Har Ki Pauri Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most ancient pilgrimage centers in India that has been reverence from times immemorial. Hari means (Lord/God) and Dwar means Gateway. Hence Haridwar means Gateway to the Lord. According to the India mythology, it is one of the four places where drops of elixir, Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher or Kumbha, in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. These four spots have today become places where the Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years in succession - Nasik, Ujjain, Haridwar and Allahabad. Millions of devotees and tourist congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges.

Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state in India. This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva" who is the god according to shaivite school of Hindu theology, "ki" means "of" and "pauri" means "steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har ki Paudi in the Vedic (ancient period) times. There is a large footprint said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. An area within Hari ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes places and which is considered most sacred is known as Brahm Kund, The spot where the nectar (Amrita) fell is today considered to be Brahma Kund at Har-Ki-Pauri (literally means footsteps of the Lord) which is the most sacred ghat in the Haridwar. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here from all over the world to take a holy dip; it is believed that a dip here will wash away their sins or Karma and provide Moksha. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganges canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Har ki pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival occurring every year in the month of April.

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari's footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the Kumbh held after 12 years and Ardh Kumbh after 6 years.

The place is considered very auspicious. Over the years the ghats have undergone major extension and renovation as the crowds increased in subsequent Kumbh Melas. Several temples have come up on the steps, most built in late 19th century. The extension of the ghats took place in 1938 (done by pandit Hargyaan Singh Katara -Zamindaar from Agra in Uttar Pradesh), and then again in 1986. Every day, Hari Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds taking a dip in water of the Ganges. Each evening at sunset priests perform Ganga Arti here, when lights are set on the water to drift downstream. This is the most amazing and soul touching spectacle. A large number of people gather on both the banks of river Ganges to sing its praises. The priest hold large fire bowls in their hands, the gongs in the temples at the Ghat start ringing and the chants flowing out of lips fill the air. People float earthen diyas, with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes.

Places to Visit in Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, where you can bath in the Ganges. Har Ki Pauri has a good market also you can enjoy by walk whole market. An evening ritual (Aarti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga is a highly enchanting and divine experience. Lamps are seen floating on the river, immersed after the ritual. A splendid aura of lights and chants fills the atmosphere in the evenings.

Things to do in Har Ki Pauri

Devotees can enjoy a holy dip in the Har ki Pauri Brahamakund. Evening ritual (Ganga Aarti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga and enjoys some market near by the Har ki Pauri.

Places to Visit near Har Ki Pauri

There is a temple called Mansa Devi Temple just 2 Km from Har Ki Pauri. You can hair a Rickshaw or go by walk to the gate of the temple. Then you can go by walk or by cable car. Also visit a large Lord Shiva Statue on the opposite side of Har ki Pauri.

How to Reach Har Ki Pauri

Its only 05 km far from Haridwar, 215 km from Delhi, 50 km from Dehradun, 45 km from Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun,30 km from Rishikesh, 85 km from Mussoorie. You can go by the Rickshaw to the Temple and auto (Tuk TUk) is also available for Har ki Pauri.

[ Contact us to book your tour in Haridwar ]

Want to book a tour? Call Us For booking on +91- 8894917116, +91- 8894404523 Or +91-44-6531-5613, +91-5832-267070. In case if Phone no's are continuously engaged, You are requested to fill contact us form on our website and our executives will get back to you as soon as possible. You may also leave us a message on our +91- 8894404523 WhatsApp Number to receive packages. Once you will say Hi on our WhatsApp no. Our team will send you a small form immediately which need to be filled by you. After filling it up, Please send it back to us on same Whatsapp no. You will receive all the information with packages and pictures on Whatsapp itself. In case if you are facing any problem, Please feel free to get in touch with us. We are looking forward to welcome you and your Group.