Chandi Devi Temple

Location:	Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Constructed In:	1929
Constructed By:	Suchat Singh

Situated on the top of Neel Parvat, in Haridwar, Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples of India. Considered to be one of the Shaktipeeths of North India, this place is of great religious significance. It is said to have the power to fulfill the wishes of devotees and this is why it is also known as Siddhpeetha. As per a legend associated with the temple, Goddess Chandika Devi rested on at Neel Parvat, for a short while, after slayings Demon kings - Shumbh and Nishumbha. The temple was built to welcome her back. The presiding deity of this temple is 'Chandi Devi', a form of Shakti.


Chandi Devi Temple was built by the reigning king of Kashmir - Suchat Singh, in 1929. However, the main idol at the temple is said to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya, one of the greatest Hindu priests, in the 8th century. The temple is open throughout the year for the devotees, from 6 am to 8 pm, on a normal day. The morning aarti at the temple begins at 5.30 in the morning. Right now, Chandi Devi Temple is managed by the Mahants. However, it is in the process of forming a trust for its management.

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नील पर्वत के चोटी पर बना चण्डी देवी का मंदिर यहां आने वाले तीर्थ यात्रियों को अपनी और खींचता है। 1929 कश्मीर के राजा शुचात सिंह द्वारा निर्मित यह मन्दिर चण्डी घाट से तीन किलोमीटर की दूरी पर है। स्कन्द पुराण के अनुसार असुर राज शुंभ-अशुंभ के सेनापति चण्ड-मुण्ड को मारने के बाद देवी का नाम चण्डी देवी पड़ा। इस मन्दिर की स्थापना आदि गुरू शंकराचार्य द्वारा आठवीं शताब्दी में की गई थी। यहां जाने के लिए पहले चण्डी घाट जाना पड़ता है उसके बाद पैदल या रोप -वे द्वारा यहां पहुंचा जा सकता है। जंगली जानवरो के डर के कारण देवी के दर्शन सुबाह आठ बजे से शाम छह बजे तक ही किये जा सकते हैं।

You can get auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, tongas and taxis for reaching Chandi Devi temple, from any part of Haridwar. You can also opt for the trekking-route, of about 3 km, from Chandighat. Another mode of reaching the main shrine is through the cable car, which is less time taking as well as adventurous. It hardly takes 20-25 minutes to reach the holy shrine this way. Pilgrims visit this temple throughout the year to seek the holy blessings of Goddess Chandi. The temple of Anjana Devi, the mother of Lord Hanuman is merely 200 meter from this temple.

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Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Haridwar

