(Last Updated on : 27/10/2014)
According to Hindu religion, the Panch Tirthas i.e. the five pilgrimages positioned within Haridwar are Gangadwar (Har-Ki-Pauri), Kushwart (Ghat), Kankhal, Bilva Parvat (Mansa Devi) and Neel Parvat (Chandi Devi). These five pilgrimage places are of Hindu religion importance and worth visiting. Here, Lords have arrived in there various forms (avatar) and converted Haridwar into celestial and pure land.
Gangadwar (Har-Ki-Pauri), Haridwar
This is the most sacred and holy ghat in the district of Haridwar. It is believed that King Bhartihari, performed severe meditation and austerity at this divine Ghat. Later when he died, his brother Vikramaditya constructed a ghat in remembrance of his brother King Bhratihari which later came to be known as Har-Ki-Pauri.
It is also said that few drops of nectar fell over this ghat when the nector jug was carried by Jayant, son of Lord Indra. Hence Kumbh Mela is held after every twelve years in this ghat and ardh kumbh after every six years.
Raja Shveta had performed severe meditation over here and after that Lord Brahma appeared and blessed here, henceforth this place came to be known as the Brahma Kund.
This sacred ghat possesses footprint of Lord Vishnu placed over the wall of this divine ghat now which has become the centre of attraction as well as admiration. The holy water of this sacred ghat is carried by people for solemn occasions. The temples of Ganga,
Mansingh-Ki-Chattri, Haricharan temple and Birla Tower are located nearby this divine ghat. The most charming and eye-catching scene is the Aarti of Ganga held in the twilight. A blend of colours, chanted mantras and floating diyas (lamps) makes the whole scene spellbound and awe-struck.
Neel Parvat (Chandi Temple), Haridwar
Perched on the top of Neel Parvat is the temple of Goddess Chandi on the eastern bank of River Ganga. The temple was erected by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh in 1929 A.D. Skanda Purana has a mention in which it is written that the two local demons Shumbh- Nishumbh were killed by Goddess Chandi, after which this place came to be known as Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue in the temple was established by Adi-Shanklaracharya in 8th century A.D. The temple can be reached by trekking 3 Km from Chadighat.
Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar
Mansa Devi literally means the Goddess who fulfills desires. The Mansa Devi temple is piled at the top of Bilwa Parvat. This temple shelters two idols of Mansa Devi, one with three mouths and five arms, and another with eight arms. This place is an important tourist destination especially because of its cable cars which offers a picturesque view of the entire city.
Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar
This is an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century, the Adhishatri deity of Haridwar. It is regarded to be one of the Siddhapethas. And here it is said that the naval and heart of goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of the temples that is still standing tall in Haridwar along with the ancient Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav temple.
Daksh Prajapati temple, Haridwar
The ancient temple of Daksha Prajapati is situated in the south of Kankhal town. Daksha Prajapati, son of Lord Brahma kept a yagna and deliberately did not invite Lord Shiva. Seeing this Sati, daughter of Daksha Prajapati and wife of Lord Shiva felt infuriated and burnt herself in the fire of the yagna kund.
King Daksha was then killed by the demon Virabhadra, who was born out of anger of Lord Shiva. Later the king was brought to life and was given a goat's head by Shiva. Daksha Mahadev temple is a legendary evidence and memorial of this event.
Sati Kund, Haridwar
Sati Kund is situated in Kankhal which has a mythological story. Legend says that Sati burnt herself in this kund.