25. Godachi
Godachi;-[Ramdurg tq ; 14 km form Ramdurg] a celebrated pilgrim
centre with temples like Veerabhadra, Kalamma and Maruti. The Veerabhadra Temple
in Vijayanagar style has a garbhagriha with chalukyan doorway and a spacious
mukhamantapa. The Veerabhadra image is recent. Marriages are held in the temple
in good number. People from places like Pune, Bangalore,
Bombay,
Bidar,
Kalburgi, Kolhapur
and other cities visit this place daily, and especially on Amavasya or Poornima
days. The Temple
has choultries all around. The annual Jatra is held n honour of Veerabhadra in the
month of December when more than 30,000 people assemble. The placename appears
to have originated from the plant kodachi [ godachi, Zizypus xylopyrus, willd].
The copper plates of Chalukya Kirti-Varman were found here. According to a
legend, Shivasharanas on way to Ulvi fought a battle here. The former Jahgirdar
of torgal is the trustee of the Veerabhadra temple.
26. Gosaikunda
The lake melts and sips down to form the Trishuli river and remains frozen for six months in winter October to June. There are 108 lakes in this area, small to medium in size. The challenging Lauribina La pass at an altitude of 4,610 m (15,120 ft) is on its outskirts.
Religious significance
The Gosaikunda area has been delineated as a religious site. Hindu mythology attributes Gosaikunda as the abode of Hindu deities Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The Hindu scriptures Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, and the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata refer to Samudra manthan, which is directly related to the origin of Gosaikunda. Its holy waters are considered of particular significance during Gangadashahara and the sacred thread festival Janai Purnima when thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the area.[1] Gosaikunda is believed to have formed from the digging of the land by the Trishul (holy three-pointed sword) of lord Shiva after he drank the poison from Samudra manthan and desperately wanted cold water to quench the overwhelming heat.Tourism
Gosaikunda is a significant place of interest in the Dhunche-Helambu trekking route. This trek adjoins the famous Langtang valley trek in the same district and the two treks can be combined. This trek can be done teahouse style with hotels and lodges available along the trekking route.Trekking to Gosaikunda
The popular start to the trek to Gosaikunda are in Dhunche Village or Syabru Besi both from the Langtang side. Alternatively, trekkers may also start from Sundarijal, which lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu.If you are starting from Dhunche, the first day involves a long steady climb to reach Chandan Bari, which is at a height of about 3200 metres. On the second day, one reaches Laurebinayak at about 3700 metres. At this point, some trekkers choose to climb ahead to Gosaikund, though altitude sickness is a concern due to rapid ascent. Many trekkers choose to stay at Laurebinayak which also provides excellent sunset and sunrise views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal. The descent from Gosaikund to Sundarijal takes about four days. The first day involves a short climb to Laurebina pass (4600 metres) and a rapid descent to Phedi or Ghopte. Depending on pace, there are options to stay at Tharepati, Mangengoth, Kutumsang and afterwards at many village habitations every two hours. Accommodation is quite easily available, though basic and a variety of food options are also available at tea house stops.
The trails are very well marked, except between Ghopte and Thorepati, where chances of losing ones way are real.
27. Govardhana matha
The Govardhana matha
is a monastery located in the city of Puri in Orissa state (India). It is associated
with the Jagannath
temple [1]
and is one of the four cardinal mathas founded by Adi Shankara
in the 8th century CE.
