Har-Ki-Pauri

The immediate image that comes to the mind of a tourist wishing to visit Haridwar is of the Har-Ki-Pauri. Haridwar has become synonymous to this ghat situated on the banks of the River Ganges. The Ganges enters the plain lands from Haridwar onwards and Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat is considered to be one of the most auspicious Ghats to take a holy dip in the sacred waters. King Vikramaditya, dating back to the 1st century B.C., is said to have built the Brahamakund to commemorate his loving brother Bhatrihari.

Brahamakund later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat, and today this Ghat in Haridwar witnesses the religious frenzy of Hinduism regularly.

Lord Vishnu is believed to have ascended first in the world in Har-Ki-Pauri from which the Ghat gets its name. The foot marks of Vishnu are worshiped on the banks of the Ganges in a temple that has become the most important landmark of Haridwar. Every evening, after sun down, a spectacular Arati or chanting fills the air when thousands congregate on the Ghat to share the soul touching experience. People float earthen lamps with flowers in the Ganges and the water shimmers with the reflection of the golden flames.

Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat in Haridwar also serves as the venue for the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar when millions of people take holy bath in the Ganges to attain salvation. This is, truly, one of the must visits in Haridwar and no tourists ever miss the Har-Ki-Pauri on his trip.



Last Updated on 7/29/2011