Har Ki Pauri is a holy bathing ghat in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Translating to ‘Steps of Shiva’, it is located on the banks of the Gangas, where it leaves the mountains and enters the plains. Har Ki Pauri’s timings are from 05:30 am to 06:30 pm.
Bathing in the Ganges at Pauri washes away their sins. The place also hosts festivals during the Kumbh Mela and Ardha-Kumb Mela and is included among the Char Dham Yatra destinations in North India.
The history of Har Ki Pauri
Contents
- 1 The history of Har Ki Pauri
- 1.1 How deep is Har Ki Pauri water?
- 1.2 Which month is best to visit Haridwar?
- 1.3 Why is Har Ki Pauri famous?
- 1.4 Which ghat is called Har Ki Pauri?
According to myth, King Vikramaditya built Har Ki Pauri in the first century BC for his brother Bharthari, as he used to worship at this place on the banks of the Ganges.
Later, Zamindar Hargyan Singh Katara of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, extended the ghats in 1938. There have been several temples on the steps of Pauri since the 19th century.
However, many believe that the city of Haridwar dates back to prehistoric times and is an essential stop while visiting the holy shrines of Char Dham Yatra destinations in Uttarakhand.
Brahma kund is one of the most sacred places in this place. Devotees believe that Garuda carried amrita in the vessel after the churning of the sea, an altercation between the gods and asuras. During his flight, a few drops of nectar fell on the spot where Brahma kund is now.
What is the importance of Har Ki Pauri?
The importance of Har Ki Pauri is an indicator of Haridwar. Devotees believe that Lord Shiva and Vishnu visited Brahmakund in Pauri during the Vedic period.
Hence, it is a very holy place for Saivites, i.e. followers of Lord Shiva. It is also the site of the famous ‘Kumbha Mela’ held every twelve years, and the ‘Ardha-Kumbha Mela’ held every six years on the banks of the River Ganga.
What festivals had celebrated here?
Some of the celebrations during Har Ki Pauri are:
Kumbh Mela:
Kumbh Mela had held every twelve years in Haridwar, during which devotees from all over the country take a holy dip in the river Ganga. The exact date had determined according to Hindu astrology.
Ardha-Kumbha Mela:
Ardha-Kumbha Mela has held in Haridwar every six years.
Ganga Aarti:
Ganga Aarti has performed every evening at Har Ki Pauri. Pilgrims gather on the banks of the Ganges to chant the anthem and pray to the mighty river. Gongs start ringing in temples during the arati, and priests hold large fire vessels in their hands.
Devotees also float lamps on the river to symbolize their hope and devotion. A similar ritual had also performed at the Gangotri temple, which is part of the Char Dham Yatra.
What is the visiting time of Har Ki Pauri?
Daily aarti timings for Ganga Mata at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar are from 5:30 am in summer and 6:30 am in winter. The evening time for customary Ganga Aarti is from 05:30 pm in winter to 06:30 pm in summer. The time varies in summer and winter depending on sunrise and sunset to perform rituals.
What are some nearby temples?
Some Temples near HarKi Pauri:
Mansa Devi Temple:
Mansa Devi Temple is a Hindu mandir dedicated to Goddess Manasa on top of Mount Bilwa in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Also popularly known as ‘Bilva Theertham’, this temple is one of the Panch Theerthams in Haridwar. ‘Manasa’ means ‘desire’, and it is a widespread belief among devotees that Amma fulfils their desires.
Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar:
The Chandi Devi Temple on Mount Neel in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, dedicates to Chandi Devi. This temple is one of the Panch Theerthas in Haridwar.
The presiding deity, Chandika or Chandi, is a form of Goddess Parvati associated with Goddess Mansa. It is one of the Char Dham Yatra destinations in Uttarakhand.
Nileshwar Temple, Haridwar:
This temple was situated on the Nile mountain foothills, near the Kushavartha Ghat and had dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Ganges stream flows near the temple, popularly known as ‘Neeldhara’, where devotees bathe before visiting the temple. The temple is about 500 meters away.
Maya Devi Temple:
Along with Narayan-Sila and Bhairava Temples, the Maya Devi Temple is one of the three oldest temples in Haridwar that is still intact. Its deities include Maya, Kali and Kamakhya.
Hotels nearby Har Ki Pauri:
- Hotel Anand Harkipauri By Perfect Stayz
- Hotel Sunshine Near Har Ki Pauri
- Patnimal Guesthouse
- Hotel Raj Mandir
- Hotel Ganpati Plaza
- Ganga Heritage By Howard
- Hotel Gyan
Har Ki Pauri Address and Contact Number:
- Kankhal, Mayapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
- Head Office: Roorkee H.O
- Telephone No: 1334246022
- Website: https://haridwar.nic.in/
How to reach Har Ki Pauri?
Here’s how to reach Haridwar:
By Air:
The airport at Dehradun is 45 km away. The nearest airport is in New Delhi.
By Rail:
Haridwar had well connected by rail, and the station is 1.2 km from HarKi-Pauri.
By Road:
There is a direct state transport bus between New Delhi and Haridwar.
FAQs:
How deep is Har Ki Pauri water?
The water level at Hari ki Pauri in Haridwar is low, i.e. about 4 feet. People of any age can benefit from taking a dip in the holy water.
Which month is best to visit Haridwar?
Winter is the perfect season to visit Haridwar, and it welcomes tourists with cool, crisp weather from October to February. The sun will shine warmly on your back, ideal for spending the day exploring the place or going from one temple to another.
Why is Har Ki Pauri famous?
It had considered where drops of nectar fell from the skies while being carried in a pot by the celestial bird Garuda after the sea churning.
Which ghat is called Har Ki Pauri?
This ghat later became known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also known as Brahmakund). At dusk, the golden colours of the flowers reflected in the river Ganges make for the most charming sight.