The deities here are Jagannath and the
devi is Bhairavi.The
mahavakya is Prajnana Brahma.There are shri vigraha of Goverdhananatha
Krishna and Ardhanareshwara Shiva
installed by Adi Shankara
History
The monastery was founded in 8th century CE by Adi Shankara and is said to represent Rig Veda. Padmapadacharya became the first leader of the matha. The matha has historical connections with the Jagannath temple, which is also located in Puri.[1] It is called the Govardhanathatha, and has sub-location in Puri called the Sankarananda Math. The first leader of the matha was one of the four main disciples of Shankara. Later, Shri Bharati Krishna Tirtha, who was then the leader at the Dvaraka matha, took the leadership position in 1925. Shri Shankara Prushottama Tirtha supervised the Matha on his behalf while he visited the Self Realization Fellowship in the USA.[1] After Bharati died in 1960, he was succeeded by Shri Yogeswaranda Tirtha who died a year later. in 1961. In 1964, after a period of uncertainty Shri Niranjana Deva Tirtha who was one of the disciples named in Bharati's will, was installed by Shri Aghinava Saccindananda Tirtha of Dvaraka.[1] Shri Nirnjana Deva Tirtha became known for his unpopular political views affecting the Hindu people. In 1992, he stepped down after nominating Shri Niscalananda Saraswati as his successor in the 1990sModern day activities
Peeth Parishad- Aditya Bahini And Anand Bahini. The Aditya Bahini institution of young males and Ananda Bahini Institution of females, is governed by the Peeth Parishad which has senior citizens as its members, presided by Jagadguru Shankaracharya Maharaj himself.The medical and voluntary services of Aditya Bahini during Puri Ratha Yatra are lauded by one and all. Shankaracharya Govardhan Ved Pathashala: The Peetham runs a Veda Path Shala to impart Vedic Education to students in a traditional manner. Presently around 30 students learn the Vedas in this Pathashala. Shankaracharya Govardhan Yoga Vidyalaya: Students learn Yogasanas in the Yoga Vidyalaya. These students have stood first in various competitions at State level Yogasana Competitions. Shankaracharya Govardhan Vyayama Shala: The Vyayama Shala trains athletes in various exercises. Shankaracharya Chikitsalaya: A dispensary is run by the Govardhan Peetham for the health-care of pilgrims and residents of Puri free of cost. Shankaracharya Govardhan Go-Shala: The cow-shed i.e. “Go Shala” extends services to around 70 cows. This service is not provided with the objective of milk or milk-products. It is done wholly as a religious service for cows. It aims to breed pure Indian breeds and to provide such pure breeds to farmers in the future. It also aims to develop various methods of medicine-making and manure-making from cow products.
28. Govindavadi
Temple
Govindavadi is well known for Gurusthalam temple. The speciality of this temple is the Guru bhagavan. This is unlike most other temples where Shri Dakshinamoorthy is worshipped as Guru.Here in this temple Guru bhagavan has a special shrine.
Every Thursday is considered as a special occasion and devotees visit this temple in large numbers on Thursdays.
It is said that Govinda Swamy Perumal along with his family was tutored the Vedas by Lord Dakshinamoorthy at this Temple and hence the name.
This is also the only exclusive shrine for Lord Dakshinamurthy. Normally in other shrines the Lord is in the Southern side of the Main/presiding deity with no gopuram/tower. However at Govindavadi Temple the main presiding deity is Lord Dakshinamoorththy with other deities around.
Guru preethi pooja may be done to overcome any issues/obstacles posed by the influence of planet Guru. The neighbourhood shops for a price of Rs. 35/ will give a pack with manjalthuni (yellowish cloth), Konda Kadalai Malai, coconut, ghee, wick, betel leaf and nuts, etc. The procedure is to request the temple priest break the coconut and we have to pour ghee first into the half that has the eye (two marks on one side of the coconut) and then into the other half. Only after pouring the ghee we must insert the wick and light the lamps.
The light coconut halves must be held in two hands and we should make our prayer sincerely facing Lord Dakshinamoorthy and place the coconuts with lighted wick in a stand.
The timber for Dhwaja Sthamba was contributed by Late Sri.Andukuri Adinarayana, Timber Merchants Chennai in the year 1968
29. Hajo
Hayagriva Madhava Temple is situated on the Monikut hill. The present temple structure was constructed by the King Raghudeva Narayan in 1583. According to some historians the King of Pala dynasty constructed it in 6th century. It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhava. Some Buddhists believe that the Hayagriva Mahhava temple, best known in the group of Hindu temples, is where the Buddha attained Nirvana. At this imposing temple, the presiding deity is worshipped as the Man Lion incarnation of Vishnu by the Hindus.[1] It is a stone temple and it enshrines an image of Hayagriva Madhav. The rows of elephants are seen on the body of the temple and they are fine specimens of Assamese art. There is a big pond known as Madhab Pukhuri near the temple. Doul, Bihu and Janmastami festivals are celebrated every year in the temple. Moreover this temple preaches both Hinduism and Buddhism, which attract Buddhist Monks from far flung places. Sayani, the first wife of Kalia Bhomora Borphukan donated a family of paiks and also a plot of land for their maintenance to the Hayagriva Madhava temple during the reign of Ahom king Kamaleswar Singha.
