Har Ki Pauri

HAR KI PAURI is a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in the holy city of Haridwar,Uttrakhand. Haridwar is one of the places where Kumbha Mela is held in every twelve years. Here, “HAR” means Lord Shiva, and “Pauri” means steps.

It is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the vedic times. An area within Har Ki Pauri, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes place is considered to be most sacred place known as Brahmakund, the spot where the drops of amrit fell from the sky, while being carried by a celestial bird Garuda after the Samudra Manthan.

The place is considered auspicious. Thousands of pilgrims come here and take dip in the holy river of Ganga. It is believed that taking a bath in Holy River will remove your faults, and cleanse both your body and soul from the all sins.

Geographically, it is said that it is last point where Ganga descends from the Gangotri glacier and enters the Indo-Gangetic plains.

History of Har Ki Pauri

Har Ki Pauri is said to be built by king Vikramaditya in the memory of his brother, Bharthari who had come to meditate here on the banks of Ganga.

Festivities

• Kumbha mela
• Ardh kumbha mela
• Vaisakhi

Major Attraction

Ganga Aarti:

Ganga Aarti is performed by priests at Har Ki Pauri in evenings. The site is worth watching, praises of river Ganga is sung, priests hold large fire bowls in their hands, gongs in the temple at ghat start ringing, and chants over everybody’s lips fill the air with the divinity.

People float earthen lamps with burning flickers and flowers. The entire Ganga shimmers as the light falls on the water. The entire scene is mesmerizing and looks exceptionally beautiful.