Daksheswara Mahadev temple, Kankhal

दक्षेश्‍वर महादेव मन्दिर - CLICK HERE FOR HINDI DESCRIPTION

संसार को माया का सबसे बड़ा अड्डा कहा जाता है। कहते हैं कि जो माया की भूल-भुलैया में एक बार फंस जाता है वह दोबारा इससे बाहर नहीं निकल पाता। पर जैसे-जैसे उसका अंतिम समय आता है, इस मायाजाल से बाहर निकलना चाहता है। फिर शुरू होता है सिलसिला भटकाव का। पर एक स्थान ऐसा भी है जहां माया का प्रभाव नहीं चल पाता। वह स्थान है- दक्षेश्वर महादेव मंदिर। कथा- ब्रह्मा के पुत्र प्रजापति दक्ष की पुत्री सती से भगवान शिव का विवाह हुआ। कुछ समय बाद दक्ष को पूरे ब्रह्माण्ड का अधिपति बना दिया गया। इससे दक्ष में अभिमान आ गया। कुछ समय बाद दक्ष ने एक भव्य यज्ञ का आयोजन किया। उसमें सभी देवी-देवताओं को बुलाया गया पर अभिमानी दक्ष ने शिव को उस यज्ञ से बहिष्कृत कर दिया। किसी तरह सती को यह पता चला तो उन्होंने शिव से उस यज्ञ में जाने की अनुमति मांगी। पहले तो शिव ने उन्हें समझाया पर जब वे नहीं मानीं तो उन्होंने सती को वहां जाने की अनुमति दे दी। सती अपने पिता के घर पहुंची तो दक्ष ने उनसे आंखें फेर लीं। सती यज्ञ में शिव का भाग न देखकर रूष्ट हो गईं और सभी को बुरा-भला कहने लगीं। यह सुनकर दक्ष ने भी शिव निंदा प्रारम्भ कर दी।यह सुनकर सती को बड़ा दुख हुआ और उन्होंने योगाग्रि से अपने शरीर को भस्म कर दिया। यह देखकर शिव के गणों ने दक्ष यज्ञ पर हमला कर दिया और वीरभद्र ने दक्ष का सिर काट कर उसे यज्ञ कु ण्ड में फेंक दिया। यह देखकर देवताओं में हडकंप मच गया और उन्होंने शिव स्तुति प्रारम्भ कर दी। उनकी स्तुति उन्होंने सभी को जीवनदान दे दिया और दक्ष के शरीर पर बकरे का सिर लगाकर उसे भी जीवित कर दिया। बाद में शिव की अनुमति से दक्ष ने अपना यज्ञ पूरा किया। बाद में शिव ने कहा कि यह सब माया के कारण हुआ था इसलिए इस क्षेत्र का नाम मायाक्षेत्र होगा और इस क्षेत्र के दर्शन मात्र से ही जन्म-जन्मांतर के पापों से मुक्ति मिल जाएगी। इस क्षेत्र का प्रभाव ही ऐसा है कि जो भी यहां आता है वह अपने आप को ईश्वर के अधिक निकट पाता है। कैसे पहुचें- दक्षेश्वर महादेव का मंदिर हरिद्वार में है। हरिद्वार भारत का प्रमुख धार्मिक शहर है। यहां पहुचने के लिए दिल्ली से आसानी से पहुंचा जा सकता है।

Daksheswara Mahadev or Daksha Mahadev temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the town of Kankhal, about 4 km from Haridwar in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand, India. Named after King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati or Dakshayani, Lord Shiva 's first wife. Daksha is one of the fourteen Prajapatis, creator deities, presiding over procreation, and protector of life, in Hindu mythology.

The present temple was built by Queen Dhankaur in 1810 AD and rebuilt in 1962, and is a place of pilgrimage for Shaivaite devotees on Maha Shivaratri.

The legend of Daksha

Shiva carrying the corpse of his consort Dakshayani (Sati)

The mythological story as mentioned in the Mahabharata and other sacred texts of Hinduism, details the episode when King Daksha Prajapati, the father of Sati, Lord Shiva 's first wife, performed Yagna at this place, he did not invite his son-in-law Lord Shiva, thus Sati felt insulted. Nevertheless she arrived, when she found her husband being spurned by her father, she burnt herself in the yagya kunda itself. Shiva burned with anger, sent the terrible demi-god Vīrabhadra, Bhadrakali and also his ganas.

On the direction of Shiva, Virabhadra appeared with Shiva's ganas in the midst of Daksha's assembly like a storm wind and waged a fierce war on the gods and mortals present culminating in the beheading of Daksha, and later being bestow the head of a goat, at the behest of Brahma and other gods. Much of the details of the famous Ashvamedha Yagna (Horse Sacrifice) of Daksha are available in the Vayu Purana

Other structures

Standing next to the main temple is the Das Mahavidya temple, dedicated to the Mahavidyas, a venue for devotees of Devi to congregate for special pujas, during the Navratri celebrations. Also within the complex, there is a temple dedicated to Ganga. Next to the temple is the Daksha Ghat on the Ganges and close by is the Nileshwar Mahadev Temple.

Das Mahavidya temple, within Daksha temple complex, Kankhal, Haridwar

Ganga Maa temple within Daksheshwar Mahadev temple, Kankhal

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Har Ki Pauri

Hindi: हर की पौडी़, हरिद्वार - CLICK TO SEE HINDI DESCRIPTION

हरिद्वार मे अधिकतर लोग हर की पौडी़ पर ही स्नान करते है। कहा जाता है की इसी जगह पर अमृत गिरा था! यह स्थान भारत के सबसे पवित्र घाटों में एक है। इस घाट को ब्रह्मकुण्ड के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। माना जाता है की राजा श्वेत ने हर की पौड़ी में भगवान ब्रह्मा जी की पूजा की और राजा की तपस्या एवं भक्ति से प्रसन्न होकर ब्रह्मा जी ने उन्हें दर्शन दिए और तब से हर की पौड़ी के जल को ब्रह्मकुण्ड के नाम से भी जाना जाता है। हर की पौडी़ में स्नान करने से समस्त पाप धुल जाते हैं।

