Maha Aarti performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor. Nearby is the Gangadwara temple, the most important of the several temples that dot this town. The Ganga Aarti which is celebrated at 7 pm each night, is a spectacular sight, when the aarti ceremony is performed at all temples in Haridwar at the same instant. Hundreds throng to the ghats at Hari-ki-Pauri to participate in this event. Offerings of lamps and flowers are made to the river immediately following this ceremony and it is a moving sight to watch hundreds of miniature lamps float along the river.
Located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat, the Manas Devi Temple is worth visiting. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.
On the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga, the Chandi Devi temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a 3 km trek from the Chandi Ghat.
There are a lot of shops selling all kinds of curios. Don’t be fooled by the “original” rudrakhshas, or pearls or semi precious stones. Buy if you can identify the original from fakes. Pearl necklaces are offered at throwaway prices and one is really tempted to buy them. So are corals. You can buy some good souvenirs like trinkets or bangles or anything inexpensive.
We roamed the streets and the bridge leading to Har ki pauri, went to the Mansa Devi Temple by ropeway and after lunch returned back to Rishikesh for rest and preparations to go to the Valley of Flowers early next morning.
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