Har ki Pauri or Hari ki Pauri is a sacred important religious place located in the religious city of Haridwar in the state of Uttarakhand, India. Har ki Pauri means
feet of Hari i.e. Narayan.
Evening Aarti of Maa Ganga is performed every evening at Har Ki Pauri. A large number of devotees take part in this aarti and its view is very picturesque.
Importance of Har Ki Pauri
According to popular beliefs, Har Ki Pauri has a rock with the footprints of Bhagwan Vishnu. For this reason this Ghat is known as Har Ki Pauri. This holy place is the gateway to Char Dham. The route of famous pilgrimages of Bhagwan Vishnu and Shiva named '
Badrinarayan', '
Kedarnath' located in the northern part of the Ganga passes through this place.
That is why it is known by both the names 'Haridwar' and 'Hardwar'.
The Mythology behind Har Ki Pauri
Haridwar, situated in the code of the Shivalik Hills, is a famous ancient pilgrimage center for the followers of Hinduism. Here Bhagirathi Ganga emerges from the hills and enters the plains for the first time. In Hindu scriptures, Haridwar has been called by many names like Rajdhanisthan, Mayapuri, Gangadwar etc.
The ancient mythological name of Haridwar is 'Maya' or 'Mayapuri', which was counted among the seven Moksha Dayini Puris.
Hari is also present in the name of Bhartrihari, due to which this place is called Har Ki Pauri. There is also a cave named Bhartrihari under this mountain. Har ki Pauri is the same place where nectar was spilled from the urn during the churning of the ocean. It is said that Shri Hari Vishnu and Shivji also appeared at this place during the Vedic period. Since then, the Kumbh Mela, which is held every twelve years, is organized here. A huge crowd of devotees throng here during the
Kumbh Mela. The city is thronged by devotees throughout the year to take a dip in the holy river Ganges and wash away their sins in various religious rituals.
Here two rivers Alaknanda and Vishnu Ganga meet. According to mythological belief, Narad Muni had done penance for Bhagwan Vishnu at this place. There is also a temple of Bhagwan Vishnu here.
How to reach Har Ki Pauri?
Haridwar is well connected with other cities in both road transport and railways. State Transport Corporation buses provide their services to reach here. Dehradun is the nearest airport to reach here by air.