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Someshwara Temple Mangalore Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Someshwara Temple Mangalore is located at a distance of 13 km from Mangalore and is situated beside the Someshwara village. This temple is one of the Dwadasha Kshetras of our country. And it is because of this temple that the place is famous as Someshwara.

https://youtu.be/kxTOJJACQKc
Someshwara Temple Mangalore Video

What is the history of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

The Someshwara temple has a mythical history that speaks of legendary time’s right from Trethayuga of Ramayana times. According to beliefs, King Kharasura who worshipped Lord Somanatha built the temple. He was a relative of Ravana. But historically speaking, Kings of Alupa Dynasty built the temple in the 10th century A.D.

The temple was under the Administrative rule of Kadambas of Banavasi, and Cholula Kings of Ullala of 12th Century A.D. Moreover, the two inscriptions in the temple say that its renovation took place in 15th Century A.D. at the time of Vijayanagara King Immadi Devaraya by Rajaguru Sree Kriyashaktri Devavodeya.

What is the significance of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here’s the significance of Someshwara Temple:

  • A lake near Somanatha temple exists that is “Gadha Teertha”. Moreover, devotees believe that Bhimasena built it.
  • Two famous stone inscriptions are there on the temple walls. One is at the western side Gopura (tower) of the temple, while another is present on a small stone pillar near Pakashala.
  • The first inscription numbered 467 has got 25 lines and said to be written on Monday the Chandrasuddha Padya of Dondhibi Samvatsara i.e., on April 1, 1443 AD.
  • The second stone inscription numbered 468 bears only two links the rest of which is completely perished. The two links read as:
    “Saka 1117”
    “Swasthi Samastha Bhuvivikyatha”.
  • Also, Queen Abbakka was the devotee of this temple and she donated Jaladhani about 450 years ago. It is well preserved in the temple and used during Jathra festival.

What are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Here are the timings of Someshwara Temple Mangalore:

TimingsFromTo
Morning5:00 am 1:00 pm
Evening5:00 pm8:00 pm

Which festivals are celebrated at Someshwara Temple Mangalore?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Someshwara Temple are:

  • The Jatra Mahotsava is the grand festival in the temple. It is a 7 days ritual with many a poojas and splendor.
  • Laksha Deepotsava is another important festival of the temple and takes place in Tula masa. On the day Kshetra pooja is held in the beginning and then Appada pooja and Ranga pooja of Sri Siddivinayaka is held.
  • On the day of Shivarathri, Shiva pooja, Ranga pooja rituals are held and Bhootabali is given. After this, the archaka of Holla sect seeks the blessing of the Main Deity for offering prasada to Kattige i.e., for Nagabana.

How to reach Mangalore?

Here’s how to reach Someshwara Temple:

  • Air: Mangalore International Airport at Kenjar is the nearest airport about 41 Km away.
  • Rail: Mangalore is the Major Railway Station nearest to the temple, about 13 Km. The Ullala Railway Station is 1 Km from the temple.
  • Road: Someshwara Bus stop is at a walking distance from the temple.

Where to stay nearby?

Some of the places where one can stay near Someshwara Temple are:

  • Goldfinch Hotel at Bunts Hostel road near Jyothi circle is a great place where you can check-in. It also provides grand facilities and is near the location.
  • The Gateway Hotel of Old Port Road is another place to check-in. It has a fitness center and an outside pool which guests enjoy.

What are some places to visit nearby?

Some places to visit near Someshwara Temple are:

  • Bekal Fort: Located 63 km south of Mangalore is in the state of Kerala. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era.
  • Kadri Manjunatha Temple: It is on Kadri hills, in Mangalore is just 3 Km away from the venue. This popular and beautiful temple has tanks with natural springs and late rite caves surrounding it. These caves are also popular as Pandava Caves. Devotees also believe that the Pandavas came to this cave and stayed there.

Kalighat Temple

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The Kalighat Temple on the banks of the Hooghly river (Bhagirathi) had been in existence for centuries but in its current form was built around 1809 A.D. In due course of time the river changed its course and the temple is now on the banks of a small canal called “Adi Ganga”. (The word Adi means “original”).