Hajo is also a Muslim pilgrimage centre since the mosque known as the Poa Mecca (1/4th Mecca) is thought to have some of the sanctity of Mecca. It is said that Powa Mecca was constructed from the soil that was brought from the city of Mecca itself (Mecca is the holiest city for the Muslims and is located in the Saudi Arabia). Standing atop the Garurachal Hill, it noted as the tomb of Pir Giasuddin Auliya, who was the pioneer of Islam in this part of the world. This mosque was built by Sujauddin Mohammed Shah in 1657 AD, during the reign of the renowned Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan.
30. Haridwar
pronunciation (help·info)
(also spelled Hardwar, Hindi:
हरिद्वार) is an important pilgrimage city and municipality in the Haridwar district
of Uttarakhand,
India.
The River Ganges,
after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh
at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier, enters the Indo-Gangetic Plains of North India
for the first time at Haridwar,[2]
which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára.Haridwar is regarded as one of the seven holiest places to Hindus. According to the Samudra manthan,[3] Haridwar along with Ujjain, Nasik and Allahabad is one of four sites where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from the pitcher while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda. This is manifested in the Kumbha Mela being celebrated every 3 years in one of the 4 places, and thus every 12 years in Haridwar. Amidst the Kumbha Mela, millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on the banks of the river Ganges to wash away their sins to attain Moksha. Brahma Kund, the spot where the Amrit fell, is located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar.
Haridwar is the headquarters and the largest city of the district. Today, the city is developing beyond its religious importance, with the fast developing industrial estate of State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL),[4] and the close by township of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited in Ranipur, Uttarakhand as well as its affiliated ancillaries.
Etymology
The name of the town has two spellings: Haridwar and Hardwar. Both of these names have their own matter.In Sanskrit, Hari means "Lord Vishnu" and dwar means "gate" or "gateway".[3][5] So, Haridwar stands for "Gateway to Lord Vishnu". In order to reach Badrinath, one of the four Char Dhams with a temple of Lord Vishnu, Haridwar is a typical place to start a pilgrim's journey. Therefore, the name Haridwar.
In Sanskrit, Har means "Lord Shiva". Hence, Hardwar stands for "Gateway to Lord Shiva". in order to reach Kedarnath, one of the Chota Char Dhams with a temple of Lord Shiva, Haridwar is a typical place to start a pilgrim's journey.
Haridwar is also known as the home of Devi Sati and the palace of her father Daksha. In ancient times, the town was referred to as Gangadwára (गंगाद्वार), the place where the Ganges descends to the plains.[6]
Seven holy places
Haridwar is one of the seven most holy Hindu places in India, with Varanasi usually considered the holiest.
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I
Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II - Garuḍa Purāṇa I XVI
.14]
A Kṣetra is a sacred ground,[clarification needed] a field of active power, a place where Moksha, final release can be obtained. The Garuḍa Purāṇa enumerates seven cities as giver of Moksha. These are Ayodhya, Mathura, Puri, Māyā, Kāsi, Kāñchī, Avantikā and Dvārāvatī.
History
A paradise for nature lovers, Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and civilization. In the scriptures it has been variously mentioned as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar[8] and Mayapuri.[9] It is also an entry point to the Char Dham (the four main centers of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri), hence, Shaivaites (followers of Lord Shiva) and Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu) call this place Hardwar and Haridwar respectively, corresponding to Har being Shiv and Hari being Vishnu.In the Vanaparva of the Mahabharat, where sage Dhaumya tells Yudhisthira about the tirthas of India, Gangadwar, i.e., Haridwar and Kankhal, have been referred to,[13] the text also mentions that Agastya Rishi did penance here, with the help of his wife, Lopamudra (the princess of Vidharba).[14]
Sage Kapila is said to have an ashram here giving it, its ancient name, Kapila or Kapilastan.[10]
The legendary King, Bhagirath, the great-grandson of the Suryavanshi King Sagar (an ancestor of Rama),[15] is said to have brought the river Ganges down from heaven, through years of penance in Satya Yuga, for the salvation of 60,000 of his ancestors from the curse of the saint Kapila,[16][17] a tradition continued by thousands of devout Hindus, who brings the ashes of their departed family members, in hope of their salvation.[18] Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har-Ki-Pauri, where the Holy Ganges touches it at all times.
