Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide
Haridwar, the holy city lies at the foot of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas Legend goes that when lord Shiva sent Ganga to quench the thirst of the people, she extricated herself from the matted locks of Lord Shiva and descended to the plains at Haridwar. From here, the Ganga proceeds eastwards and southwards through Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Calcutta towards Ganga Sagar, where it meets the sea.
The holy city of Haridwar is home to some of the Most sacred Hindu rituals. Round the year, devotees from all over the country flock here in their thousands to perform "Poojas" or prayers. Haridwar is known for the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh fairs that are held marking the 12 years solar cycle. Millions of devotees and visitors, take a dip in the holiest of Hindu rivers at this time, to attain salvation. The another attraction is the enchanting "Aarti" at "Har Ki Pauri" which captives the beholder with hundreds of burning wick lamps floating down the Ganga, this town has been distinguished for centuries in the Indian society.
It is said that you can attain salvation by praying to Lord Vishnu (Hari) or Lord Shiva and hence this sacred spot is known both as Haridwar and Hardwar.
Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places according to Hindu mythology, as the Gods are believed to have left their footprints in Haridwar. Due to its geographical location too, Haridwar stands as the gateway to the other three important pilgrimages of Uttrakhand namely, Rishikesh, Badrinath and Kedarnath.
Brief About The Myth
The Myth behind the celebration of Kumbh Mela goes like this, after the Deva-Asura war, which went on for quite some time, both the involved parties came to a conclusion that they instead of fighting should come together and churn the milky ocean to obtain the Elixir. The sea was churned and elixir was obtained but it was not meant for the Asura or the demons hence the god who appeared from the sea with the Kumbh or the pitcher of elixir ran from the chasing Asuras. In this chase a few drops fell on earth and now at these four places the Kumbh Mela is conducted.
Rivers have always held a special place in Hindu mythology, as these are considered to be the carriers of life and fertility. Hence in every major festivals in india the rivers always remain a part of it. One of the festivals which are worth mentioning in this context is Kumbh Mela festival. During the festival the banks of these rivers become a large bathing ground for the rich, the poor, the sadhus and the women alike.
Kumbh Mela Celebrations At Haridwar
Rivers have always held a special place in Hindu mythology, as these are considered to be the carriers of life and fertility. Hence in every major festivals in india the rivers always remain a part of it. One of the festivals which are worth mentioning in this context is Kumbh Mela festival. During the festival the banks of these rivers become a large bathing ground for the rich, the poor, the sadhus and the women alike.
As mentioned earier that Kumbh Mela Festival is celebrated after 12 years in 04 cities. So Haridwar also host the Kumbh Mela after 12 years. Though all the Kumbh Melas enjoy almost similar quantity of devotees but the name of Haridwar comes at the top of all Indian pilgrimages. Hence the Kumbh Mela of Haridwar enjoys exceptional media coverage and Tourist traffic. The place is termed as the gateway to heaven in Hindu mythological scriptures.
Bathing Ghats In Haridwar- Ghats In Haridwar
The main & common reason for one to attend the holy festival of Kumbh Mela is to take dip in Holy river, It is said that a holy dip in sacred rivers during Maha Kumbh or Ardh kumbh takes human out of the circle of life & death ( stage known as Moksha ). Pilgrims & Sadhus in great numbers from around the world visit here to liberate themselves. Holy rivers like Ganges , Yamuna & celestial Sarawati at Parayag ( Sangam at Allahbad ) is age old symbol of Indian Culture & Civilization. These river offers purity, wealth, fertility and wash away the sins of those who bath in it.
There are many bathing ghats at Haridwar
• Har Ki Pauri
The main ghat is Har Ki Pauri.
This sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name which later came to be known as Hari-Ki-Pari. The reflection of golden hues of floral diyas in the river Ganga is the most enchanting sight in the twilight during the Ganga Arti ceremony . Attending the Ganga Arti which is performed here.
• Asthi Pravath Ghat
• Subhash Ghat
• Gau Ghat
• Sapth Sarover Kshetra Ghat
• Sarvanand Ghat
• Pantdweep Ghat
• Kangra Ghat
• Roode Bale Wala Ghat
• Ganesh Ghat
• Varagi Camp Ghat
• Sati Ghat
• Daksheshwar Ghat
• Singh Dwar Ghat
• Sita Ghat
Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Dates- Main Bathing (Snan) Dates- Bath Timings- Schdule
Date (2016) Day Event
14th January Thursday Makar Sankranti
12th February Friday Vasant Panchami
22nd February Monday Magh Purnima
7th March Monday Mahashivratri
7th April Thursday Chaitra Amavasya
8th April Friday Chaitra Shukla Pratipada
14th April Thursday Mesha Sankranti
15th April Friday Ram Navami
22nd April Friday Chaitra shukla Purnima
Haridwar Ashrams - Ashrams in Haridwar
Ashrams in Haridwar which can accommodate pilgrims during Kumbh Mela and other occasion in Haridwar and take nominal fees from pilgrims for accommodation with basic facilities. There are more than 300 Dharamshalas and Ashrams in Haridwar which can accommodate more than 15000 pilgrims. Haridwar Ashrams and Dharamshalas take in name only fees from pilgrims for accommodation and gives very essential services. A short list of the Ashrams in Haridwar is given below1. Jairam Ashram in HaridwarJairam Ashram in Haridwar
2. Kanva Rishi Ashram in HaridwarKanva Rishi Ashram in Haridwar
3. Maa Anandmayi Ashram in HaridwarMaa Anandmayi Ashram in Haridwar
4. Prem Nagar Ashram in HaridwarPrem Nagar Ashram in Haridwar
5. Santoshpuri Ashram in HaridwarSantoshpuri Ashram in Haridwar
6. Saptrishi Ashram in HaridwarSaptrishi Ashram in Haridwar
7. Soham Ashram in HaridwarSoham Ashram in Haridwar
Haridwar Travel Guide- Travelling Guide
Haridwar can be visited through out the year. Shoes are not allowed in all temples. Haridwar city is spread over 12.3 sq kms. Its Altitude is 315 meter from sea level. Literacy rate in Haridwar is 73.43 percent. According to census in 2011 population of Haridwar district was 18,90,422 in which Haridwar city has 1,75,010. Haridwar district sex ratio is 880 female per 1000 male. Hindi, Garhwali & English are the major languages in Haridwar. Non vegetarian food & alcohol is strictly not allowed in Haridwar. Auto rickshaw (Vikrams or three wheelers) are best option for visit in side in city. You can also use it on sharing basis. Cotton cloths in summer & woolen cloths in winter are best options for clothing. Avoid short cloths (such as swim suites, mini skirts) because this is holy town. Shoes are strictly not allowed in any temple, holy place or even in the river Ganges. Photography inside the temple or ashram is not allowed at many places. Haridwar is 230 km from Delhi & 25 km from Rishikesh & 110 km from Mussoorie & 55 Km from Dehradun & 110 km from Devprayag.
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Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide | Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Dates- Main Bathing (Snan) Dates.
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Haridwar Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 | About Haridwar, The Myth, Celebrations, Ghats, Bath timings, Ashrams, Schedule, Travel Guide | Ardh Kumbh Mela 2016 Dates- Main Bathing (Snan) Dates.