The image of Kali in this temple is unique. Three huge eyes, a long protruding tongue made of gold and four hands, which are all made of gold too. Two of these hands holding a scimitar and a severed head of “asura” king ‘Shumbha’.

The scimitar signifies Divine Knowledge and the ‘asura’ head signifies human Ego which must be slain by Divine Knowledge in order to attain Moksha. The other two hands are in ‘abhaya or varad mudra’ or blessings ,which means her initiated  devotees  (or any one worshipping her with a  true  heart) will be saved as she will guide them here and hereafter.

The main areas of Kalighat Temple

  • Sosthi Tala: This is a rectangular altar about three feet high bearing a small cactus plant beneath which, on an altar, are three stones. The stones represent the Godesses Sosthi, Sitola and Mongal Chandi.
  • Natmondir: This is adjacent to the main temple from where the face of the image can be seen. It was built by Zamindar Kasinath Roy in 1835.
  • Jor-bangla: This is the spacious verandah of the main temple.
  • Harkath Tala: This is the spot adjacent to Natmondir and is meant for animal sacrifice.
  • Radha-Krishna Temple: This temple is situated at the west side of the main temple.
  • Kundupukur: This is the sacred tank situated in the south-east of the temple outside the boundary walls. It is said that the right toe of Sati was discovered here.

Kalighat Temple History

Job Charnock is believed to be the founder of Calcutta when his ship anchored at “Sutanati”, one of the four villages that combined to form Calcutta.He may have founded the English part of Calcutta but long before his ship anchored at Sutanati there flourished a market town as old as Varanasi, around the temple of Kali.

Pilgrims came from distant part of the countryto pay their respects. This town was known as Kalighat. Kalighat’s earliest history can be gauged from the coins originating from Gupta period{4th to 5th AD} that were discovered here. Kalighat was earlier known as Kali-Kshetra.

Kalighat is regarded as one of the 52 Shakti Peethams of India. As the legend goes, Sati, wife of Lord Shiva was insulted by her father Daksha who had not invited Shiva at a Yagya ceremony. Sati flung into the fire and immolated herself. Grieved and hysterical Shiva journeyed around the cosmos with Sati on his shoulders.

To relieve Shiva of his agony Lord Vishnu wielding his Sudarshan chakra cut the body into pieces .Splintered limbs scattered over the country.Places where the body parts fell are revered by the believers as Shakti Peeth. A toe of Devi’s right foot is believed to have fallen at Kalighat.

Legend has it that a devotee discovered a luminant ray of light coming from the bed of Bhagirathi river, and upon investigating its source came upon a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe. He also found a Svayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav nearby and started worshipping Kali in the midst of a thick jungle.

It is believed that the temple was initially built by Raja Mansingh I of Amber (AD 1594 – 1606)  when he was sent as a Governor of Bengal by Mughal Emperor Akbar. In 1809 this temple was modified  and reconstructed by an affluent Zamidar named Santosh Roy Chaudhary of Sabarna Roy Caudhary family under the patronage of Kaliprasad Dutta.

The “Mahanta” system, where the chief priest chooses one of his disciples as the next chief, is still followed in the temple. Bhubhaneshwar Giri, one of the chief priests, married a woman known as Yogmaya and together the two had a daughter whom they named Uma.

When Uma reached a marriageable age, the Goddess appeared in Bhubhaneshwar Giri’s dreams and asserted that she no longer wished to be worshiped by ascetic priests and urged him to marry off Uma and declare her husband as the next Mahanta – Uma was thus married to Bhabanidas Chakraborty who assumed the position of Mahanta after his father-in-law handed him the entire Kalighat complex as dowry and since then all the “Sebayats” (Goddess’ priests) have continued to be married householders.

Significance of Kalighat Temple

Goddess Kali stands for enlightenment or liberation. She is considered a compassionate deity who provides moksha or liberation to her children. Temple may be centuries old, its profound spiritual meaning lives onto the present day through the belief and daily rituals of millions of Indians. It is believed that the temple vibrates with spiritual energy that absolves the previous sins of the pious. It gaurantees relief from bad karma.

Kalighat temple was built on desolate strip of wasteland near Ganga. With the fame of temple settlement grew up in the neighbourhood. Booths sprang up to cater to the various needs of the pilgrims. Wooden dolls and Terracota  figurines appeared early in the brisk trade in souvenirs for the pilgrims.

