The state of Uttarakhand is home to the important pilgrimage site of Haridwar city, which has great religious and cultural significance. It is located along the Ganges River’s banks. Let’s examine its specific geographic details:

Geographical Coordinates

1. Location:

Haridwar city is located in the south-western part of the state of Uttarakhand. Its geographical location is 29.9457° north latitude and 78.1642° east longitude. The height of Haridwar is about 314 meters (1,030 feet) above sea level. The Ganges emerges from these mountains and enters the Maidan area.

2. River Ganga:

The Ganges River is of great religious and cultural importance in Haridwar. Because the Ganga river is considered as a mother here it is also considered as a holy river that destroys sins. Ganga River flows in different corners of the heart, forming two different ghats from Haridwar.

3. Climate:

Summers in Haridwar city are from March to June, in which the temperature reaches 35°C to 45°C. During monsoon (July to September) there is good rainfall, due to which the environment becomes cool and full of greenery. Winters (November to February) are cold, in which the temperature can be from 6°C to 15°C.

4. Geographical structure:

Haridwar city is made up of hills and plains. The place is located near the Shivalik mountain range of the Himalayas, the land around Haridwar is fertile, as it is situated on the banks of the Ganges and the soil here is rich in fertile silt brought by the river.

5. Flora and Fauna:

Saal, Shisham, and many other types of trees are found in the forests of Haridwar. Rajaji National Park located near Haridwar is an important wildlife sanctuary, where elephants, tigers, deer, bears, and other wild animals can be seen.

6. Geographic Challenges:

The Ganges River’s rising water levels during the monsoon increase the risk of flooding, and the Himalayas’ proximity to the region increases the likelihood of earthquakes at any time.

Haridwar City Old Story:

Haridwar, also known as ‘Gangadwar’, is an important pilgrimage site in Hinduism. It is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is considered one of the most important religious places situated on the banks of the holy river Ganges.

Stories of Haridwar

Haridwar city is mentioned in many ancient texts, Puranas, and epics. Some of the major stories of its history and religious significance are as follows:

1. Samudra Manthan Katha:

Haridwar’s name ‘Haridwar’ is also associated with Samudra Manthan. According to the legend, the deities and demons together churned the ocean to obtain nectar. When the Amrit Kalash came out, Lord Vishnu sent his vehicle Garuda to protect it from the demons. Garuda took the Amrit Kalash and placed it in four places – Haridwar, Prayag, Nashik, and Ujjain. A few drops of nectar fell at these four places, due to which these places gained immortality. Kumbh Mela is held at these places even today.

2. Ganga Avtaran’s Story:

Ganga is said to have dropped from heaven and arrived on Earth via Haridwar at the request of King Bhagirath, who brought Ganga to earth for his forefathers’ redemption. Hence, Haridwar is also known as “Gangadwar.”

3. Yagya Katha of King Daksha:

According to a story, King Daksha planned a big yagya in Kankhal, which is near Haridwar. He did not invite Lord Shiva to this yagya, which infuriated his daughter Sati, who was married to Lord Shiva.

 Sati burned herself in the yagya’s fire, unable to take the insult. Following this incident, the yagya was destroyed by Lord Shiva and Veerbhadra was despatched.

4. Story of Kapil Muni:

‘Kapil Muni Ashram’ located near Haridwar is also a major place. It is said that Kapil Muni cursed 60,000 sons of King Sagar here, who were later freed by penance and atonement. This story further increases the religious importance of Haridwar.

Haridwar is not only famous for mythological stories, but Ganga Aarti and some beautiful ghats also enhance its beauty here every evening. Thousands of devotees come here to see it.

The religious and cultural importance of Haridwar ghats:

Bathing in the Ganges in Haridwar has special importance because it is believed that bathing in the Ganges liberates one from all sins. Some of the major ghats of Haridwar are described below:

1. Har Ki Pauri:

Har Ki Pauri is the most famous and sacred ghat of Haridwar. It was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhrithari. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself placed his feet here, which gave it the name “Har Ki Pauri”. Every evening a grand Ganga Aarti is organized here, which is witnessed by thousands of devotees. During Ganga Aarti, the atmosphere on the ghat becomes extremely mantra-mugdh with garlands of lamps and chanting of mantras.