सूर्यास्त के समय यहां नियमित रूप से गंगाजी की आरती की जाती है और लोग उस समय नदी में दीप दान करते हैं। गंगा नदी मे प्रवाहित किए जाने वाले यह दीपक एक अलौकिक दृश्य उत्पन्न करते हैं। गंगा नदी में बहते असंख्य दीपों की आभा देखते ही बनती है यह बहुत ही रमणीय दृश्य होता है।

Location:	In Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Famous For:	Being the point where the Ganges enters plains

One of the most famous and most visited sites of Haridwar, Har ki Pauri is considered as one of its five main holy sites. It is believed to be the sacred place where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, two great Hindu Gods, appeared in the Vedic era. This place is considered equivalent to the Dashashwamedh Ghat in Banaras, in religious terms. It is also said that Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation, performed a yagna at the Har ki Pauri. The ghat is also said to have the holy footprints of Lord Vishnu.

Har ki pauri is believed to be the exit point of the river Ganges from the mountains and its entry into the plains. A dip in the holy water of the ghat is said to relieve a person of all his sins. The place is surrounded by some ancient and some newly build temples. Throughout the year, religious rituals like 'upanayan' or the initiation ritual, 'mundan' or the head tonsuring ritual, 'asthi visarjan' or immersion of the ashes of the dead and 'shraddha' or prayers appeasing one's ancestors take place here.

Har ki pauri is always crowded with devotees and priests, offering prayers to the Sun God and the holy Ganges. This place is the perfect destination for people deeply in love with religion, philosophy and spiritualism. The auspicious fair of Hindus, the Kumbh mela, is held at Har ki Pauri, after every 3 years. This sacred ghat was built on the bank of Ganges, by King Vikramaditya, in the memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Har ki pauri is famous for Ganga Aarti, a holy ritual of offering prayers to the Ganges.

Ganga Aarti takes place on the ghat in the evening, after sunset. A group of Brahmans hold huge fire bowls in their hands and offer their holy mantras to river Ganges, Shiva - the Hindu God of destruction, Surya - the Sun God and the entire Universe. The devotees then offer flowers and earthen lamps - diyas - to river Ganges, in order to pay due regards to their ancestors in heaven. The scenario at Har ki pauri at the time of Ganga-Aarti is mesmerizing.

Har Ki Pauri is the place where the divine nectar fell from celestial Kumbh. The Kumbh mela is held here (last held in 1998, next in 2010). The holy river Ganga, enters Brahmakund from one side and exits from the other. Though the water here is around waist-high, one has to be very cautious while bathing on the Ghats since the flow is swift and speedy. Chains and rails have been provided to enable devotees to catch on safely while they take a holy dip. Famous temples - Ganga Mandir and Haricharan mandir are also located here.

Har Ki Pauri gets its name from the feet (Pauri) of lord (Hari). Vishnucharanpaduka, the footprints of the Lord, are believed to be imprinted on the wall beneath the waters of Ganga here and with the guidance of a priest, it is also possible to touch it.

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Mansa Devi Temple

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हरिद्वार में हरकी पैड़ी के पास गंगा किनारे पहाड़ी पर स्थित मनसा देवी का मंदिर आस्था का केन्द्र है। ट्राम के होने से यह देवस्थान लुभावना धार्मिक पर्यटन स्थल बन गया है।

दुर्गम पहाड़ियों और पवित्र गंगा के किनारे स्थित मनसा देवी का उल्लेख पुराणों में है। 'मनसा' शब्द का प्रचलित अर्थ इच्छा है। कहा जाता है कि माँ मनसा सच्चे मन वाले हर श्रद्धालु की इच्छा को पूरा करती हैं।