Around 1830 the style of Kalighat Painting became popular. Early paintings focussed om mythological themes and depicted episodes from Ramayan and Mahabharat. At the turn of 20th century painting started depicting rapidly changing urban society and the nouveau rich Bengali in satirical caricature.

Paintings attracted attention of foreign tourists who took these paintings as the example of exotic andoriental souvenirs. Many of these works ended up in the Museums and private collections in Western Europe.

Kalighat Temple Timings

Kalighat Temple is open from 5 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 10:30 pm.

Tuesdays and Saturdays are special days for worship. Ashtami days are also special. The temple is very crowded on these days and if  you want to avoid the crowds then it is better  to visit is Wednesday or Thursday.

There are separate queues for normal visitors and  Sevaits/V.I.P/Staff.

There are two queues, one for going to the Garbha Graha (Nijo -Mandir) and another for having Dharshan from the Varandah (Jor- bangla). The queue going to the Garbha Graha (Nijo -Mandir) is more orderly, and is controlled by security guards and police men (at least on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and festival days). The queue for the Varandah (Jor- bangla) is not well controlled.

Pooja and Rituals at Kalighat Temple

At the Kalighat Kali Mandir we find a mixture of diverse religious expressions––ranging from the “orthodox” rites of Brahminical Hinduism to spiritual practices aligned with the folk Shakta tradition of the villages. Animal sacrifice is a regular affair and the occasional Tantrik can be spotted wandering around the Kali Mandir, carrying a human skull and offering his magical services for a price.

How to reach Kalighat Temple

  • Kalighat is located in south Calcutta. Buses are available from all parts of Calcutta. All buses going to south Calcutta have to pass through Shyam Prasad Mukherjee road. The temple is off this road. You get down in Kalighat (Kalighat Tram Depot) bus stop and walk down the Kali Temple road to the temple. Kalighat is connected by Metro railway.
  • The nearest metro stations are Jatin Das Park and Kalighat. Please take the Northern exit in Jatin Das Park and the Southern exit in Kalighat.
  • The steps in Jatin Das Park station are many and steep. There is an escalator part of the way in Kalighat station. It is advisable for elderly people to alight at the Kalighat station.

Kalighat Temple Accommodation

Staying in Kolkata is not very difficult as wide range of hotels are available. With flexible price.  

Where To Eat

Good  restaurant catering to all kinds of taste and pocket can be enjoyed in Kolkata.

Nearby Temples

Dakshineswar Temple: This temple is situated on the eastern bank of River Hoogly in Kolkota. ‘ Bhavtarni ‘ an aspect of Kali is the presiding diety. Bhavtarni  means  a diety who liberates her devotees from the endless cycles of birth and death or ‘Samsara. This temple was built in 1855 by Rani Rashmoni, a philanthropist.  Swami Ramkrishna, the famous  mystic of the 19th Century was its head priest for some time.

Belur Math: Swami Vivekanand who was the follower of Swami Ramkrishna Paramhansa founded Belur Math. It is the headquaters of Ramkrishna Mission. Swami Vijayanand who was the younger brother of Swami Vivekanand designed this temple  and based on the ideas of Vivekanand got the foundation laid on 16th May 1935. This temple is called as “Symphony in Architecture” because different architectural elements  are beautifully combined into it.

Pareshnath Jain Temple: This temple,  devoted to 23rd Tirthankar Pareshnath,  is the most revered Jain shrine in Kolkata. It was built in 1867 by Ray Badridas Bahadur. It is beautifully decorated with mirrors glasses and chandeliers called ‘Jhar Bhattis’.

Sapta Badri Temples – List, History, Map, Best Time to Visit

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Sapta Badri are the seven holy Shrine temples of Char Dham Yatra are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Ardha Badri are seven Sapta Badri.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Deity Seven holy Shrine temples of Lord Vishnu
Location Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings 5 AM to 12 PM
2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional Wear

Trek to these holy Hindu Temples lies in Badri Van (means forest of Berries), from Satopanth Glacier above Badrinath temple to Badri-Kshetra village near Karnprayag in Uttarakhand.

