Haridwar is a city that has been on the map for many years. It's a place where the serenity of nature and the religiousness of the people unite and make it the perfect abode for the divine. Mountains, rivers, and waterfalls surround the city. The place also fills with myths and legends. These legends introduce the idea of the gods and goddesses and the teachings they have given. So, let's explore the five captivating scenes you can witness in Haridwar.

I. No rainfall while Ganga Aarti!

Priests performing the evening Ganga Aarti at Hr-ki-Pauri (Image Source: www.gotouttarakhand.com)

Ganga Aarti is a procession of prayer with chanting mantras & hymns by the priests appointed by the Ganga Sabha Committee of Haridwar. This procession happens every day in the early morning & the late evening. These prayers are a way of thanking Goddess Ganga river for being the life source & seeking her blessings. This spectacular Ganga Aarti takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. The significant part of the procession is when the large metal lamps got lit. Several cotton buds dipped in oil will be kept in hollow regions of those metal lamps. These lit up buds together make huge lit lamps used during the aarti.

Priests moves these grand metal lamps in circular motions since the start of the Ganga aarti. Now, comes the unique part. It's believed that during rainy days, the procession will continue as planned. But surprisingly only at the time of the Ganga aarti, rainfall slows down or even stop! This miracle is being experienced by many! Fascinating naa? So, pack your bags, book an hourly hotel in Haridwar & experience the beauty of the Ganga aarti.

II. Repent your sins by taking dips in river Ganga

Devotees taking holy dips in the river Ganga (Image Source: Unsplash, Rishu Bhosale)

It's believed that you can repent all your sins by taking three holy dips along with the chanting of 'Om' in the Ganga river at Har-ki-Pauri of Haridwar. As per the mythology, Goddess Ganga came down from heaven to the Earth for helping mortal humans to attain salvation. The mortal beings will repent & attain nirvana by dipping themselves into Goddess Ganga's spiritual water. Sounds miraculous, right? So, stop thinking much & schedule an hourly hotel in Haridwar or day use hotel in Rishikesh your comfortable stay. Many people even take the Ganga river water in their bottles for their homes' purification from all the evil forces.

III. Salvation & Nirvana at the same ghat!

Scattering ashes of departed soul in the river Ganga (Image Source: www.hindustantimes.com)

The Har-ki-Pauri (in English translation means 'footsteps to God') is considered to be a pious place in Hinduism. These stairways are steps to the river Ganga. When a person comes to the Har-ki-Pauri ghat, one enters the river Ganga without slippers to give respect to the Goddess River Ganga. It's believed that after dipping your whole body in the divine waters of the river Ganga, your body heals & soul cleanses. This way, one can repent from all their sins & attain salvation!

One unique point is that in the same Ganga river, there is another ghat area where people are immersing the burned ashes of their dead loved ones. Now, it's also believed that the immersing ashes of a dead person in the river Ganga will help to attain peace for the departed soul! Amazingly, the place & river is the same! Interesting, right? Plan your days, stay in an hourly hotel in Haridwar & visit this marvelous Har-ki-Pauri.

V. Amazing healing stories by Ayurvedic ashrams

Use of herbs in making of ayurvedic medicines (Image Source: Katherine Hanlon)

Ayurveda is a natural kind of medicine & treatment system that originated in India more than 3000 years ago. 'Ayur' means life, and 'Veda' means knowledge. This medicine stream uses five natural elements (air, water, fire, space, and earth) in its treatment techniques.

You can hear many incredible healing stories in the ayurvedic ashrams of Haridwar. There are various cases of reversal of cancer, thyroid, high blood pressure, diabetes, piles, gastric problems, fistula, hemorrhoids, hernia, arthritis, etc. In these ayurvedic ashrams, you will learn about your body type & how to heal your body problems as per your body type. The ayurvedic diet focuses on vegetarian meals & suggests eating like a king at the breakfast & eat like a beggar at the night for the ease of the body's digestion system.

You can visit Sri Hans Ayurveda Bhawan, Mansik Shakti Ayurvedic Chikitsa Sansthan, Jairam Ashram, and Shree Chetan Jyoti Ashram ayurvedic treatments. Are you interested? Pack your bags, book a hotel for a few hours in Haridwar or a day use hotel in Rishikesh for your affordable stay & rejuvenate your body.

VI. Renew your life by seeking peace in Yoga & Meditation centers

Yoga for peace & health (Image Source: Unsplash, Amauri Mejia)

Haridwar yoga & meditation centers are a perfect destination for you to renew your life. You can find a variety of yoga & meditation centers for your spiritual retreat. Go for their special day, two days, or a week's spiritual programs in which you will learn how to meditate, practice relaxing breathing techniques, and relish vegetarian meals. You can visit Patanjali Yogpeeth, Shaktikunj center, Saptrishi ashrams & Jairam ashram. Feeling blissful, already? Visit these centers and witness your renewed self. Make sure to book an hourly hotel in Haridwar for your comfortable stay.

Final Words

Haridwar is one of the most famous towns in Uttarakhand. This town is famous for its sacred rivers and their spiritual significance. Haridwar is located on the banks of the River Ganga. Haridwar is also known as the Gateway to Gods due to the numerous temples located in the town. Haridwar is also one of the Seven Chakra centers of India. This makes Haridwar a must-visit destination for every Indian. Here are the top 5 things to be witnessed in the captivating town of Haridwar.