Visit to Har Ki Payari on the Bank of the Holy River Ganga at Haridwar in India

Haridwar is located in the State of Uttaranchal in India and is commonly known as the entrance gate to heaven. The way to most of the vital places of pilgrimage located in the Himalayan Mountains range starts from Haridwar. This is the reason why thousands of pilgrims keep on visiting this holy and lovely place of pilgrimage, which is situated at the bank of holy River Ganga. The most famous pilgrimage of Hindus, known as four dhams pilgrimage to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath starts from Haridwar.

Haridwar can easily be reached by train from all the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. Haridwar is full of temples all along the bank of River Ganga. However, the most important place here at Haridwar is known as Har Ki Payari, which is visited by all the pilgrims. This is the place situated at the ghat of River Ganga. If you walk through the main market of Haridwar, you will reach this famous spot of Haridwar within around fifteen minutes. One can easily walk up to Har Ki Payari from almost all the corners of the city of Haridwar. However, peddle rickshaws and the motorized rickshaws are also available almost from any where in the city. As soon as you reach Har Ki Payari, you will see the famous Brahmakund. This kund is considered very holy as per the Hindu religion. It is said in Vedas that Lord Brhma had performed tapa here for 24 years. Hence, this kund is named as Brahmakund. There is a big clock tower at the shore of the Brahmakund. This tower is called as Birla tower. There is a bridge built near this tower that connects the two banks of the River Ganga. The ghat known as Gaughat and Kushvarta ghat are situated on either side of the bridge. The famous temple of Ganga Mata is situated here at this ghat opposite to the clock tower. The most beautiful statue of Ganga Mata is kept in this temple. There are many temples near to this main temple like the temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Hanuman, Amba Mata, and the Lord Indra. Har Ki Payari is designated as the most holy place from where the ashes of dead human beings are put in the River Ganga. It is believed that such persons go straight to heaven after their death. There is a separate place provided near the Brahmakund for this purpose.

The pilgrims take a bath in Brahmakund and then enter the temple of Ganga Mata. Be very careful while you visit this place as there will be many priests and beggars attacking you for some money. The best way is to totally ignore them. If you wish to donate for the beggars, please take help of various organizations situated at the bank of River Ganga, which can arrange supply of food to such poor people at your expense. The water is flowing very rapidly in the river Ganga here. Hence, be very careful while taking a bath by holding the steel chains provided as your safety. The most attractive part here at Har Ki Payari is the morning and evening arti of Ganga Mata. Particularly evening arti is simply out of the world.

The entire atmosphere becomes spiritual. The pilgrims put the lighted lamp with flowers in the container made of leaves and see how far they go. The person whose pot goes the farthest is considered very lucky. One must reach Har Ki Payari at least half an hour earlier than the stipulated time of arti to secure the proper place to enjoy this divine arti occasion. There is generally very heavy rush here at the time of evening arti. Hence, be extremely careful from pickpockets at this ghat. Do not make rush for your return journey after the arti is completed. Try to relax in the divine atmosphere here for some time concentrating with your inner soul. The pilgrims come from all over the world to experience the spiritual environment at the evening arti time. There are many hotels available here at Haridwar for the pilgrims and tourists, suitable to all kinds of pockets. Gujarati Samaj is one of the best place to stay for the Indians as it offers nice double rooms at very reasonable charges and is situated just at the bank of holy river Ganga.

I have seen many foreign visitors staying here at Haridwar for as long as two weeks to enjoy the holy and sacred atmosphere that is very rare to find in this modern material world. I always make sure to stay at Haridwar at least for one week during my every visit to India. What do you think about visiting Haridwar during your next visit to India?