Route of Sapta Badri

List of Seven Badri –

1. Badri Vishal (Badrinath)

Badri Vishal or Badrinath is the main Badri and temple of Lord Vishnu that is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River in Mana Village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Read More..

Badrinath Temple

2. Adi Badri

Adi Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is the second temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in the weather. Read more..

Adi Badri Intro

3. Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Read more..

Vriddha Badri

4. Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Subhai, Uttarakhand. It is the fourth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples.Devotees believe it to be the future abode of Badrinath at the end of the Kali Yuga when there will be the destruction of the present world and the creation of a new world. Read more..

Bhavishya Badri

5. Yogadhyan Badri

Yogadhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Pandukeshwar village near Govind Ghat in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is the fifth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. According to the religious texts, the king Pandu worshipped here to get rid of him from the sin of killing of two mating deer; the two deer were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandavas were also born here. Read more..

Yogadhyan Badri

6. Dhyan Badri

Dhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Urgam Valley near Kalpeshwar,  in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the sixth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Urvarishi, son of King Puranjaya of the Pandavas lineage meditated in Urgam valley and established a temple of Lord Vishnu here. Read more..

Dhyan Badri

7. Ardha Badri

Ardha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the seventh temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Ardha Badri in comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘. Read more..

Ardha Badri

Lepakshi Temple Timings, Poojas, Dress Code, and History

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Lepakshi Temple is a dedication to the cult deity Veerabhadra. The temple is based in the small village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The construction of the temple took place in the 16th century during the reign of Vijayanagara Kings.

Lepakshi Temple has three shrines dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. There exist about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century stone structure of Vijayanagar style architecture.

This temple houses the largest sculpture of the demon king Veerabhadra. Moreover, much of the temple stands on a low rocky hill called Kurmasailam. The word ‘Kurmasailam‘ translates to tortoise hill in the Telugu language.

One of the pillars n Lepakshi Temple is popular as the Aakaasa Sthambha (Hanging Column). This pillar does not rest on the ground fully. During the British era, a British engineer’s labour in trying to move it were in vain. However, doing so made the pillar dislodge from its original position.

Introduction of Lepakshi Temple
This Nandi is India’s largest monolithic structure.

Besides the Hanging pillar, the other thing that is worth seeing is the spectacular Nandi which is located almost a mile before the main temple. It is 27 ft in length and 15 ft in height which is reputedly India’s biggest monolithic Nandi.

Facts About Lepakshi Temple

Opening and Closing Timings6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry FeeNo fee
Main DeityVeerbhadra
Nearest AirportSri Sathya Sai Airport
LocationAnantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Photography Allowed

Lepakshi Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple for darshan in the following timings –

Timings From
Morning6:00 AM
Evening6:00 PM

The temple opens all days of the week. However, timings may change during festivals, important rituals and eclipses.

Significance of Lepakshi Temple

  • Lepakshi Temple has three separate Mandapas. The first one is Mukhya Mandapa (or Natya or Ranga Mandapa). The second one is Artha Mandapa and Garba Griha and third is Kalyana Mandapa. The last Mandapa is unfinished.
  • Devotees worship Veerbhadra who is Shiva’s depiction in his ferocious mood. Warrior God Veerbhadra was worshipped during wartimes in the ancient and medieval periods.
  • A huge Ganesha is there in the temple’s outer enclosure. And it leans against the rock which is perpendicular to a massive Naga with three coils and seven hoods. This Nagalinga is the largest in India.
  • Goddess Sita’s footprint is there in the temple premises. Beliefs say that the footprint got imprinted on the floor during the time Ravana was taking Sita to Lanka.
Legends of Lepakshi Temple
This footprint is considered to be of Devi Sita’s from the time Ravana was abducting her.

Poojas and Rituals performed at the Lepakshi Temple

Abhishek TimingsFrom
Morning7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

At first, the puja of the Shivalinga takes place. Henceforth Lord Veerabhadra is worshipped. In the morning, the lord appears in Bala rupa (youth). And turns to a hero in a moustache by the evening.

Devotees perform Abhishek to Lord and Mother and offer clothes. Offerings in form of the sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal Nivedhana is also made. As in Lord Vishnu temples, here too Sadari blessing with the lotus feet of the Lord is offered to devotees. Betel leaf is given as prasad in the temple.