मान्यता है कि मनसा देवी का जन्म संत कश्यप के मस्तिष्क से हुआ है। उन्हें नाग राजा वासुकी की पत्नी भी माना जाता है। हरिद्वार के चंडी देवी और माया देवी के साथ मनसा देवी को भी सिद्ध पीठों में प्रमुख माना जाता है। मनसा भगवान शंकर की कठोर तपस्या करके वेदों का अध्ययन किया और कृष्ण मंत्र प्राप्त किया, जो कल्पतरु मंत्र कहलाता है। इसके बाद देवी ने कई युगों तक पुष्कर में तप किया। भगवान कृष्ण ने दर्शन देकर वरदान दिया कि तीनों लोकों में तुम्हारी पूजा होगी।

देवी की पूजा गंगा दशहरा के दिन बंगाल में भी की जाती है। कहीं-कहीं कृष्णपक्ष पंचमी को भी देवी पूजी जाती हैं। मान्यता है कि इस दिन घर के आँगन में नागफनी की शाखा पर मनसा देवी की पूजा करने से विष का भय नहीं रह जाता।

मनसा देवी की पूजा के बाद ही नागों की पूजा होती है।

Location:	At the top of Bilwa Parvat (Hill)
Dedicated to:	Mansa Devi (a form of Shakti)
Significance:	One of the Siddha Peethas
How to reach:	One can easily reach Mansa Devi Temple by taking local Buses, rickshaws, Tongas or by hiring taxis from Haridwar

Mansa Devi is one of the most popular and most visited temples of Haridwar, Uttaranchal. The temple is dedicated to Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti (Power). Located at the top of Bilwa Parvat (Hill), Mansa Devi Temple can be reached by taking local buses, rickshaws or by hiring from Haridwar. In order to reach the hill-top, one can either go for trekking or for cable-car.

Mansa Devi Temple is an ancient temple that attracts people from both far and near due to its significance. It is believed that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes of a sincere devotee. Actually, the term 'Mansa' is the altered form of word 'Mansha', which means 'wish'. On the top of the hill, there are many shops where coconuts, fruits, marigold garlands and incense sticks are available. These things are offered to the Goddess.

To visit the temple, pilgrims have to follow a queue for the 'darshan' of the Goddess. Mansadevi is said have born from the mind of Saint Kashyap. She is regarded as the wife of Nag Raja Vasuki. This temple is one of the most prominent temples of North India. Mansa Devi is one of the famous Siddh Peethas (Holy Places where one's wishes are fulfilled) along with Chandi Devi and Maya Devi in Haridwar.

People usually tie threads on a holy tree that is located in the vicinity of the temple asking the Goddess to fulfill their wishes. On the fulfillment of the wishes, people come to untie the thread from the same tree once again. The temple is of great importance to the followers of Hinduism. One can have a panoramic view of Haridwar from the top of Bilwa Hill.

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Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar

Maya Devi Temple, Haridwar 

Hindi: माया देवी मंदिर, हरिद्वार

माया देवी मंदिर भारत के प्रमुख शक्तिपीठों में एक है। मायादेवी हरिद्वार की अधिष्ठात्री देवी हैं। कहा जाता है कि शिव की पत्नी सती का ह्रदय और नाभि यहीं गिरा था।

It is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Maya in the holy city of Haridwar of Uttarakhand state in India. It is believed that the heart and navel of goddess Sati fell in the region where the temple stands today and thus it is sometimes referred to as a Shakti Peetha.

Goddess Maya is the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. She is a three-headed and four-armed deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Shakti. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri in reverence to this deity. The temple is a Siddh Peetha which are the places of worship where desires get fulfilled. It is one of three such Peethas located in Haridwar, the other two being Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple.

The Temple

The temple dates back to the eleventh century. It is one of the three ancient temples of Haridwar which are still intact, the other two being Narayana-shila and Bhairava Temple. The inner shrine consists of murtis (icons) of goddesses Maya in the centre, Kali on the left, Kamakhya on the right. There are also two other goddesses who are also forms of Shakti, present in the inner shrine. The temple is located to the east of Har ki Pauri and is easily accessible by buses and auto rickshaws. It is regarded as a must visit for devotees going to Haridwar. The temple is visited by many devotees from various parts of the country especially during the Navratra and the Kumbha Mela in Haridwar.

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