A Divine Ghat in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri is the name of a popular and religiously important ghat (riverfront) on the banks of the Ganga river in Haridwar in Uttarakhand state of India. This place is a mojor attraction for devotees and tourists. It is believed that the river Ganga enters into plain area from the mountains here. Every day, Hari Ki Pauri ghat witnesses hundreds of devotees taking a dip in the river Ganga.
The Meaning of The name “Har Ki Pauri”:
“Har” is another name of “Lord Shiva”. “ki” means “of” and “pauri” means “steps”. So it means “The Foodsteps of Lord Shiva”.
The Importance Of The Place:
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the Brahmakund in Har ki Paudi once. Here, you will see a huge footprint on a stone walls. It is believed that this footprint belongs to Lord Vishnu. Brahma kund, a spot within Har ki Pauri is considered the most sacred place in Haridwar. Every sunset, A grand Arti is performed here.
Another myhology states that, the place where the elixir (Amrit) fell over the pitcher is considered to be today’s Brahma Kund. Thousands of devotees and pilgrims gather here to witness the divinity of the place and to take a holy dip in the Ganga river. It is believed that a dip here washes away the sins and help obtain Moksha.
Ganga Arti at Har Ki Pauri:
The grand parade of Ganga Aarti is performed in every evening at Har ki Pauri. This is one of the most amazing experiences to gain. Many devotees come to watch this from all arouund the world, every day.
Construction of The Ghats:
King Vikramaditya constructed the sacred ghats in Har ki Pauri in the memory of his beloved brother, Bhatrihari. Bhatrihari once came to Haridwar to practice meditation. Devotees use these ghats to take holy dips in river Ganga.
In recent years, all the ghats have undergone some changes. Major extension and renovation has done by the Uttarakhand government. This is because the crowd is increasing in subsequent Kumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela by a great number. Pandit Hargyaan Singh Katara initiated the extension and renovation of the ghats in 1938. Then again it was initiated in 1986.
How To Reach Har ki Pauri:
Har ki Pauri is located at the middle of Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga. One can easily reach at Har ki Pauri by auto rickshaw from Haridwar bus station. Nearest airport to Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Distance between haridwar and Jolly Grant Airport is 38 kms.