Lepakshi Temple History

The history of Lepakshi Temple dates back to 1530-40. The Virupanna and Viranna brothers did the construction of the temple. The two brothers were in the service of Vijayanagar Kings. At that time Vijayanagar was King Achutarya’s kingdom.

But according to the Puranic story, Lepakshi Temple was built by the sage Agastya. Moreover, Skanda Purana states that this temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva known as divyakshetras.

Legends associated with Lepakshi Temple

  • The origin of Verbhadra is an interesting mythological tale. According to the tale, it was Sati’s suicide that enraged Shiva to cut off a lock of his hair. And from this lock of his hair, Demon God Veerbhadra and Goddess Kali were born.
  • Virupanna constructed the Lepakshi temple using the resources from the state treasury. After knowing this, King Achutarya got angry with him and decided to punish Virupanna. Hence, he ordered to blind Virupanna. And on hearing this Virupanna blinded himself there and then.
  • The temple has different panels of paintings depicting different stories. One of the panels narrates the tale of Shiva’s marriage. Parvati is shown seated on the raised seat alongside six maidens.
  • The paintings of this temple were first noticed by A H Longhurstin 1912-13 but lack of attention and leakage resulted in deterioration of these artforms.
  • Rumours are that a lot was later done to the temple during Vijayanagar reigns. However, there are no significant records for it. But we do have a lot of other temples built around the shrine of Veerbhadra.
  • Also, the presence of the Uddana Veerabhadra Temple in Hampi provides evidence that claims that during Vijayanagar days the people of Hampi worshipped the Gods in their ferocious forms as well. In fact, the ruins of Hampi points towards the existence of this cult.

Rules to follow in Lepakshi Temple

  • While visiting the Lepakshi temple, do not forget to wear decent clothes. And do not carry leather bags or belts, etc. However, temple authorities permit photography inside this temple so one must carry their camera.
  • Moreover, one should choose to wear a traditional piece of clothing to the temple. Temple authorities prohibit clothing items like jeans, t-shirts, shorts and skirts etc in the temple premises.

Festivals celebrated at Lepakshi Temple

  • The month of February calls for a 10 day-long celebration in the premises of Lepakshi temple. This festival also includes the car festival. During the festival, pilgrims flock in huge numbers to the temple.
  • Mahashivratri– On this occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple organises a huge fair. The fair invites traders of sweetmeats, clothes, bangles, toys and bamboo articles. Also, the trading of domestic animals like goats, cows etc take place in the temple fair. Moreover, a lot of villagers arrive on this day to redeem their vows.
  • Durgamma Festival– This is a four-day-long festival that falls in the Bhadrapada month of Hindu Calendar. On this day devotees draw water from Majira river for worshipping. Moreover, a lot of other sacrifices also take place during the time. Temple authorities organise a fair on this day.
  • Masi Brahmmotsavam falling in the months of February-March and Tirukarthikai falling in November-December are some of the other festivals that call for celebration in the Lepakshi temple.

How to reach Lepakshi Temple – Road, Rail and Air

  • Train– Hindupur railway station is the nearest railways station to Lepakshi. It is located about 12 km away from the temple.
  • Road– Lepakshi has good road connectivity via Hindupur. Many private and government buses connect Hindupur to the rest of India. Also, one can hire a taxi service to reach their destination.
  • Air– Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh is the nearest to the temple. It is 58 km away from the Lepakshi temple.

Hotels near Lepakshi Temple – Where to stay

Lepakshi temple does not have any guesthouse available. However, there are some good hotels nearby it –

  • AP Tourism Hotel near Nandi– This place is very affordable. Also, this hotel accepts bookings one day in advance too. Moreover, one must carry a confirmation voucher of the same along with a valid ID proof.
  • Hotel Bheema– This place is another stay near the temple. It is a blend of all the modern amenities and is very budget-friendly.
  • SRS Regency Hotel– This hotel is a complete divinity for the travellers. One can have all the modern amenities here. This place is also quite near to the temple and is pocket-friendly.

Where to eat?

