Har ki Pauri is known as the holiest ghat among the ghats built on the banks of river Ganga. Har ki Pauri is also one of the most famous and the oldest ghats. Its history is about 2000 years old. Every year a large number of devotees and tourists come to Haridwar to have a darshan and bathe in the auspicious river Ganga at Har Ke Pauri and participate in the Maha Aarti at Har Ke Pauri in the morning and evening.
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| River Ganga , Har ki Pauri, Haridwar |
In Hinduism, Hari means God, Hari ki Pauri or Har Ke Pauri means "step towards God". Haridwar is an ancient city and considered to be one of the best places from religious point of view.
Significance of Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri Haridwar is given special importance in Hinduism. The holy river Ganga, descending from the mountains, enters the plain here for the first time in Haridwar. It is said in mythology about Har Ki Pauri that the Brahmakund located here is the place where the drops of nectar fell. It is also said that Lord Vishnu took bath here in this Brahmkund.
In Hinduism, a bath in the river Ganga is considered holy, restorative to body and soul. The Ganga Ghats of Haridwar and especially Har Ki Pauri are the first choice of devotees for Ganga bath.
Har Ki Pauri is also famous for the the biggest religious celebrations called Kumbh Mela, held once in twelve years and Ardh Kumbh Mela held once in six years.
History of Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
The history of Har Ki Pauri is about 2000 years old. King Vikramaditya had built this ghat in the memory of his elder brother Bharati. Bharti used to meditate here on the banks of the river Ganga.
Har ki Pauri Ganga Arti
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| Ganga Aarti at Har ki pauri Haridwar |
Special Ganga Aarti is organized at Har Ki Pauri in the morning and evening. Thousands of devotees reach Har ki Pauri to watch and participate in this special Ganga Aarti. Malviya Dweep / Island is especially preferred by the devotees for watching the Ganga Aarti.
The sound of mantras and the lighting of lamps at the time of Ganga Aarti changes the whole scene of Har Ki Pauri. At that time, just sitting there gives a feeling of peace. Ganga Aarti takes place between 05:30 to 06:30 in the morning and 06:00 to 07:00 in the evening.
Festivals and Celebrations Har ki Pauri
Along with the grand twelve-yearly Kumbh Mela, the Ardh Kumbh Mela is organized at Har Ki Pauri. Kumbh Mela is considered to be the biggest fair in the world. Apart from this, a large number of devotees come here from different parts of the country to participate in Maha Shivaratri, Shiva Ratri in the month of Sawan and on the occasion of Ganga Snan. Every year on the occasion of Baisakhi which falls in the month of April, a large number of people come here.
Places near by Har ki Pauri
Haridwar is called the Land of Gods. Apart from Har Ki Pauri, there are many such places in Haridwar which are very special for Hindu devotees and the history and mythology lovers for centuries. Devotees visiting Har Ki Pauri can also visit Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Patanjali Yog Peeth, Parad Shivling, Chandi Devi Temple, Kankhal Temple and Bird Sanctuary.
About 20 km from Haridwar, the city of Yoga, Rishikesh is an ancient city famous for its unique temples, yoga and adventure sports. Often tourists coming to Haridwar include Rishikesh in their trip.
How to reach Har ki Pauri, Haridwar
By flight
Har Ki Pauri is the main attraction of Haridwar and is located in the heart of the city. Haridwar has got the status of a special pilgrimage place. Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport and Delhi's National International Airport are nearby to reach Haridwar by flight. The distance from Delhi to Haridwar is 213 kms and the distance from Dehradun to Haridwar is about 50 kms. From here one can reach Haridwar by bus or taxi.
The distance from Har ki Pauri is just 3 kilometers from Haridwar main bus stand and railway station. Even auto rickshaws can be taken.
By train
Haridwar is a well connected city by rail network of the country. From the main railway station of the country, Haridwar can be reached by direct or connected train.
By road
Haridwar is well connected by road network. One can also reach here by state transport bus, by private tourist bus or by driving in your own car.
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