Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar

History

King Vikramaditya built it in the 1st century BC to remember his brother, Bharthari, who meditated here by the Ganges. In Har Ki Pauri, there’s a special area called Brahmakund, where the evening Ganga Aarti happens. People think it’s very holy because it’s where drops of Amrit fell from the sky, according to legend. Every day, many people come to Har Ki Pauri to bathe in the Ganges, believing it brings good luck. The ghats, or steps, have been made longer and nicer over time because more and more people come for events like the Kumbh Melas. Some temples were also built on the steps in the late 19th century.

The ghats were extended in 1938 by Hargyan Singh Katara, a landowner from Agra, and again in 1986. A clock tower was built there in 1938, which is now a famous landmark.

Religious information

Affiliation:- Eternal religion
Province:- Haridwar
construction year:- legendary

Story

In Hindu religion, it’s said that during a big stir in the ocean, Dhanvantari was carrying away special juice that made gods and demons fight. Some drops of this juice fell on the ground and made important religious spots. Some fell in Haridwar at a place called Har Ki Pauri. People believe bathing there can save them. This story is based on real events.

Recognition

Har Ki Pauri or Brahmakund is the main area by the river in Haridwar, a special city. People think it’s where the Ganga river starts its journey from the mountains to the plains. Here, the river is said to have special powers to clean away bad deeds, and there’s a mark on a stone that’s said to be from a god’s foot. This place is on the west side of the river, where it starts to turn north. Every evening, monks and nuns do a special ceremony called Ganga Aarti. They light up the river and do rituals as the sun sets.

Nearby

Besides this big riverbank, there are lots of little riverbanks along the canal. Orange and white life-saving towers are put up regularly to make sure no worshipper gets carried away.

Festivals

1. The Kumbh Mela happens every 12 years in Haridwar. People from all over the world come to take a holy bath. It’s a big event for Hindus.

2. The Ardh Kumbh Mela happens every 6 years in Haridwar.

3. Vaisakhi is a harvest festival for North Indians. It’s in April and celebrates the ripening of the rabi harvest with lots of devotion.

Benefits or Blessings of the primary deity- Har-Ki-Pauri, Haridwar

Bathing in the sacred Ganges river is believed to wash away all your bad deeds and make your spirit pure. People who get to bathe there feel a new kind of spiritual power inside them. It’s something every Hindu should do at least once in their life.
For more information

Har Ki Pauri, in 1880s.View

Har Ki Pauri Morning View

Har Ki Pauri Evening View

Har Ki Pauri Night View