“Hari-Dwar”, a word that translates to “Gateway of God” is one of the seven holiest places in India. Legend says that Haridwar was made sacred by a few drops of Holy nectar which fell there during the battle between gods and demons. There are many places to visit in Haridwar which is known for its spiritual events such as the Ganga aarti at Har ki Pauri, Kumbh Mela, sacred temples, and ashrams.
Commonly called the city of Ghats and Temples, Haridwar is famous for ‘Pancha Tirtha (the five pilgrims). It is one of the oldest living cities in India. Apart from its historical importance, it is also a center for learning arts and culture. It is a great place for ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies. A city that does not age with the tide of time and carries a legacy of thousands of years, it is a perfect place for someone who is trying to explore the history and architecture of ancient times.
Here are 15 places a Traveling architect must visit in Haridwar:
Pilibhit House Hotel | Places to Visit in Haridwar
Located on the banks of River Ganga, the Pilibhit House hotel is spread across 21,000 Sq.Ft. Of land parcel. The hotel was inspired by its geographical location and follows the norms of boutique category hotel of seleQtions by IHCL.
The design for the hotel was initiated by the late Ar. Pradeep Sachdeva was later carried forward by Designers Group. The hotel was built during the lockdown and is owned by descendants of the Pilibhit royal family.
It is a combination of multiple design highlights incorporated to recognize the presence of Lord shiva in the region. The design focuses on four phases of life (Purushartha) which are; Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha. The hotel is divided into four sections depicting each of the elements, such as entry, courtyard, lounge, and dining with intricate carvings on the floor and ceiling.
The courtyard is the heart of the hotel that includes a lounge, lobby, reception area, and a coffee shop. And is inspired by the idea of “Artha”. The designers retained the old mango tree and designed a pool around it to depict the connectivity of the river Ganga.
The overall hotel showcases different design aspects like Jalis, grill designs, balcony brackets, and staircase details with color palettes inspired by the river Ganga and Neelkanth. The hotel also consists of a viewing deck called the Ganga Lounge/ the River room which is an optimal place to view the river.
Mansa Devi Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Mansa (a Goddess that fulfills all wishes), Mansa Devi temple is a must-visit temple in Haridwar. The temple was built by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra during 1811-1815 and is spread across 100 acres of land. It is located atop Bilwa Parvat and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Haridwar.
The temple can either be reached by following a trekking track or via cable cars. The cable cars view the beautiful scenes of the river Ganga and the plains of Haridwar giving a visual experience to the visitors. The temple consists of two prime idols of the goddess; one with three faces and five arms, while the other has eight arms.
The main temple has 38 panels of wall paintings along with floral designs all over the walls and ceilings. The temple is maintained as a heritage site by the government and is one of the great examples of temple architecture.
Adhbut Temple | Places to Visit in Haridwar
As the name suggests “Adhbut” temple is a temple unique in its way. The temple construction that began in 2000 took 16 years to complete. The temple is thus famous for its marvelous architecture and exceptional engineering.
Founded by Mahamandaleshwar Bhooma Pithadhiswar Swami Achyutanand Ji Maharaj, the Adhbut temple is spread across 3 acres of land. The temple is located in Haripur Kalan and is dedicated to lord Shiva and Parvati.
This temple is a unique example for a traveling architect trying to study and understand temple architecture as it displays a variety of architectural elements. The temple follows traditional Hindu Nagara temple architecture and is planned beautifully in every aspect.
The entrance of the temple is marvelous and decorated with elaborate sculptures, paintings, and murals. The stones display various Tilak prevalent and spread of Mantras in Sanatan Dharma. The idols were installed in the temple after completing the construction. Some rare Seagate minerals are stored inside the gallery for exhibition. A pillar in the courtyard is painted with golden rosettes made from a synthetic terrace with numerous arms protruding from either side.
The temple is surrounded by a variety of bushes planted around and stands out from the surrounding temples because of its architecture.
Prem Nagar Ashram
Ashrams are traditionally places where saints practice meditation and pass on their spiritual knowledge from masters to disciples.
Prem Nagar Ashram located on Jwalapur Road, between major pilgrimage places of Haridwar – Jwalapur, and Kankhal is an “Epitome and manifestation of serenity”. The ashram is built on the banks of River Ganga and lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Because of its location surrounded by temples and the river Ganga, the Ashram has a calm and spiritual aura and becomes the best place for preaching and manifesting.
