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Uttarakhand

Har Ki Pauri

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Major Airports :

Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

Nearest Railway Station :

Haridwar Junction Railway Station (HW)

Major Airports :

Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi

Welcome to the ghat of legends

Haridwar is synonymous with Har Ki Pauri, a spiritual landmark on the banks of the holy Ganga river which draws devotees from far and wide. The name Har Ki Pauri translates to the feet (pauri) of Lord Vishnu (Har means God). This place is a revered ghat on the banks of the river Ganga and is renowned for being the very spot where Ganga leaves the mountains.

It is said that Lord Vishnu appeared at this very spot during the Vedic period and his footprints formed beneath the waters of the river Ganga. Within Har Ki Pauri lies an area called Brahmakund, where the evening Ganga Aarti takes place. This is the very spot where drops of Amrit (the elixir of immortality) fell from the sky while being carried in a pitcher by Garuda (the mount of Lord Vishnu) after the Samudra Manthan. It is also believed that the holy trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, have also graced the sacred Brahmakund with their divine presence.

The sheer magnitude of this place’s spiritual significance makes it the centre of grand Hindu gatherings, hosting the colossal Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela, where pilgrims converge in large numbers to partake in rituals and take a holy dip to wash away their sins. Such is the extent to which, over the years, the ghats have undergone major extensions and renovations to accommodate the crowds during the Kumbh Melas.

Embraced by the whispers of the mountain breezes and adorned with the fragrant offerings of marigold garlands, Har Ki Pauri is a sanctuary where faith and devotion converge in a mesmerizing dance. As the sun sets behind the distant horizon, the evening aarti ignites the sky with a kaleidoscope of flickering flames, weaving a spellbinding spectacle that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

Witness the magic of Ganga Aarti

Har Ki Pauri is one of the few sacred places in India where you can witness the magic of the Ganga Aarti. If you are a morning person you can experience the Mangala Aarti (the morning Aarti) but if you are not you can attend the Shringar Aarti (the evening Aarti).

Whichever one you attend, the Ganga Aarti is a sight to behold. Pilgrims and devotees, their faces aglow with reverence, gather along, eager to witness a mesmerising spectacle. As twilight descends upon the hallowed grounds, the sound of conch shells reverberates through the air, heralding the commencement of the divine ceremony. Priestly chants, ancient and melodic, rise like incense into the heavens, carrying with them the prayers and aspirations of countless souls. And then, as if by magic, the darkness is pierced by the flickering flames of a thousand oil lamps, each one a beacon of hope and devotion. The riverbanks come alive with the rhythmic movements of the priests, their hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as they promise obeisance to the sacred river.

And so, bathed in the warm glow of the lamps and the gentle caress of the evening breeze, the spectacle of Ganga Aarti unfolds whose magic will linger in your heart long after the flames have been extinguished and the night has given way to dawn.

The origins of the ghat

Even the construction of the riverfront at Har ki Pauri can be traced back to ancient times. Legend has it that the ghat was erected by King Vikramaditya as a tribute to his beloved brother, Bharthari, a devout devotee of Lord Shiva who used to meditate at this very spot. Following his passing, his mortal remains were consigned to the sacred waters of the river. In honour of his brother's profound devotion, King Vikramaditya commissioned the construction of a ghat, which stands as a testament to Bharthari's spiritual legacy.

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Opening time - Open 24x7

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Discover the soul-stirring art of Haridwar

Experience the pinnacle of spiritual fervour

Har ki Pauri welcomes travellers from far and wide to immerse themselves in its vibrant festivals and events. If you want to witness the pinnacle of spiritual fervour, there's no better time than visiting Har Ki Pauri during the very auspicious Kumbh Mela which occurs every 12 years and draws millions of pilgrims to partake in the sacred ritual of bathing in the holy waters of the Ganga to wash away their sins. If that is not possible, you can experience a part of it at Ardh Kumbh Mela, which occurs every 6 years offering you a glimpse into the essence of devotion and faith.

Apart from the grand Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh, every year in the month of Shravan (July to August) devotees in large numbers gather at Har ki Pauri to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. It is also the time when ‘Kanwariyas’ (devotees of Lord Shiva) commence their ‘Kanwar Yatra’ (an annual pilgrimage to revered temples of Lord Shiva) from Har Ki Pauri. You can also attend the celebration of Somvati Amavasya which happens every month. It is believed to be a sacred time that provides the perfect opportunity to bask in the sanctity of a holy dip in the Ganga. With each passing festival, Har ki Pauri weaves a timeless tale of reverence and celebration, inviting you to join in the joyous chorus of devotion.

Beyond the ghats of Har Ki Pauri

The charm of Har Ki Pauri extends beyond the spectacle of the Ganga Aarti and festivities. Here, you can also stroll around observing the local culture and trying street food. At a walking distance, you can spot the Maya Devi Temple and seek blessings from the divine goddess. Then venture forth to the Bilwa Parvat and seek blessings at the Mansa Devi Temple while taking in the panoramic views of the city and river. It is accessible by cable car and there is a trekking route as well. Next, head to the Neel Parvat and visit the Chandi Devi Temple, where the divine grace of Goddess Chandi Devi awaits amidst the majestic mountains. As you wander through the bustling lanes of Bara Bazaar, you will come across shops brimming with religious artefacts, and delectable street food, offering a true taste of local culture.

Prepare to embark on a soul-stirring odyssey that transcends the ordinary and opens a window to the sacred legends that shaped India. Welcome to Har Ki Pauri – where every step is a sacred journey, and every moment is a glimpse of the divine.