Haridwar
Haridwar, the gateway to the Himalayas, is one of the seven holiest cities in India. The city is famous for both the serenity of its religious places and the scenic splendor of its surroundings. Haridwar boasts a rich heritage of temples that hold religious significance and captivate visitors with their architectural beauty.
Must Visit Temples in Haridwar
#1 Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is the most famous landmark of Haridwar. It is a sacred ghat located on the banks of the river Ganges. The ghat is the spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint, hence the name. Travelers who want to experience Haridwar’s spiritual side frequently visit Har Ki Pauri. The ghat is particularly famous for its evening Ganga Aarti, a mesmerizing experience that leaves visitors spellbound.
#2 Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is a revered Hindu temple on Neel Parvat Hill. The goddess Chandi is credited with killing the demonic Chanda-Munda here. When seeking the blessings of Goddess Chandi, devotees frequently travel to the temple. The temple is familiar for its exquisite design and breathtaking views of the Ganges.
#3 Mansa Devi Temple
The Mansa Devi Temple is a renowned Hindu temple that venerates Goddess Mansa Devi, the sister of Nag Vasuki and the daughter of Lord Shiva, as per Hindu mythology. The temple is a well-liked site for worshippers who want to obtain the blessings of Goddess Mansa Devi and is a top Bilwa Parvat Hill. The temple is familiar for its exquisite design and expansive views of the Ganges.
#4 Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is a revered Hindu temple on the banks of the river Ganges. The temple is a dedication to Goddess Maya Devi, who is the incarnation of Shakti. It is a famous destination for devotees who want to seek the blessings of Goddess Maya Devi. The temple is famous for its magnificent architecture and its peaceful ambiance.
#5 Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple dedicated to Mother India. The temple is in the heart of Haridwar and is a famous destination for tourists who want to pay homage to their motherland. The temple is famous for its meticulous architecture and the stunning views of the Ganges that it offers.
#6 Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is in the Kankhal area of Haridwar and is a popular destination for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple is popular for its exquisite construction and its tranquil atmosphere.
#7 Pawan Dham
Pawan Dham is a revered temple that is a dedication to Lord Hanuman. A temple is a well-liked place for followers who desire Lord Hanuman’s blessings and is in the center of Haridwar. The temple is well known for its beautiful architecture and serene setting.
#8 Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
One well-known Hindu temple that honors Lord Shiva is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The temple is a well-liked place for worshippers who want to obtain Lord Shiva’s blessings and is atop Neelkanth Hill. The temple is popular for its beautiful mountain vistas and stunning architecture. According to legend, Lord Shiva’s throat turned blue after ingesting the poison released during the churning of the ocean. The temple gets its name from this incident, as ‘Neelkanth’ means blue throat.
#9 Anandamayi Ma Ashram
The Anandamayi Ma Ashram is a spiritual retreat that the renowned Indian saint and spiritual leader Anandamayi Ma founded. The ashram is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience Haridwar’s peaceful and spiritual side. The ashram offers a serene environment for meditation and yoga, and visitors can attend Satsang (spiritual discourses) and kirtans (devotional singing).
#10 Shantikunj
Shantikunj is a spiritual center founded by the renowned Indian spiritual leader Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. The center is a popular destination for spiritual seekers who want to learn about ancient Indian wisdom and practices. Shantikunj offers a range of spiritual activities, including meditation, yoga, and spiritual discourses.
#11 Kankhal
Kankhal is a small town located on the outskirts of Haridwar, and it is home to the Daksheswara Temple. The erection of the Shiva temple happened here on the site where Lord Shiva’s consort, Sati, committed herself by committing suicide in the fire pit of her father’s yagna (sacred fire ritual). The temple is well-known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful sculptures, and devotees who wish to obtain Lord Shiva’s blessing frequently travel there.
Final Thoughts
Haridwar is a city steeped in spirituality and has a rich heritage of temples and ashrams. The city offers a peaceful and serene environment for visitors who want to experience the spiritual side of India. The temples and ashrams in Haridwar are popular for their religious significance, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. Visiting Haridwar’s temples is a must-do activity for tourists who want to explore India’s cultural and spiritual side.
