Har Ki Pauri
About Har Ki Pauri
Far From City: 1 kms from city center
Cost:
About Har Ki Pauri
Weather:
Time Required:3-4 hours
Cost:Free
Har Ki Pauri Aarti
The Aarti offered to River Ganga is witnessed by thousands. Priests, clad all in white holding large fire bowls, chanting of mantras and the sound of gongs coming out of the temples give Har Ki Pauri a supernatural vibe. Ganga Aarti takes place between 05:30 to 06:30 in the morning and between 06:00 to 07:00 in the evening.
Priests selected by the Ganga Sabha conduct the proceedings of the aarti. Ganga Sabha is an NGO that runs the morning and evening aartis at Har Ki Pauri and also helps the government in the management and cleanliness of the ghats. For the best view of the Aarti, sit on the ghats on the opposite side of the temples. You may also sit on an island style ghat named 'Malviya Dweep'. More than three thousand people attend the Aarti daily and the numbers go up on weekends. The ceremony is started with the chanting of a Sanskrit poem, 'Ganga Lahari', written by Pandit Jagannath followed with the grand Aarti.
History of Har Ki Pauri
The sacred ghat is more than twenty centuries old and the construction is credited to King Vikramaditya. Har Ki Pauri was built in the memory of King Vikramaditya's brother, Bharati who meditated here on the banks of River Ganga.The exact spot where the evening and morning aarti take place is known as 'Brahmakund', it is believed that the drops of 'amrit' fell over that spot.
The ghats at Har ki Pauri have undergone severe extensions and renovations in years with the place attracting tourists in large numbers. The first extension was done in 1938 by Hargyan Singh Katara, a Zamindar from Agra in Uttar Pradesh and then again in 1986. Legendary king Bhagirath is believed to have brought the river Ganga from heaven to earth. Local legend states that Haridwar has been sanctified by the presence of three eternal Gods; Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Festivals
Har Ki Pauri is also known for the huge gathering of devotees and pilgrims for the festival of Kumbh Mela that is held here once every twelve years and Ardh Kumbh Mela that takes place every six years. Kumbh Mela is assumed as the largest gathering of pilgrims in the entire world.
Festival of Vaisakhi, also attended by people in large number, is a huge harvest festival which takes place in April every year. Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated by thousands of people when the entire ghat is covered in lights and devotees offers diyas to the holy river. 'Chhath' festival, an east indian festival to celebrate the Sun god also takes place with great fervour.
Best time to visit Har Ki Pauri
The best time to visit Har Ki Pauri is during the summer months i.e. from March till June end. One might want to avoid the winter season (October - February) as it gets quite chilly.
How to Reach Har Ki Pauri
Located in the center of the city, Har ki Pauri is easily accessible by shared or booked auto rickshaws which are the best way to commute in the city.Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railway station approximately three kilometers away while Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport.
Top Tourist Places in Haridwar
Ganga Aarti
Mansa Devi Temple
Har Ki Pauri
Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary
Vaishno Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple
All Tourist Places in Haridwar
Tips
Make sure not to miss the evening aarti, which is considered as the most cherished time of the day by devotees. The river current is extremely strong and one should never cross the barricades while taking a dip.
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