Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar
· Summer: March-May (20°C - 40°C)
· Winter: October-February (2°C - 30°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-February
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The holy ghat (bank) of River Ganga which offers thousands of pilgrims the opportunity to drench in immense spirituality every day, Har ki Pauri is probably the biggest attraction in the divine city of Haridwar. A part of the ghat, known as Brahmakund, is believed to be the place where the drops of holy nectar obtained from the churning of sea fell, making it an extremely sanctified place. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the place and one can even see the footprints of the latter here. The present day ghat was built by King Vikramaditya way back in the 1st century BC.
Har ki Puari is the world-famous venue of Kumbh Mela (one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings) organized once every twelve years. It is also the place where daily practice of worshipping Goddess Ganga is performed. Even the divine powers from above seem to be the spectators of the sight when thousands of burning lamps adorn the bank during the prayer (called aarti) and huge bells from the nearby temples add melodies to the atmosphere.
Taking a holy dip in Ganga at the ghat is considered auspicious enough to wash off all the sins and sorrows. Splendid views of the river, which is believed to enter the Northern Plains exactly from this point, can keep you engaged for hours. Numerous temples and shops selling delicious sweets and souvenirs are close to the ghat.
Connectivites
Road:
Har ki Pauri can be best accessed on foot from any part of the holy city. Auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws drop at a point from where you need to walk for few minutes to reach the place. Reaching the holy ghat while taking leisurely walks along the might River Ganga is soul-touching.
Railway:
Haridwar has a popular railway station, less than 2 km. from the ghat, with excellent rail connectivity across India. From the station, you can easily take an auto-rickshaw or a cycle-rickshaw to visit the place. However, congested roads may enforce you to walk this small distance.
Airway:
The closest airport is Jolly Grant at the neighbouring city of Dehradun, about 34 km. away. State transport buses as well as private taxis ply regularly from the airport to Haridwar.