Haridwar from opposite bank of the
Ganges, 1866
Haridwar came under the rule of the Maurya Empire
(322–185 BCE), and later under the Kushan Empire
(c. 1st–3rd centuries). Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta
culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region. First
modern era written evidence of Haridwar is found in the accounts of a Chinese
traveller, Huan Tsang,
who visited India in 629 AD. during the reign of King Harshavardhan
(590–647) records Haridwar as 'Mo-yu-lo', the remains of which still exist at
Mayapur, a little to the south of the modern town. Among the ruins are a fort
and three temples, decorated with broken stone sculptures, he also mentions the presence of a temple,
north of Mo-yu-lo called 'Gangadwara', Gateway of the Ganges. "O Yudhishthira, the spot where Ganga rusheth past, cleaving the foremost of mountains which is frequented by Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Apsaras, and inhabited by hunters, and Kinnaras, is called Gangadwara (Haridwar). O King, Sanatkumara regardeth that spot visited by Brahmarshis, as also the Tirtha Kanakhala (that is near to it), as sacred.
-- The Mahabharata, Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section X
Geography and climate
Neel Dhara Bird Sanctuary at the main Ganges Canal, before Bhimgoda Barrage,
also showing signs of an ancient port.
Haridwar from Chilla Range, Rajaji
National Park
the Ganges emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The
water in the river Ganges is mostly clear and generally cold, except in the rainy
season, during which soil from the upper regions flows down into it.The river Ganges flows in a series of channels separated from each other called aits, most of which are well wooded. Other minor seasonal streams are Ranipur Rao, Pathri Rao, Rawii Rao, Harnaui Rao, Begam Nadi etc.[36] A large part of the district is forested, and Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. Rajaji is accessible through different gates; the Ramgarh Gate and Mohand Gate are within 25 km of Dehradun, while the Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates are just about 9 km from Haridwar. Kunao Gate is 6 km from Rishikesh, and Laldhang gate is 25 km from Kotdwara.
Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2360 km², is in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state of India.[37]
Haridwar is situated at height of 314 metres from the sea level,[38] between Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and the Ganges River in the South
Hindu genealogy registers at Haridwar
Something that is not well known today to Indians and to those settled abroad, in an ancient custom detailed family genealogies of Hindu families for the past several generations are kept by professional Hindu Brahmin Pandits, popularly known as Pandas, at the Hindu holy city of Haridwar in hand written registers passed down to them over generations by their Pandit ancestors which are classified according to original districts and villages of ones ancestors, with special designated Pandit families being in charge of designated district registers, even for cases where ancestral districts and villages that have been left behind in Pakistan after Partition of India with Hindus having to migrate to India. In several cases present day decedents are now Sikhs and many maybe Muslims or even Christians. It is common for one to find details of up to, or even more than, ones seven past generations in these genealogy registers kept by the Pandas of Haridwar.For centuries when Hindu ancestors visited the holy town of Haridwar for any purpose which may have mostly been for pilgrimage purposes or/and for cremation of their dead or for immersion of ashes and bones of their kin after cremation into the waters of the holy river Ganges as required by Hindu religious custom, it has been an ancient custom to go to the Pandit who is in charge of ones family register and update the family's genealogical family tree with details of all marriages, births and deaths from ones extended joint family.
In present day India people visiting Haridwar are dumbfounded when Pundits out of the blue solicit them to come and update their very own ancestral genealogical family tree, news travels like wildfire among the Pandits with ones family's designated Pandit being quickly notified of ones visit. Nowadays with Hindu joint family system having broken down with people preferring more nuclear families, record keeping Pandits prefer visitors to Haridwar to come prepared after getting in touch with all of ones extended family and bringing all relevant details regarding ones ancestral district and village, names of grand parents and great grand parents and marriages, births and deaths that have occurred in the extended family, even with as much details as possible of the families married into. A visiting family member is required to personally sign the family genealogical register furnished by ones Family Panda after updating it for future family visitors and generations to see and to authenticate the updated entries, friends and other family members accompanying on the visit may also be requested to sign as witnesses. However it is preferable to visit one's family pandas before immerson of ashes of one's kin as they will help properly in this rituals.
Places of interest
In Hindu traditions, the 'Panch Tirth' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are Gangadwara (Har ki Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat in Kankhal), Bilwa Teerth (Mansa Devi Temple) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi Temple).[41][42] There are several other temples and ashrams located in and around the city. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar.Har ki Pauri
Main article: Har ki Pauri
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya
(1st century BC) in memory of his brother Bhrithari.
