A sacred visit to Haridwar

William Paul (Kenya)
Visited: March 10th, 2003

It was Hinduism that enthralled me more than anything else in India. In fact, my impatient spirit perceived the much requisite relief at Haridwar, a center that has been guarded in esteem by the Hindus for ages.

Situated in the extreme North of India at the foothills of the Himalayas, the city of Haridwar delineates the source from where the holy river Ganges reaches the plains. Structures of temples and ashrams thronging this town exhibit the milieu of a completely unique world. As I stepped in the city I found myself lost in an ocean of disciples. Although I was totally an intruder to these surroundings, despite it didn't take substantial time for me to acclimate in this environs.

Next day I visited many temples and shrines, the priest in the temple told me that Haridwar is a gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimages of Badrinath and Kedarnath, the other gateway being Rishikesh. He also updated me that the journey to the Himalayan shrines embarks only when the sun reaches the zodiac sign of Aries. Besides this Haridwar is also one of the main centers to solemnize the Kumbha Mela, held once in every 12 years, when Jupiter passages to the zodiac sign of Aquarius. In-spite of being a foreign I was treated with utmost respect at these holy sites- the thought that was disquieting me since I had taken up this tour.

Along with other devotees I also had a holy dip in Ganga- the most sacred river of Hindus, at the sainted bathing spots in Haridwar. I came to know the main ghat at Haridwar is known as Hari-ki-Pairi, it also carries a religious significance due to the footprints- believed to be of Lord Vishnu, which is chiseled out on a stone in one of the walls of the temple.

The most spectacle view at Haridwar was at Har-Ki -Pairi where I had a panoramic view of the Ganga Aarti, celebrated at 7pm every evening. The amazing part is that the aarti ceremony is performed in all temples at the same moment with thousands of miniature lamps floating along the river, their reflection in the river was just awe-inspiring. To my surprise thousands of devotees throng the ghats at Hari-ki-Pairi to participate in this occasion, people offered earthen lamps and flowers to the river, seeing others I also did the same, believe me I got utmost satisfaction and a divine feeling after participating in this ceremony.

I also pay my homage to the famous Mansa Devi temple that is perched on the hilltop just on the other side of the Ganga River. I preferred to take a walk up to the shrine as it just lies at 2km distance from the town. There is also a cable car ride with a very nominal fee up to the temple, from the temple there was a most splendid view of the town down.

The other main attraction of the town is its bazaars. The main market is situated near the banks of the river, all the item requisite for the prayer rituals are easily accessible along with other items that may attract the tourists. I also did some shopping from these bustling bazaars. By seeing the mouth watering delicacies in the market, I could not resist the temptation and joined with the locals, I remembered they called it poori/aloo/halwa (deep fried thin bread, served with vegetable of potato and a sweet dish made with semolina. Still the flavor persists in my mind and mouth.

After visiting this holy city I attain the much desired peace and tranquil of mind. I could really say wherever I went I was welcomed with much of respect and adoration that gave me much stimulus to make my sojourn to this place again.