The Pilgrimmage Haridwar
located in the foothills of the Shivalik,
represents the point where the Ganga reaches
the plains. It is famous for being blessed
by trinity of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma.
The name Haridwar (Hardwar) has been derived
from two words, 'Har' means Shiva (the deity
of Kedarnath), 'Hari' means Vishnu (the
deity of Badrinath), and Dwar means gate.
Haridwar is thus the gateway to the two
holy shrines of Shiva and Vishnu in Badrinath
and Kedarnath, respectively
Festivals:
All Hindu festivals are celebrated with utmost
fervor and brilliance in Haridwar. But the most
important among all festivities and fairs of
Haridwar is the Kumbh Mela. Apart from Kumbh,
Ardh Kumb Mela is also held here,every six years.
Places
To See : Har-ki -Pairi ghat is one
of the most sacred Ghats in India as Maha arti
is performed on this ghat every evening. Haridwar
is famous for its Ganga Aarti that is celebrated
at 7 pm each night. Other places to see include
Mayapuri and Kankhal, which are near Haridwar.
Mansa Devi is a temple located on top of a hill
called the Bilwa Parvat. One can reached the
temple, by the rope way or one can take the
normal trekking route to the top.
Rishikesh
About
Rishikesh:
43-kms from Dehradun & 24-kms from Haridwar,
Rishikesh is situated amidst a calm environment,
impressive water front, dense forest and
hills. Apart from being known as the land
of Gods, Rishikesh, is also the mecca for
peace seeker through Yoga & meditation.
Town
of saints : Rishikesh is virtually a
town of saints, sages and scholars. Rishikesh
is a rare religious center located on the right
bank of river Ganga. There are a number of Ashrams
(hermitages) where religious discourses are held.
The place is also a renowned center for yoga teachings.
Rishikesh is also an attraction for foreign pilgrims
who want to know about Hinduism and who want to
spend some time close to the Lord.
Places to Visit:
Bharat Mandir : It is situated in the
heart of the old town on the Banks of the Ganges.
The Inner sanctum of the temple has the idol of
lord Vishnu, carved out of a single Saligram.
In the inner canopy above the idol is shree yantra
installed by Adi Sankraya Charya.
Rishikund : Close to Trivenighat
is the most ancient place, the Rishikund. Anciant
records relate this to Kubz Saint , who was blessed
by the Goddess Yamuna by saturating this pond
by its water. The pond reflects the temple of
Ragunath, dedicated to lord Rama and his wife.
Triveni Ghat : The main ghat
in the town area where most of the pilgrims take
holy dip. Every evening hundreds of pilgrims attend
the Ganga Arti at the Ghat