There are several hotels around the temple that offer tasty and mouth-watering dishes. The South Indian food prepared here has an unbeatable taste. Tourists can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food near the temple. Other cuisines one can find here include North Indian and other modern varieties. The nearby restaurants that are worth visiting include Annapoorna and Ghuma Ghumalu Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

  • Lepakshi Nandi: There is a monolithic sculpture of Shiva’s bull Nandi on the main road of Lepakshi which is approximately 550 m from the temple. The sculpture faces the shiva linga that a large serpent is shielding.
  • Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: Sri Veerabhadra Swamy came to life with an aim to demolish Dakshyagna. After doing so, Dakshyagna was redone successfully. However, even after the completion of yagna, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy lived in anger and was burning in fire caused by the Yoga Sakthi of Sati. Hence, other saints and devotees of Veerbhadra Swamy went to Vaikunta to request Lord Vishnu to pacify Veera Bhadra Swamy. This temple is 48 Km from Kadapa.
  • Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy: Bayalu Veerabhadra Swami Temple idol is there is a temple facing north. Beliefs say that it guards the Lord Mallikarjuna Swami. He is the kshetrapalaka of Srisailam. He has no roof above him. Hence, it goes by the name Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy.
  • Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy Devasthanam: In this temple, the Goddess Bhadrakali is present on the same platform, in order to pacify Veerabhadra Swamy. Pujaris perform Nithyakalyanam here to Veereswara Swamy and Sri Bhadrakali.
  • Sri Agora Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A goat’s head was put on Dhakshan after Sri Veerabhadra cut his off. Beliefs are that Dhakshan lost to Sri Veerabhadra at this place. Sri Veerabhadra faces north, holding many weapons. Goddess Kaali is present just outside the sanctum, facing east. This temple attracts lots of devotees during new moon days and full moon days. Beliefs are that it cures people with mental illness.

If you have any questions about Lepakshi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Haridwar Yatra Guide – Temples, Aarti, Things to Do

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In the Land of Gods, Haridwar situated on the banks of River Ganga is one of the pinnacles of pilgrimage that every Hindu devotee must make to pay obeisance to the holy trinity as well as the ultimate Mother Goddess Adi Parashakti or Sati. Haridwar is a place with high spiritual value for it’s not only a place sacred to the Shaivites and the Vaishnavites but also an important site of worship for the devotees of the Shaktism sect.

The distinction can be observed by the interpretation of the meaning of the name Haridwar or Hardwar itself. Shaivites prefer the name Hardwar – “Har” being another name of Lord Shiva and “Dwar” meaning the Gate. Hardwar to them represents “Gateway to Lord Shiva’s abode”.  The journey to reach Mount Kailash for devotees begins here. For the Vaishnavites, the name Haridwar means “Hari”, another name of Lord Vishnu and “Dwar” meaning the Gate.

The city is the gateway to reach Badrinath, one of the most important temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Haridwar is also believed to be the abode of Goddess Sati. It is a belief that Daksha, her father resided at Haridwar in a celestial palace.

The city of Haridwar is mentioned in several Puranas and holy texts. In the Devi Bhagavatam, Haridwar is mentioned as a famous pilgrimage center. The city is also mentioned in the epic Ramayana and several times in the Mahabharata. The Vayu Purana and the Nilamata Purana also mention the holy importance of the region of Gangadwara.

Haridwar History

  • The city of Haridwar is believed to one of the oldest inhabited city in the world. Several archeological findings have proved that human civilization existed and flourished in the region as early as 1200 BC.
  • Haridwar was ruled by the Mauryas (322-185 BC) and then by the Kushanas (1st – 3rd century AD).
  • Writings of the Chinese traveler Huan Tsang who visited India in 629 AD under the reign of King Harshavardhan state the existence of fort and several temples at the region.
  • The first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak visited Haridwar and bathed in the Kushawarta Ghat (Kankhal),
  • The famous Mughal Emperor Akbar visited Haridwar and took a dip in River Ganga and drank her water as a mark of respect. Raja Man Singh of Amber laid down the foundation for construction and renovation of several Ghats at Haridwar.

