When it comes to India's holiest cities, Haridwar will undoubtedly compete for the top rankings. Its advantageous placement on the banks of the revered Ganges river gives it greater religious significance and raises public awareness of it. Despite the fact that Haridwar offers a variety of attractions, the city's temples see the greatest influx of tourists. Haridwar has had a great amount of development throughout time, which has broadened the tourist industry here. Family vacationers, explorers, and many more now frequent the area that was once crowded with people who came to the river's bank to take baths or immerse ashes.
Every year, thousands of worshippers flock to Chandi Devi Temple in Haridwar, one of the most well-known pilgrimage sites. During his reign, King Suchat Sing constructed it. Devotees must journey from Chandighat to the gates of this temple, which is positioned on top of Neel Parvat. Children, the elderly, and adults with mobility issues can all take a cable car to the summit.
If the tales are to be believed, this temple was constructed on the site where Goddess Chandi slew Chanda-Munda, the commander of Sumbha and Nishumba's army (Demon Kings). The locals also believe that the deity of Goddess Chandi which is kept in the main temple was established by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Due to such a profound history, this temple is one of the most important places to visit in Uttarakhand for devotees.
The popular tourist destination Mansa Devi in Haridwar has some stunning vistas from the top. The Mansa Devi Temple, which sits atop Bilwa Parvat, is accessible via cable car. The architecture and construction of the entire temple are exquisite. This temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, is renowned for fulfilling the dreams of numerous worshippers. Mansa Devi refers to the goddess who grants all of her followers' desires. In the main temple, there are two idols of the goddess Mansa, one with eight arms and the other with five arms and three mouths.
Three hills encircle the entire area, and a river runs through the centre of the city. Everything about it will be cherished.
The Haridwar Bharat Mata Mandir is very important. On the banks of the Ganga River, Swami Satyamitranand Giri lay the temple's foundation. The huge construction and distinctive style of the entire temple make it an epitome. This temple is, as its name implies, devoted to Mother India and is the residence of legendary gods. The entire edifice has eight stories, and each floor contains the possessions and idols of various mythological figures.
You must visit the Pawan Dham Temple in Haridwar if you want to see the best example of a contemporary mandir with traditional values, lovely settings, and a tidy and clean environment. This temple, which is located around 3 km from Har-Ki-Pauri and 2 km from the centre of Haridwar, will undoubtedly make you happy. The exquisitely crafted glasswork decorating on the walls is one of the key factors contributing to its appeal. This temple, which is dedicated to Pawan Dev or Vayu Dev, is very revered in the community.
Neelkanth Mandir in Haridwar is devoted to Lord Shiva, as the name suggests. Shiva also goes by the name Neelkanth, which he earned after drinking poison during the Sea Manthan to prevent the destruction of the earth, which caused him to develop a blue neck. Laxman Jhoola is 20 kilometres away from this temple, and it will take you about 30 minutes to go there.
You may discover two temples devoted to Lord Shiva close to the main temple. It is located at a height of 1330 metres and provides a great view of the surroundings.The temple is surrounded by mountains from all sides and if you visit during the rainy season, you are bound to have the time of your life here. The entire place wears a distinct coat of beauty after every such rain shower.
Even though Har-Ki-Pauri isn't a true temple, it nonetheless holds divine significance. Har-Ki-Pauri, a prominent landmark and one of the most revered ghats in Haridwar on the banks of the Ganga River, is one of the busiest areas in the city.
Due to its proximity to the Brahmakund region, where the famous Ganga Aarti is held, Har-ki-Pauri is considered one of the greatest sites to visit in Haridwar. Do not miss this aarti if you are in Haridwar. This is something you can participate in either during the morning or evening aarti.
People initially had the belief that this temple is a place where all of their wishes and prayers are granted. One of Haridwar's most revered locations is the Maya Devi Temple, which is also likely one of the city's most significant temples. It forms the Siddh Peetha, which elevates its status in the city, along with the Chandi Devi and Mansa Devi temples. Maya Devi is thought to be another Shakti avatar with four arms and three heads. The temple contains three shrines where worshippers can find images of the goddesses Maya, Kali, and Kamakhya. When you visit Haridwar, be sure to offer your prayers at this temple.
When you first view the Doodhadhari Barfani Temple in all of its splendour, the word "magnificent" immediately comes to mind. This is due to the remarkable and distinctive architecture of this temple. It's an amazing spot to be because of the design's breathtaking elegance and the white marble craftsmanship.
One of the calmest temples in the city, Haridwar's Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple boasts a beautiful setting. You may find it close to the Chandi Devi Mandir on the Haridwar-Rishikesh Road in the Pathari Forest Range.
Among the numerous temples in the city, Mahamrityunjaya Mandir, which is located at Jagjeetpur Jamalpur Kalan in Haridwar, is one of the most serene and holy. You will hear pandits singing the Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, popularly known as the Lord Shiva Moksha Mantra, as soon as you arrive here. This is the reason it is one of Haridwar's most well-known temples.
Season of Winter (October-February)
Haridwar welcomes visitors with a mild, crisp climate from October through February, making winter the perfect time to visit.