It is believed that Bhrithari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the
holy Ganges. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which
later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri. The most sacred ghat within
Har-ki-Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer(Aarti) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga
at Har-Ki-Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for
any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour is seen when, after the ceremony,
pilgrims float diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river,
commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all around the
world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar. A
majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s.[43]Chandi Devi Temple
Main article: Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who sits
atop the 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. It was
constructed in 1929 A.D. by the king of Kashmir,
Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda-Munda,
the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbh and Nishumbha were
killed by goddess Chandi
here, after which the place got the name Chandi Devi.[44]
It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankracharya in
8th century A.D. The temple is a 3 km trek from Chandighat and can also be
reached through a ropeway.Mansa Devi Temple
Main article: Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
Situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat, the temple of Goddess Mansa Devi, literally meaning the Goddess who
fulfills desires (Mansa), is a popular tourist destination, especially because
of the cable cars, which offer a picturesque view of the entire city. The main
temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms,
while the other one has eight arms.[45]Maya Devi Temple
Main article: Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar
Dating to the 11th century, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the
Adhisthatri deity of Hardwar,[46]
is considered one of the Siddhapethas and is said to be the place where the
heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still
standing in Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple.[47]Kankhal
Main article: Daksheswara Mahadev Temple
The ancient temple of Daksha
Mahadev also known as Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, is situated in
the south Kankhal
town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati,
father of Dakshayani,
Lord Shiva's first wife, performed a yagna, to which he
deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. When he arrived uninvited, he was
further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and
self-immolated herself in the yagna kund. King Daksha was later killed by the
demon Virabhadra,
born out of Shiva's anger. Later the king was brought to life and given a
goat's head by Shiva.
Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend.Sati Kund, another well-known mythological heritage worth a visit is situated in the Kankhal. Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund.
Piran Kaliyar
Built by Ibrahim Lodhi, a ruler of Delhi,[48] this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari, a 13th century, Sufi Saint of Chishti Order (also known as Sarkar Sabir Pak), in Kaliyar village, 7 km. from Roorkee,[49][50] is a living example of religious harmony in India, visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual 'Urs' festival, which is celebrated from 1 st day of sighting the moon to 16th day of Rabi al-awwal month, in the Islamic calendar.Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar
This Bird Sanctuary is situated on the main Ganges river, or Neel Dhara, at the Bhimgoda Barrage, it is a paradise for bird watchers and home to many migratory birds during the winter season.[51]Bhimgoda Tank
This tank is situated at a distance of about 1 km from Har ki Pauri. It is said that while Pandavas were going to Himalayas through Haridwar, prince Bhima drew water from the rocks here by thrusting his knee (goda), to the very ground.Doodhadhari Barfani Temple
Part of the ashram of Doodhadhari Barfani Baba, this temple complex in white marble is one of most beautiful temples in Haridwar, especially the temples of Rama-Sita and Hanuman.Sureshvari Devi Temple
Temple of Goddess Sureshwari, situated in midst of beautiful Rajaji National Park. Serene and religious makes this temple abode of worshipers, saints etc. Located at outskirts of Haridwar in Ranipur and permission from forest rangers is necessary.Pawan Dham
A modern temple, made entirely of glass pieces, Pawan Dham is now a popular tourist destination. The temple complex was constructed by the effort of Swami Vedantanand Ji Maharaj and the institute located there is growing under the leadership of Swami SahajPrakash Ji Maharaj. People from Moga in Punjab have put considerable efforts and money to erect this place.Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on the banks of the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Smanvaya Ashram, and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayan[dubious ] until India's independence.On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata. The second floor, Shoor Mandir, is dedicated to the well renowned heroes of India. The third floor Matru Mandir is dedicated to the achievements of India’s revered women, such as Meera Bai, Savitri, Maitri etc. The great saints from various religions, including Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor Sant Mandir. The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic coexistence of all religions practiced in India and paintings portraying history and beauty in various provinces, is situated on the fifth floor. The various forms of the Goddess of Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The eighth floor holds the shrine of Lord Shiva from which devotees can gain a panoramic view of Himalayas, Haridwar, and the splendour of the entire campus of Sapta Sarovar.