The Ashram was established by Yogiraj Paramsant Satgurudev Shri Hans Ji Maharaj in 1944 and was further developed by Jagat Janani Shri Mataji and Shri Satpal Ji Maharaj after his death. The Ashram also displays a shrine built by his wife and son in 1966 to honor Shri Hans Ji Maharaj
The main driveway of the Ashram displays scriptural quotations illustrating the fundamental unity of all religions. The Ashram is adorned internally with gardens and over 250 different varieties of flowers. Pancha Pallava Grove – a combination of five trees naturally growing together is also preserved on the premises. The peaks of Chandi Devi temple and Mansa Devi temple are visible from the Ashram.
Bharat Mata Temple | Places to Visit in Haridwar
Located near River Ganga, in the heart of the city, Bharat Mata temple was established by Swami Satyamitranand Giri and inaugurated by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi in 1983. It’s a unique temple dedicated to Mother India and salutes the dedication of all patriots and freedom fighters. The temple does not have a typical temple structure but is an eight Storey tall structure that displays different themes of India in terms of statues, idols, paintings, and sculptures.
The first floor of the temple is dedicated to Mother India. It contains a model of the Indian map. The second floor is called “Shoor Mandir” and is dedicated to renowned Indian heroes. The third floor is called “Matru Mandir” and is dedicated to all the admiring women of Indian history like Meera and Savitri.
The fourth floor is called “Sant Mandir” and is dedicated to the great saints of different religions of India. The fifth floor is an assembly hall and displays wall paintings depicting the harmonious coexistence of different religions in India. The sixth floor is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess shakti and features different forms of the Goddess. The seventh floor features all incarnations of Lord Vishu and the last floor is a Shrine of Lord Shiva – the Supreme God.
From the top of the temple, one can view the scenic skyline of Haridwar and the mountains of Rajaji National Park.
Clock Tower, Haridwar
The clock tower also known as Raja Birla Tower is a landmark of Haridwar. Located on Malviya Dweep at Har ki Pauri, the clock tower is a four-sided structure with a clock on each side. It was built in 1938 by Shri Raja Dr Baldev das Birla of Pilani. The dials of the clock are roman numerals while the dots depict minutes.
The clock tower is used as a viewing deck in the evenings by thousands of people. In the evenings, people gather near this place to witness the Maha Ganga Aarti across the banks of the river Ganga. It has been standing erect for hundreds of years and is an architectural marvel in itself.
Shanti Kunj
For someone who is looking forward to studying old Rishi traditions which were prevalent in ancient times, Shanti Kunj is a perfect place. A world-renowned Ashram, Shanti Kunj is the headquarter of ‘All World Gayatri Pariwar’ (AWGP) in Haridwar. It was established in 1971 by Pandit Sriram Sharma Acharya and is a major tourist attraction for people in search of spirituality.
The Ashram is an epicenter of moral regeneration and offers spiritual teachings, training, and education for those who seek enlightenment. It has a research center on its premises and a residential university. It also provides Ayurvedic treatment for the needy and is currently working towards National integration.
Pashupati Mahadev Mandir | Places to Visit in Haridwar
The temple contains an architectural history of over 200 years. Pashupati Mahadev Temple is located near Shravan Nath Math in Moti Bazar. Raja Rajendra Vikram Singh established the temple in 1876. Sant Baba, the guru of the king of Nepal, suggested Raja Vikram Singh build this temple in Haridwar that resembles the Pashupati temple in Nepal.
Unlike the wooden structure in the Pashupati temple in Nepal, the Pashupati Mahadev temple in Haridwar is a simple and humble-looking temple made with stone. The temple is surrounded by natural beauty and lush green trees.
The presiding deity inside the temple is made in the form of a three-faced Lord Shiva and is majestically authoritative. The stone shivling is made with Paras Patthar (a rare stone).
Haridwar Cable Bridge
Located across the river Ganga, the Cable bridge is a pious place for Hindus as it crosses over the holy river and signifies a spiritual walk. The bridge is a visual treat because most visitors to Haridwar visit the Maha Aarti or the Ghats and temples. One can enjoy a panoramic view of the holy river and the surrounding ghats from here.
This bridge is lit with colorful lights at nighttime and is a view one cannot miss. It is highlighted by a statue of Lord Shiva on the side. Har ki Pauri, Maya Devi temple, Mansa Devi temple, and Daksha Mahadev temple are the closest attractions to the bridge.
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple | Places to Visit in Haridwar
It is located 4km from Har ki Pauri and on the Haridwar-Rishikesh NH58. The temple is dedicated to lord Rama, Sita, and Hanuman. The temple is entirely made out of white marble, unlike the other temples in Haridwar making it stand out in its surroundings. It showcases authentic architecture.
The temple displays images of Rama, Sita, and Hanuman and is often visited for its location which is surrounded by a lush green landscape. It is considered the temple of faith and miracle and has a lot of religious significance. It is one of the main religious and spiritual destinations in Haridwar. With its intricately carved exteriors and central location, the temple is a must-see.