2. Vipassana Ghat:

This ghat is located at some distance from Har Ki Pauri and is famous for meditation and yoga. Here people sit peacefully and meditate and watch the flow of the Ganga. This place is popular among those who want to worship God by staying away from the crowd.

3. Gau Ghat

Gau Ghat is revered by individuals who wish to do tarpan and shraddha for their ancestors and is situated close to Har Ki Pauri. At this ghat, worshippers come for the forefathers’ eternal tranquility. It is said that tarpan performances here release the ancestors’ souls.

4. Ghat, Subhash:

Another well-known ghat, Subhash Ghat, is famous due to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and is close to Har Ki Pauri. At this place, devotees take a bath in the Ganga river to purify their souls. This ghat is very lively during Ganga Aarti.

5. Ghat Kankhal:

It is thought that the yagya location of Daksha Prajapati is located in Kankhal, a sacred region in Haridwar. This is the location of Kankhal Ghat, where pilgrims bathe and walk around the Yagya site. The primary reason for this ghat’s fame is religious rites and worship.

6. Ghat, Narayani Shila:

This ghat has significant religious meaning and is situated next to the Narayani Shila shrine. Bathing here is said to grant one’s deliverance from all sins and to bestow Lord Vishnu’s blessings.

7. Chitrashila Ghat:

This ghat is located near Haridwar and its religious significance is associated with mythology. The environment here is calm and natural, which is suitable for meditation and sadhana. The devotees come here to take baths at this ghat for spiritual peace.

Sacred places of Haridwar:

The city of Haridwar is known for its religious, cultural, and historical importance. There are many holy places and temples located on the banks of the river Ganges, where devotees come and express faith and experience spiritual peace. Following is the description of some of the major holy places of Haridwar:

1. Maa Mansa Devi Temple:

Mansa Devi Temple is located on the Bilva mountain peak of Shivalik Mountain. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who is considered to be the goddess who fulfills wishes. Devotees come here and ask for their wishes from Maa Mansa. A trolley (ropeway) facility is available to reach this temple, through which people can visit the temple.

2. Temple of Chandi Devi:

Chandi Devi Temple is located on the top of Neel Parvat. Here, it is thought that Goddess Chandi slew the demons known as Shumbh-Nishumbh. To get to this temple, there is a ropeway as well. During religious occasions such as Navratri, this location is particularly bustling with worshipers.

3. Temple of Maya Devi:

Among the oldest temples in Haridwar is the Maya Devi Temple. Deity Maya is worshipped here; she is regarded as Haridwar’s ruling deity. It is regarded as one of the Shaktipeeths since it is thought that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati’s body fell here. Those who are devoted come here specifically to receive the goddess’ favor.

4. Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple (Kankhal):

This temple is famous as a yagya place by King Daksh Prajapati. This temple is known for the story related to Lord Shiva and his wife Sati. It is said that Sati immolated herself in the fire of Yagya here. This place is located in the Kankhal area of ​​​​Haridwar and devotees come here to worship Lord Shiva.

5. Bhimgoda Kund:

This holy pond is located at some distance from Har Ki Pauri. According to legend, when the Pandavas were going towards heaven, Bhima hit this place with his mace, due to which a water stream arose. This pond is considered a symbol of the same incident. The water here is considered sacred and devotees take it with them.

6. Neeldhara Pakhand (Neeldhara):

Neeldhara is a calm and sacred place near Haridwar, where the flow of river Ganga is extremely calm and charming. This place is considered suitable for meditation and sadhana.

7. Bharat Mata Mandir:

This is a unique temple dedicated to Bharat Mata. This temple reflects the various religious and cultural heritage of India. It has statues of various great leaders, saints, and deities of India. This temple is a symbol of national unity and cultural diversity.

8. Pawan Dham:

This temple is famous for its unique glasswork and grand statues. Pawan Dham was constructed by Swami Vedantanand Ji and this place is important not only from the religious point of view but also from the architectural point of view.