Religious/ Spiritual

Daksha Mahadev Temple

Location

As per the ancient Hindu mythology, this temple is supposed to have been the site of a yagna (ritual) conducted by Daksha. This ancient shrine, located towards the south of Kankhal town, was built by Queen Dhankaur in AD 1810.

The Daksh Mahadev temple is situated at a distance of 6 km from Haridwar. This temple is recognized as the most important temple of Haridwar. This temple is legendary to Sati (Dakshayini), spouse of Lord Shiva and her father King Daksha Prajapati. Also known as Shri Daksheshwar temple, attributed to King Daksha who was brought back to life by Lord Shiva.

Gau Ghat

Location

One among the many sacred sights of Haridwar is Gau Ghat. Just like a dip in the holy Ganges, one can experience a feeling of wellness after taking a dip in this Gau Ghat. A dip in this holy river is known to pardon the sin of slaughtering cows.

The Gau Ghat is also known to offer solace to those who have lost their near and dear ones. Offering of rose petals and coconuts ensure peace to the souls of ancestors.

A fact not known to many is that the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi were immersed in this Ghat.

Har Ki Pauri

Location

Har Ki Pauri is believed to be the exit point of the Ganges from the mountains and entry into the plains. Also known as Brahm Kund, this ghat was built by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Brithari who often meditated on the banks of river Ganga. History records an imprint of Lord Vishnu’s foot on one of the stones present on the ghat, which is indicative of the name.

Kamraj-ki-Kali Temple

Location

Kali or the Goddess of Time and Change is usually depicted in her fierce form, but is worshipped by devotees all over. Identified as the slayer of demons and supreme mistress of the universe, Goddess Kali is worshipped by many to gain a feeling of liberation and sustenance. Goddess Kali is also the Mother of Destruction.

Kamraj-ki-Kali temple can be approached en route the Chandi Devi temple; the best way to commute is to walk your way to the temple. Located at a distance of about 7 km from the railway station, the Kamraj-ki-Kali temple stands on the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway.

Kanva Rishi Ashram

Location

Located at a distance of about 42 km from Haridwar, the Kanva Rishi Ashram is built on the banks of river Malini. This ashram is enroute to Kotdwar and one has to travel through a path along the forest. This is an exciting experience for the adventurous souls!

Of the many ashrams in Haridwar, Kanva Rishi Ashram is a quick getaway from Haridwar, being on the outskirts. Needless to say, a visit to this ashram promises a feeling of peace and security. Away from the disturbing life of the city, the Kanva Rishi Ashram is a treat to nature lovers.

Kushavarta Ghat

Location

Kushavarta Ghat, built by a Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar, is a religious destination for those wishing to perform the “Shraddha rites for the departed souls. The beliefs about Kushavarta Ghat are related to a great saint of the ancient period, Dattatreya. Dattatreya was known to have visited this ghat frequently and spent time meditating. History states that it is this ghat where Dattatreya offered his penance by standing on one foot for a thousand years.

Mansa Devi Temple

Location

Goddess Mansa Devi, wife of the Nag King Vasuki, is believed to fulfill the wishes of devotees visiting her temple. To seek the blessings of the Goddess and get their wishes fulfilled, the devotees tie sacred threads on the sacred tree that stands proud in the temple premises. Once the wishes are fulfilled, the devotees mark respect by returning to the tree to untie the threads.

Maya Devi Temple

Location

One of the Siddhapeeths of Haridwar, and a vertex of the Siddhapeeth triangle formed between Mansa Devi, Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples, this temple dates back to the eleventh century. It is believed that the heart and navel of Goddess Sati (first wife of Lord Shiva) fell in the premises of this ancient temple.

Pavan Dham

Location

The beauty of Pawan Dham lies in the aesthetically adorned ornamental idols and the glass work designed on the temple walls, which makes it a famous tourist spot. Pawan Dham is distanced at 2 km from the main town of Haridwar and about 3 km from Har-ki-Pauri.

As the name implies, Pawan Dham is a holy place that should not be missed by all those aspiring to visit Haridwar. This temple is counted among the ancient temples of Haridwar. A glimpse of the rich Indian culture and heritage is very prominent in this temple and also hosts a sense of purity and satisfaction.