Places to Visit in Haridwar & Rishikesh
Spiritual Destinations in Haridwar and Rishikesh
1. Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred ghats in Haridwar and holds immense religious importance in Hinduism. It is believed to be the spot where King Bhagirath performed severe penance to bring the holy river Ganga from the heavens to earth, and Lord Shiva allowed the Ganga to flow through his matted locks. Pilgrims from across India visit this holy site to take a ritual dip in the river, hoping to purify their sins and attain salvation for their ancestors.
2. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
Located atop the Bilwa Parvat, the Mansa Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is accessible via a cable car, offering panoramic views of Haridwar. Devotees often tie threads on a sacred tree in the temple premises as a symbol of their wishes. Once fulfilled, they return to untie the threads, expressing gratitude.
3. Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar
Perched on Neel Parvat, the Chandi Devi Temple is devoted to Goddess Chandika, a fierce form of the Divine Mother. It is one of the Siddha Peethas—sacred places where desires of sincere devotees are believed to be fulfilled. The temple can be reached by trekking or via a cable car ride from Mansa Devi Temple.
4. Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
Every evening, the Ganga Aarti ceremony transforms the ghats of Har Ki Pauri into a divine spectacle. Priests perform rituals with fire lamps (diyas) while chanting Vedic hymns, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. Watching the lamps float along the river under the twilight sky is a deeply moving experience for visitors and pilgrims alike.
5. Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Rishikesh
This revered temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Neelkanth, is associated with the mythological event of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to legend, Shiva drank the poison that emerged from the ocean, turning his throat blue—hence the name Neelkanth (meaning "blue throat"). The temple is nestled amidst dense forests and is a popular pilgrimage spot.
6. Trimbakeshwar Temple, Rishikesh
Situated near the iconic Laxman Jhula, the Trimbakeshwar Temple is a prominent religious structure in Rishikesh. It is a 13-storey temple, with each floor housing different deities, primarily dedicated to various manifestations of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims cross the Laxman Jhula footbridge to reach the temple, making the journey as spiritual as the destination.
7. Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh
Triveni Ghat is a sacred bathing spot where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati are believed to meet. A dip in this confluence is considered spiritually cleansing. The Maha Aarti, performed at dusk, is a soul-stirring event that draws both devotees and tourists. The ritual, accompanied by chants and the lighting of oil lamps, fills the atmosphere with peace and divinity.
