Har Ki Pauri is one of the sacred ghats in Haridwar on the banks of river Ganga. ‘Har’ means Lord Shiva and ‘Pauri 'means steps and Har Ki Pauri literally means steps of Lord Shiva. It is the most famous and most visited place within Haridwar. The sacred river Ganga after flowing through the Himalayan mountains enters Gangetic plains for the first time in Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Har Ki Pauri is famous for ghats, temples, aarti, priests. It is one of the most crowded places in Haridwar, where thousands of devotees visit every day. Har Ki Pauri is known for the famous Ganga Aarti, which is performed during sunrise and sunset.

The most sacred ghat within Har ki Pauri is the Brahmakund, where it is believed that the drop of Amrit (nectar) fell from celestial Kumbh(pot) while being carried by Garuda, the celestial bird after Samudra Manthan. Therefore, people from all corners of the country come here to take bath and feel blessed. Also, Kumbha Mela takes place here once in every twelve years and Ardha Kumbha Mela every six years.

Also Read: Top 20 places to visit in Haridwar

History of Har Ki Pauri

There are many legends associated with Har Ki Pauri which are mentioned in various scriptures and also in epic Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is referred to in the scriptures that Sage Kapila and Sage Agastya did penance here. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu have visited Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri. Lord Vishnu is said to have left his footprint on a stone in Har Ki Pauri.

It is believed that after Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the celestial bird Garuda was carrying Amrit (nectar) and accidentally spilt a few drops. The place where Amrit fell, is called Brahmakund within Har Ki Pauri. Therefore, It is considered the most sacred spot in Haridwar. It is said that King Vikramaditya’s brother Bharthari, used to meditate in this place on the banks of river Ganga. After his death, King Vikramaditya constructed a ghat in this place. Subsequently, it was named as Har Ki Pauri.

Sacred bath in Ganga

The first thing every pilgrim who visits Haridwar will do is take a dip in the sacred river, Ganga. Hindus personify Ganga as a goddess and consider it very sacred. On the ghats of Har ki Pauri and other ghats, people take bath. It is believed that taking bath in Ganga will cleanse all the sins.

Since the time immemorial, the Ganga river has been observed as the sacred river. Scientifically, it is proved that the water from the Ganga river remains fresh even after a year. Historically, it is said that European sailors used to fill their water vessel with the Ganga river, as it wouldn’t get spoiled for months. Mughal emperor Akbar used to drink Ganges water. Water was dispatched in sealed jars wherever he was stationed. He was calling the water as ‘water of immortality’.

Ganga Aarti

Ganga Aarti is one of a kind experience and should never be missed. The spectacle of Ganga Aarti during sunset is the visual treat for everyone. Ganga Aarti is the way of showing gratitude to the goddess Ganga, through lighting lamps or diyas, chanting mantras, and singing in praises. Thousands of devotees assemble every day on the Har ki Pauri ghat to witness this spectacle. Lamps or diyas along with flowers are offered here.