The temple was built under the former Shankaracharya Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giriji Maharaj. Since the inception of the Swami Satyamitranand foundation in 1998, several other branches have been opened, namely in Renukut, Jabalpur, Jodhpur, Indore, and Ahmedabad.
Jairam Ashram
Famous for its diorama exhibition, and a massive white statue depicting the famous Samudra manthan episode, a must-see for any visitor.Sapt Rishi Ashram and Sapt Sarovar
A picturesque place near Haridwar, where seven great sages or Saptarishis, namely Kashyapa, Vashisht, Atri, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Bharadwaja and Gautam, said to have meditated. The Ganges split herself into seven currents at this place so that the Rishis would not be disturbed by the flow.Parad Shivling
Situated in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal. Parad Shivling (Mercury Shivling) weighing about 150 kg and Rudraksha tree are the main attractions here.Ramanand Ashram
Situated in shravan nath nagar of the town near railway station, this is the main ashram of Ramanand Sampraday in Haridwar. Mahant Bhagwan Das is the chief of this ashram.Anandamayi Maa Ashram
Situated in Kankhal, one of five sub-cities of Haridwar, the ashram houses the samadhi shrine of Sri Anandamoyi Ma (1896–1982), a noted saint of India.Shantikunj
Shantikunj is the headquarter of famous spiritual and social organisation All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) established by Pt Shriram Sharma Acharya. Its located at a distance of 6 Kilometers from Haridwar railway station towards Rishikesh/Dehradun on NH58. At the bank of the holy Ganges and between the Shivalik ranges of the Himalayas, its also a place of attraction for tourists as well as seekers of spiritual guidance.Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust)
Patanjali Yogpeeth is situated in Haridwar - Delhi Highway. This is a yoga institution and research center of Swami Ramdev. Every day thousands of people come here for yoga and other purposes. This is one of the best places in Haridwar to see.Transport
Haridwar is headquarters of Haridwar district and it has good connectivity with the other towns of the district and the state.Road
National Highway 58, between Delhi and Mana Pass passes through Haridwar connecting it with Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzzafarnagar, Roorkee and Badrinath and National Highway 74 originating from Haridwar connects it with Kashipur, Kichha, Nagina, Pilibhit and Bareilly.Rail
The Haridwar Railway Station located in Haridwar is under the control of the Northern Railway zone of the Indian Railways. It has direct links the major cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram but it lacks direct connectivity to major cities of Central India namely Jabalpur, Bhopal, Gwalior and Nagpur.Air
The nearest domestic airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is a located 35 km from Haridwar. Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi is the nearest International Airport.Mela
The ritual
Ganges is a name invented in Europe. The natives always say Ganga, and consider this river to belong strictly to the feminine sex. Ganges is sacred in the eyes of the Hindus, because she is the most important of all the fostering goddesses of the country, and a daughter of the old Himavat (Himalaya), from whose heart she springs for the salvation of the people. That is why she is worshiped, and why the city of Hardwar, built at her very source, is so sacred. Hardwar is written Hari-dvara, the doorway of the sun-god, or Krishna, and is also often called Gangadvara, the doorway of Ganga; there is still a third name of the same town, which is the name of a certain ascetic Kapela, or rather Kapila, who once sought salvation on this spot, and left many miraculous traditions.
The town is situated in a charming flowery valley, at the foot of the southern slope of the Sivalik ridge, between two mountain chains. In this valley, raised 1,024 feet above the sea level, the northern nature of the Himalayas struggles with the tropical growth of the plains, and in their efforts to excel each other they have created the most delightful of all the delightful corners of India. The town itself is a quaint collection of castle-like turrets of the most fantastical architecture -- of ancient viharas, of wooden fortresses so gaily painted that they look like toys, of pagodas with loopholes and overhanging curved little balconies, and all this over-grown by such abundance of roses, dahlias, aloes, and blossoming cactuses that it is hardly possible to tell a door from a window. The granite foundations of many houses are laid almost in the bed of the river, and so during four months of the year they are half covered with water.
And behind this handful of scattered houses, higher up the mountain slope, crowd snow-white, stately temples. Some of them are low, with thick walls, wide wings, and gilded cupolas; others rise in majestical many-storied towers; others again with shapely pointed roofs, which look like the spires of a bell tower. Strange and capricious is the architecture of these temples, the like of which is not to be seen anywhere else. They look as if they had suddenly dropped from the snowy abodes of the mountain spirits above -- standing there in the shelter of the mother mountain, and timidly peeping over the head of the small town below at their own images reflected in the pure, untroubled waters of the sacred river.
