Haridwar is one of the most sacred cities in India, where millions of pilgrims and tourists flock every year to seek blessings, wash away their sins, and witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti. The city is also home to a plethora of temples, each with its own unique story and charm.
Whether you are looking for a spiritual vacation or a cultural immersion, Haridwar has something for everyone. In this article, we will take you on a tour of the best temples in Haridwar and tell you everything you need to know about them.
The Most Famous Temples in Haridwar
These are the temples that you cannot miss when you visit Haridwar. They are the most popular and visited temples in the city, and they offer a glimpse into the rich heritage and diversity of Hinduism.
1. Mansa Devi Temple
Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in Haridwar and one of the three Siddha Peethas (places of worship where desires are fulfilled) in the region. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa, who is believed to be a form of Shakti (the divine feminine energy). The temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat (hill) and can be reached by a cable car or a trek. The temple offers a panoramic view of the city and the river Ganga.
The temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the cable car ride or the trek.
2. Chandi Devi Temple
Chandi Devi Temple is another prominent temple in Haridwar and one of the three Siddha Peethas in the region. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi, who is also a form of Shakti and the destroyer of evil. The temple is situated atop the Neel Parvat (hill) and can be reached by a cable car or a trek. The temple offers a scenic view of the city and the river Ganga.
The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the cable car ride or the trek.
3. Har Ki Pauri Ganga Temple
Har Ki Pauri Ganga Temple is not exactly a temple, but a sacred ghat (steps leading to a river) on the bank of the river Ganga. It is considered to be one of the most holy places in Haridwar and India, as it is believed that Lord Vishnu (the preserver god) and Lord Shiva (the destroyer god) visited this place in ancient times. The name Har Ki Pauri means “the footsteps of Lord Hari (Vishnu)”.
The ghat is open 24 hours on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the boat ride or the locker facility.
The Most Ancient Temples in Haridwar
These are the temples that have a long and rich history and are considered to be among the oldest temples in Haridwar and India. They showcase the ancient architecture and culture of Hinduism and are revered by devotees and scholars alike.
1. Daksh Mahadev Temple
Daksh Mahadev Temple is one of the most ancient and important temples in Haridwar and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is associated with a tragic legend from Hindu mythology. According to the legend, Daksha, the father of Goddess Sati (Shiva’s consort), organized a grand yagna (fire sacrifice) and invited all the gods and goddesses except Shiva, whom he despised. Sati, who felt humiliated by her father’s act, attended the yagna anyway and immolated herself in the fire. Shiva, enraged by his wife’s death, sent his army of ganas (demonic attendants) to destroy the yagna and beheaded Daksha. Later, he relented and restored Daksha’s life with a goat’s head.
The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the parking facility.
2. Maya Devi Temple
Maya Devi Temple is another ancient and significant temple in Haridwar and India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Maya, who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti and the patron goddess of Haridwar. The temple is also one of the three Siddha Peethas in the region and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (places where parts of Sati’s body fell) in India. According to legend, the heart and navel of Sati fell at this place, hence the name Maya Devi.
The temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 8 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the locker facility.
3. Bhimgoda Tank
Bhimgoda Tank is not a temple per se, but a sacred water tank near Har Ki Pauri Ganga Temple. It is named after Bhima, one of the five Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, Bhima struck his mace on a rock at this place, creating a stream of water that filled the tank. The water is said to have healing properties and can cure various ailments.
The tank is open from 6 am to 8 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the locker facility.
The Most Unique Temples in Haridwar
These are the temples that stand out from the rest of Haridwar and have a unique appeal and charm. They showcase the modern and diverse aspects of Hinduism and are admired by devotees and tourists alike.
1. Bharat Mata Mandir
Bharat Mata Mandir is a unique temple in Haridwar that is dedicated to Bharat Mata, or Mother India. The temple is a symbol of nationalism and patriotism and celebrates the culture, history, and geography of India. The temple is a seven-storeyed building, each floor representing a different theme or era of India. The temple was inaugurated by Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, in 1983.
The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the elevator ride or the stairs.
2. Shantikunj Ashram
Shantikunj Ashram is a unique temple in Haridwar that is not just a place of worship, but also a social and spiritual organization. The ashram was founded by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, a renowned scholar and reformer, in 1971. The ashram aims to promote universal peace, harmony, and brotherhood through various activities and programs. The ashram is also the headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar, a global movement that propagates the teachings and values of Gayatri Mantra, a sacred Vedic hymn.
The ashram is open 24 hours on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to register yourself at the reception desk.
3. Patanjali Yogpeeth
Patanjali Yogpeeth is a unique temple in Haridwar that is dedicated to Patanjali, the ancient sage who compiled the Yoga Sutras (aphorisms on yoga). The temple is also a world-class yoga institute and research center that was established by Swami Ramdev, a famous yoga guru and entrepreneur, in 2006. The temple aims to spread the knowledge and practice of yoga and Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) among the masses and provide holistic health care solutions.
The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm on all days. There is no entry fee, but you have to pay for the courses and treatments that you opt for.
Haridwar is a city that offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and nature. The temples in Haridwar are the epitome of this diversity and charm. They are not just places of worship, but also places of learning, healing, and inspiration. Whether you are a devout pilgrim or a curious traveler, you will find something that suits your taste and interest in Haridwar’s temples.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your Haridwar pilgrimage trip today and explore the best temples in Haridwar!