Har Ki Pauri is famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar in Uttarakhand.
Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are believed to have visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri in the Vedic times.
The Har Ki Pauri temple carries even more significance, because it preserves the footprints of Lord Shiva even to this day. Vedic chants and the sound of temple bells reverberate throughout the day.
Har Ki Pauri is also known as Brahmakund. According to the Hindu mythology, it was King Vikrmaditya who built the sacred bathing ghats in Har ki Pauri in the memory of his brother, Bhatrihari who had come to meditate in Haridwar.
Har ki Pauri is believed to be the place of exit of holy river Ganga from the mountains.
Ganga Aarti is takes place in Brahmakund area of Har ki Pauri, a sacred spot where it is believe that the drops of the nectar (Amrit) fell over from the sky while being carried in a pitcher by the celestial bird Garuda after the Samudra Manthan.
According to the Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu had visited Brahmkund in Har ki Pauri and a stone wall also has a large footprint which is believed to be belong to Lord Vishnu.
In Sanskrit, Hari means "Lord Vishnu" and dwar means "gate" or "gateway" So, Haridwar stands for "Gateway to Lord Vishnu". Haridwar is also known as the home of Devi Sati and the palace of her father Daksha. In ancient times, the town was referred to as Gangadwar, the place where the Ganga descends to the plains.
Also known as the "Gateway to God" Haridwar is one of the Holiest places of the Hindus who visit Har Ki Pauri for a Holy Dip in the sacred Ganges.
A large number of people gather on both the banks of river Ganges to sing its praises. The priests hold large fire bowls in their hands, the songs in the temples at the Ghat start ringing. People float earthen Diyas, with burning flickers and flowers in them as a symbol of hope and wishes .The golden hues of floral diyas reflected in the river Ganges presents spectacular view.
Aarti symbolize 5 thing mainly these are
- Ether (Akash)
- Wind (Vayu)
- Fire (Agni)
- Water (Jal)
- Earth (Pruthvi)
In Sanskrit the meaning of "Aa" is "towards or to" and the meaning of "rati" is right or virtue". Ganga Aarti is a devotional ceremony that uses fire as an offering. It is usually made in the form of a lit lamp. A group of Brahmans offer their holy mantras to river Ganges during Ganga Aarti.
The devotees offer flowers and earthen lamps to river Ganges in order to pay due regards to their ancestors in heaven.
Har Ki Pauri attracts millions of Hindu devotees from almost every corner of the earth. Throughout the day, devotees keep on taking a holy dip in the Ganges and offering prayers at Har Ki Pauri.
The Haridwar Ganga Sabha is an ancient Sabha that was came into being in the centaury of 1816. In 2005, the Ganga Mahasabha was restructured. After the restructuring Ganga Mahasabha has been playing the leading role in coordinating mass movements, public awareness campaigns and various other efforts to protect Mother Ganga.
Har ki Pauri is located at the centre of Haridwar city on the banks of river Ganga. One can reach easily at Har ki Pauri by auto rickshaw from Haridwar Bus Stand.
Ganga Aarti in Hardwar city starts at around 6.30pm on two times. Aarti is performed daily at the Har ki Pauri Ghat at Morning sunrise and evening sunset. Total duration of Aarti is 20 to 25 minutes.
Its truly a magnificent and spiritual experience to attend live Aarti and offerings at Har ki pauri haridwar. The holy waters of Ganga is believed to wash away one's sins and help attain salvation.
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