Har Ki Pauri

Jai Ganga Maa Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva" who is the god according to shaivite Rishav Bhagwan school of Hindu theology, "Ki" means "of" and "Pauri" means "steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times. There is a large footprint said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.

It is believed that it is precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganges canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Har Ki Pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival occurring every year in the month of April.

Har Ki Pauri is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state in India. This revered place is the major landmark of the holy city of Haridwar. Literally, "Har" means "Lord Shiva" who is the god according to shaivite school of Hindu theology, "ki" means "of" and "pauri" means "steps". Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har ki Paudi in the Vedic (ancient period) times. There is a large footprint said to belong to Lord Vishnu on a stone wall.

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. An area within Hari ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes places and which is considered most sacred is known as Brahm Kund, The spot where the nectar (Amrita) fell is today considered to be Brahma Kund at Har-Ki-Pauri (literally means footsteps of the Lord) which is the most sacred ghat in the Haridwar. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims flock here from all over the world to take a holy dip; it is believed that a dip here will wash away their sins or Karma and provide Moksha. The ghat is on the west bank of Ganges canal through which the Ganges is diverted just to the north. Har ki pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims converge and the festivities commence during the Kumbha Mela, which takes place every twelve years, and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which takes place every six years and the Punjabi festival of Vaisakhi, a harvest festival occurring every year in the month of April.

King Vikramaditya constructed this sacred ghat in memory of his brother Bhatrihari who it is believed had come to Haridwar to meditate on the banks of the Ganga. This ghat later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri (also called Brahamakund). At twilight, golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganga present the most enchanting sight. The imprint of Lord Hari's footprint hallows the riverbank temple here. The ghat is regarded the most sacred and auspicious point to bathe in the Ganga during the Kumbh held after 12 years and Ardh Kumbh after 6 years.

History

King Vikramaditya is said to have built it in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother, Bharthari who had come to meditate here on the bank of the Ganges. An area within Har Ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes places and which is considered most sacred is known as Brahmakund.It is considered to be the spot where the drops of Amrit fell over from the sky, while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird, Garuda after the Samudra Manthan.

Every day, Har Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds taking a dip in water of the Ganges. The place is considered very auspicious. Over the years the ghats have undergone major extension and renovation as the crowds increased in subsequent Kumbh Melas. Several temples have come up on the steps, most built in late 19th century. The extension of the ghats took place in 1938 (done by Hargyan Singh Katara, a Zamindar from Agra in Uttar Pradesh), and then again in 1986.

Whar Ki Pauri ghat was created by King Vikramaditya in 1st century BC in the memory of his brother Bhatrihari who during his lifetime used to meditate on the banks of river Ganga. Millions of pilgrims throng this ghat to take a dip in the sacred river. Har ki pauri is also the area where thousands of pilgrims assemble to begin the festivities during the Kumbha Mela.

The Ganga Aarti (prayer) that takes place at Har Ki Pauri every evening after sunset is popular amongst pilgrims and tourists all over the world. The priests perform the Ganga Aarti at the ghat amidst thousands of devotees. People gather on both sides of the banks of the river to sing its praises. The priest stand on the ghat holding large fire bowls and the gongs in the temples start ringing. The air is filled with the fragrance of incense, sounds of various gongs/bells and the chants sung together by the priests and a large number of people present there.

Devotees float earthen diyas with flowers in the holy river while chanting prayers. Witnessing the golden orange shades of floral diyas reflected in the Ganga River at night is a breathtaking spectacle. Spend an evening at Har Ki Pauri and be a part of an experience that will be etched in your mind and soul for a lifetime.

Places to visit in har ki pauri

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, where you can bath in the Ganges. Har Ki Pauri has a good market also you can enjoy by walk whole market. An evening ritual (Aarti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga is a highly enchanting and divine experience. Lamps are seen floating on the river, immersed after the ritual. A splendid aura of lights and chants fills the atmosphere in the evenings.

Things to do in har ki pauri

Devotees can enjoy a holy dip in the Har ki Pauri Brahamakund. Evening ritual (Ganga Aarti) performed by the priests on the banks of river Ganga and enjoys some market near by the Har ki Pauri.

Places to visit near har ki pauri

There is a temple called Mansa Devi Temple just 2 Km from Har Ki Pauri. You can hair a Rickshaw or go by walk to the gate of the temple. Then you can go by walk or by cable car. Also visit a large Lord Shiva Statue on the opposite side of Har ki Pauri.