Haridwar  is a holy city and municipal board in the Haridwar District in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India. In Hindi, Haridwar stands for Gateway to God, with 'hari' meaning god and 'dwar' meaning gate. Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there.

According to Hindu mythology, Haridwar is one among the four sites where drops of the elixir of immortality Amrita accidentally spilled over from the pitcher (or Kumbha), in which it was being carried away by the celestial bird Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. These four spots -- Ujjain, Haridwar, Nasik, and Allahabad -- have today become places of prominence where the Kumbha Mela is celebrated, cyclically once every 12 years. Here, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate from all over the world to celebrate this celestial event and perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganga.

The spot where the nectar (Amrita) fell is considered to be the Brahma Kund at Har-ki-Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord," and symbolically the footprints of the Amrita) and the most sacred ghat of Haridwar; thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here from all over to take a holy dip. This act is considered to be the equivalent of washing away one's sins to attain Moksha.

Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage; it still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other attractions apart from the holy river Ganges, such as the township of BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals India Ltd.). Several places of historic and mythological interest are situated within its precincts.

Places of Interest

CHANDI DEVI- 6 km.

The temple of Chandi Devi atop the Neel Parvat on the other bank of river Ganga was constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir, Suchat Singh. It is a 3 km trek from Chandighat. Legend has it that the army chief Chanda-Munda of a local demon King Shumbh-Nishumbha was killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in 8th century A.D. One can reach here by Trolley through ropeway or on foot. The 'Udan Khatola' (Ropeway) can be booked through phone services at 01334-220324, Time-8.30 AM to 6 PM.

MANSA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.

Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while the other one has eight arms.

MAYA DEVI TEMPLE - 0.5 km.

Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar, is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen.

HAR-KI-PAURI -1.5 km.

This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. The evening prayer at dusk (Aarti) offered to Goddess Ganga at Hari-Ki-Pairi (steps towards God Hari) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors.

DAKSHA MAHADEV TEMPLE -4 km.

The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev is situated in the south Kankhal town. According to Hindu mythology, King Daksha Prajapati, father of Sati (Lord Shiva's first wife), performed a yagna here, to which he deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing this Sati felt was infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund.

King Daksha was later killed by the demon Virabhadra, born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.

NEEL DHARA PAKSHI VIHAR - 3.5 KM

This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganga river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.

SATI KUND - 4 km.

Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.

BHIMGODA TANK

This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har-ki Pairi. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee, or goda, to the very ground.

JAIRAM ASHRAM

Just off Bhimgoda, this ashram houses a diorama exhibition comprising life-like, animated statues depicting various stories from the Hindu mythology, though its piece de resistance is a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, making it a must-see for any visitor to Haridwar.

SAPT RISHI ASHRAM & SAPT SAROVAR - 7 km

It is said that Ganga split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Sapt (seven) Rishis worshipping there would not be disturbed.

PARAD SHIVLING - 2 km

Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Shivling weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.

DOODHADHARI BARFANI TEMPLE

This temple complex made in white marble is one of most beautiful modern temples of Haridwar, noted for its simplcity, elegance and quietitude. The main temple houses idols of Ram-Sita. It is preceed by an array of smaller temples of the deities from the Hindu pantheon. Right across the Ram temple is an imposing temple of Lord Hanuman.

PAVAN DHAM

Pavan Dham (means Sacred place) has a magnificent display of art work completely made up of glass pieces.

BHARAT MATA MANDIR

The only temple of its kind, inaugurated by Late PM Smt Indira Gandhi. A multi-storey temple, each floor covering an era of Indian History, from the days of Ramayan till India's independence.

ANANDAMAYI MA ASHRAM

Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram is where the smaadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896-1982), a noted saint of India is situated. Evening aarti and satsangs conducted here, by the ashramites and devotees are quite mesmerising.

GURUKUL KANGRI UNIVERSITY - 4 km.

One of the oldest Universities of India, this institution was founded in 1902 by Swami Shraddhananda (1856-1926), according to the tenets of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the founder of Arya Samaj. It was one of the pioneering ones to reestablish ancient Indian education systems in modern India. Here Ancient Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Ayurveda, Philosophy were made part of the curriculum besides Modern Sciences and Journalism.

Its Archaeological museum, houses some rare statues, coins, paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, starting from Harappa culture (c.2500-1500 BC) onwards.

Its sprawling and serene campus is situated on the banks of Ganga, on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. Mahatma Gandhi visited this institution, and stayed here for extended periods of time.

JWALAPUR

It is one of the important markets of Haridwar, where locals go for shopping. Filled with narrow lanes, and by lane, this area feels like a different city altogether.

B.H.E.L. Township

The campus of this Public Sector Unit is spread across an area of 12 sq. km. The main factory consists of two divisions: The Heavy Electricals Equipment Plant (HEEP), whose core business includes design and manufacture of large steam and gas turbines, turbo generators, hydro turbines and generators, hydro turbines and generators, large AC/DC motors and so on. The Central Foundry Forge Plant (CFFP) is engaged in manufacture of Steel Castings: Up to 50 Tons Per Piece Wt & Steel Forgings: Up to 55 Tons Per Piece Wt.

HEEP & CFFP have been awarded ISO-9001 and ISO-9002 certificates respectively. HEEP & CFFP units of BHEL, Haridwar have also been awarded ISO-14001. Together they employ over 8000 skilled employees.

SIDCUL - 5 km.

A massive industrial area, spread over 2034 Acres, developed by State Industrial Development Corporation Uttaranchal Limited (SIDCUL), a state government body. With big enterprises like HLL, Dabur, Mahindra & Mahindra, Havells, moving in SIDCUL is set to develop into another industrial township within the city. 3 km away from the Delhi-Hardwar National Highway, SIDCUL lies adjacent to the BHEL Township, an important Public Sector township.

BAHADRABAD - 7 km.

It is located on the Haridwar-Delhi National Highway at a distance of 7 km from Haridwar. Close by, in village Pathri, lies the Pathri Power Station built on the Upper Ganga Canal in 1955. This place having a important role in Yoga and sprituality, famous Ramdev's Patanjali university is situated under this region. It also has block development office under which many developed villages(e.g. Khedli, Kisanpur Rohalki etc.) comes. These villages are the best examples of developing india.

PIRAN KALIYAR - 20 km.

Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Makhdum Allauddin Ali Ahamed 'Sabir' at the outskirts of Roorkee, is a living example of religious harmony in India, visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual 'Urs' festival.

 Festival

Being a place of intense religious significance, Haridwar is also hosts several religious festivals throughout the year; popular among them are the Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela, in which around 20-25 lacs people take part.

Apart from this, there is the Kumbh Mela which takes place once in every twelve years, when the planet Jupiter (Brahaspati) comes to the sign Aquarius (Kumbh). The 1998 Maha Kumbh Mela saw over 10 million pilgrims visiting this city, to take a dip in the holy river, Ganga