Here the Ganges is not yet polluted by the dirt and the sins of her many million adorers. Releasing her worshipers, cleansed from her icy embrace, the pure maiden of the mountains carries her transparent waves through the burning plains of Hindostan; and only three hundred and forty-eight miles lower down, on passing through Cawnpore, do her waters begin to grow thicker and darker; while on reaching Benares, they transform themselves into a kind of peppery pea soup.
Once, while talking to an old Hindu, who tried to convince us that his compatriots are the cleanest nation in the world, we asked him: "Why is it then that in the less populous places, the Ganges is pure and transparent, whilst in Benares, especially towards evening, it looks like a mass of liquid mud?"
The beautiful river is the greatest and the purest of goddesses, in the eyes of the Hindus; and many are the honors given to her in Hardwar. Besides the Mela celebrated once every twelve years, there is a month in every year when the pilgrims flock together to the Harika-Paira, stairs of Vishnu. Whosoever succeeds in throwing himself first into the river at the appointed day, hour, and moment, will not only expiate all his sins, but also have all bodily sufferings removed. This zeal to be first is so great that owing to a badly-constructed and narrow stair leading to the water, it used to cost many lives yearly; until in 1819 the East India Company, taking pity upon the pilgrims, ordered this ancient relic to be removed, and a new stairway one hundred feet wide and consisting of sixty steps, to be constructed.
The month when the waters of the Ganges are most salutary falls, according to the Brahmanical computation, between March 12th and April 10th, and is called Chaitra. The worst of it is that the waters are at their best only at the first moment of a certain propitious hour indicated by the Brahmans, and which sometimes happens to be midnight. You can fancy what it must be when this moment comes, in the midst of a crowd which exceeds two millions. In 1819 more than four hundred people were crushed to death. But even after the new stairs were constructed, the goddess Ganga has carried away on her virgin bosom many a disfigured corpse of her worshipers. Nobody pitied the drowned; on the contrary, they were envied. Whoever happens to be killed during this purification by bathing, is sure to go straight to Swarga (heaven).
In 1760, the two rival brotherhoods of Sannyasis and Bairagis had a regular battle amongst them on the sacred day of Purbi, the last day of the religious fair. The Bairagis were conquered, and there were eighteen thousand people slaughtered.
The ritual
The major event of the festival is ritual bathing at the banks of the river in whichever town it is being held. Nasik has registered maximum visitor to 75 million. Other activities include religious discussions, devotional singing, mass feeding of holy men and women and the poor, and religious assemblies where doctrines are debated and standardized. Kumbh Mela is the most sacred of all the pilgrimages.[citation needed] Thousands of holy men and women attend, and the auspiciousness of the festival is in part attributable to this. The sadhus are seen clad in saffron sheets with ashes and powder dabbed on their skin as per the requirements of ancient traditions. Some, called naga sanyasis, may not wear any clothes even in severe winter
It is wonderful, the power of a faith
like that, that can make multitudes upon multitudes of the old and weak and the
young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible
journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in
love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the
impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination, marvelous to our kind of
people, the cold whites
Timing
Kumbh Mela is celebrated at different locations depending on the position of the planet of Bṛhaspati (Jupiter) and the sun. When Jupiter and the sun are in the zodiac sign Leo (Simha Rashi) it is held in Trimbakeshwar, Nashik; when the sun is in Aries (Mesha Rashi) it is celebrated at Haridwar; when Jupiter is in Taurus (Vrishabha Rashi ) and the sun is in Capricorn (Makar Rashi) Kumbha Mela is celebrated at Prayag; and Jupiter and the sun are in Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) the Mela is celebrated at Ujjain.[8][9] Each site's celebration dates are calculated in advance according to a special combination of zodiacal positions of Sun, Moon, and JupiterThe Ardh (half) Kumbh Mela is celebrated every six years at Haridwar and Allahabad, the Purna (complete) Kumbh takes place every twelve years,[1] at four places Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The Maha (great) Kumbh Mela which comes after 12 'Purna Kumbh Melas', or 144 years, is held at Allahabad
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection
