Har Ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri is like the epicentre of any Haridwar tour itinerary. It is no doubt one of the most famous tourist attractions in Haridwar. The city of Haridwar has over 100 ghats, but none is as spiritual and religious as Har ki Pauri. Almost all the major religious rituals like the Haridwar Ganga Aarti take place at Har ki Pauri. But even more spiritual is the holy dip, which is said to purify your body and soul. The upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar is a major religious event that includes a visit to Har ki Pauri.
Har ki Pauri – The Sacred Heart of Haridwar
If you count all the best places to visit in Haridwar, then Har ki Pauri comes first in this list. This is not just a river ghat, but a place of immense religious importance. Har ki Pauri is the exact point where Ganga leaves the Himalayan Mountains and enters the Gangetic plains. A holy dip at Har ki Pauri is believed to provide spiritual purification and freedom from sins. Due to its central location and spiritual importance, Har ki Pauri features in all of the Haridwar Tour Packages.
History of Har ki Pauri
King Vikramaditya originally built Har ki Pauri in the 1st BC for his brother Bhartrihari. He did so to enable Bhartrihari to meditate on the banks of the Ganges. When Bhartrihari died, King Vikramaditya immersed his mortal remains in the Ganga at Har ki Pauri. Many additions were made during the British period and after independence.
The Sacred Footprint of Lord Vishnu
The name of this ghat is taken from Hari ki Pauri, which means ‘footsteps of god’. According to mythology, Lord Vishnu left his footprints here at Har ki Pauri. These footprints can be found embedded in a stone at Har ki Pauri.
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
The Haridwar Ganga Aarti is a famous event that takes place at Har ki Pauri. It takes place in the evening after sunset, and hundreds of followers participate in it. Priests hold huge lamps and sing Vedic hymns and Sanskrit verses in praise of the Ganga. The devotees join in the singing of the Aarti and float lighted diyas in the Ganga.
Brahma Kund
There is a section in Har ki Pauri, known as Brahmakund, where the drops of nectar fell during Samudra Manthan. Ganga Aarti also takes place at Brahmakund. According to religious beliefs, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh are present in Brahmakund and have blessed this area.
Holy Dip in the Ganga
Har ki Pauri is the holiest place in the entire Haridwar. This is the place where you can take a holy dip in the Ganga. Bathing at Har ki Pauri is considered spiritually beneficial for the body and soul. It is believed to remove negativity and purify the mind and body. The ritual of the holy dip has been taking place for centuries.
Things to do in Har Ki Pauri
You can do several things at Har Ki Pauri.
- Take a holy dip in the Ganga.
- Perform religious rituals like Pind Daan, Pitr Dosh Puja, or death rituals.
- Float lighted diyas in the Ganga.
- Visit Brahmakund and realize its spiritual importance.
- Explore the markets and temples around Har ki Pauri.
Places to Visit near Har Ki Pauri
In addition to your visit to Har ki Pauri, you can explore the nearby places such as the ones shown below.
- Mansa Devi Temple – The Mansa Devi Temple is situated on a hilltop and is accessible by a ropeway ride and by climbing stairs.
- Chandi Devi Temple – Chandi Devi is the main deity of this temple, and you can reach the temple by a short trek and cable car ride.
- Maya Devi Temple – One of the oldest temples in Haridwar, and the deity from whose name Haridwar was also referred to as Mayapuri in olden times.
- Bhimgoda Tank – A sacred water tank whose water is that of Ganga and is surrounded by a park and greenery.
- Vishnu Ghat – The name of this ghat comes from Lord Vishnu and is one of the ghats on the Ganga in Haridwar.
- Gau Ghat – A ghat that is used for religious rituals and religious ceremonies.
- Birla Ghat – A ghat along the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar.
- Kankhal – A pilgrimage area near Haridwar where Daksh Prajapati performed the famous Yagna.
- Rajaji National Park – A place for viewing wildlife and natural beauty, and best for wildlife safari.
Timings
Har ki Pauri is an outdoor pilgrimage area which is open at all times of the day. However, Har ki Pauri Ganga Aarti timings can vary according to seasons.
Morning Aarti (Mangala Aarti): 5:30 AM during summers and 6:30 AM during winters
Evening Aarti (Shringar Aarti): 6:30 PM during summers and 5:30 PM during winters
Entry Fee
Visitors do not have to pay any entry fee to enter Har ki Pauri.
Location
Har ki Pauri is located on the banks of the River Ganga in the central part of Haridwar.
Best time to visit Har ki Pauri
Nowadays, Har ki Pauri has become an all-season tourist attraction. But the best time to visit Har ki Pauri is in the winter season between October and March. The upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 in Haridwar is also a good time to visit Har ki Pauri. April to June is the Char Dham Yatra season in Haridwar, and you can visit Har ki Pauri during this time.
How to Reach Har Ki Pauri
1.) By Air
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Har Ki Pauri. This airport is in Dehradun and takes around 2 hours to reach by cab.
2.) By Train
Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Har ki Pauri. You can take an auto-rickshaw or a cab from the station and reach Har ki Pauri.
3.) By Road
You can travel by road from Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Chandigarh, and other cities in India to reach Haridwar.