Significance of Haridwar

  • According to the Garuda Purana, Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places or Moksha Sthalas as per Hinduism. The other six are Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka. These places are of great religious and spiritual importance where either God has taken an avatar (Mathura and Ayodhya) or has great mythological value like Ujjain, Haridwar, Dwarka, and Varanasi.
  • The city of Haridwar was also called Gangadwar in ancient times. The River Ganga enters the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India at Haridwar after its origin at Gaumukh at Gangotri.
  • According to the Samudra Manthan event in Hinduism, Haridwar is one of the four places where drops of Amrit accidently fell to earth when carried by Garuda. The other three places are Allahabad, Nashik, and Ujjain. These four places celebrate the grand Kumbh Mela to commemorate the significance of the event.
  • The city is also the gateway of the famed Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage of holy places in the state of Uttarakhand. These Char Dhams are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
  • Taking a dip in Brahma Kund, at Har Ki Pauri Ghat is considered the most sacred bath any Hindu could perform. This is the spot where the Amrit fell on the Earth. It is believed that taking a dip here will wash away all the sins committed in a lifetime.
  • The holy surroundings of Haridwar are also believed to be the place where the holy Saint Kapila had an Ashram and did penance here. This place is also referred to as Kapilasthana in ancient scripts.
  • At the Ghat of Har ki Pauri, one can witness Lord Vishnu’s footprints that are worshiped with great reverence here.

Places of pilgrimage in Haridwar

The pilgrims take the famed “Pancha Tirtha” pilgrimage within Haridwar to receive the blessings from all the Gods and the Goddesses residing here. These five places are:

  • Mansa Devi Temple or the Bilwa Tirtha

The Temple is located atop the Bilwa Parvat at approximately 2.5 km distance from the city center. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa or Manasa. The Temple is one of the three Siddha Peethas located in Haridwar. The Goddess is widely worshiped in Bengal, North-East and certain regions in Southern India.

The Sanctum or the Garbhagriha houses two idols of the deity that are worshiped – one with eight arms and the other with three heads and five arms.

Mansa Devi Temple Legend

  1. The parentage of Goddess Manasa is till date contested by several versions in the Puranas. Some believe that Goddess Manasa was the creation of Lord Shiva (hence his daughter) when his seed touched the idol erected by Kadru, the wife of Sage Kashyap. Kadru was the Mother of the Snake people. Goddess Parvati was extremely jealous of her. Suspecting Manasa of being a co-wife, she burned one of her eyes. Goddess Manasa became the chief of snakes and is believed to be the one who saved Lord Shiva from being poisoned during the Samudra Manthan episode. Tired of the constant fighting between Chandi and Manasa, Lord Shiva left her under a tree with a companion called Neto.
  2. The other theory related to her birth is that she was the daughter of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru and the sister of the King of Serpents, Vasuki. Goddess Manasa married Jagatkaru on Kashyapa’s advise on the condition that she will never disobey him. One day, she woke him up late and as a result left her. On the request of Gods, he returned later and they had a son together named Astika.
  3. Disgruntled by the disputed parentage, angered by Chandi’s (Goddess Parvati) ignorance and disappointed by her husband’s behavior, the Goddess demanded that the mortals worship her. She was calm and caring to the devotees who worshiped her and rained calamity on the devotees who did not worship her.

Significance of the shrine

  1. It is believed that a sincere wish of a devotee made to the Goddess never goes unfulfilled. The locals believe that as a mark of respect, one ties a thread around the branches of a sacred tree denoting the wish. After the wish is fulfilled, the devotee should return and remove the thread.
  2. It is believed that the Goddess controls snakes. Hence, devotees visit her to cure snake bites, curses and other snake-related issues in their horoscopes. She is also believed to bestow fertility and family harmony.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens daily at 8 AM and closes at 5 PM. The Temple is closed for darshan between 12 PM to 2 PM.

How to reach the shrine

There are two routes to reach the shrine. One way is the traditional 1.5 km trek route to reach the peak.  The other way is the cable-car service called as the “Udan Khatola” service in the local language.

  • Gangadwar or Har Ki Pauri

The world famous Ghat along the banks of River Ganga is an epitome of sanctity. The devotees religiously believe that this is the place where Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva visited the Brahma Kund. One can also view the footsteps believed to belong to Lord Vishnu at the Ghat premises. This is the site where River Ganga actually enters the mainlands of India from the Himalayan mountain range. This is also the site where millions of devotees take a holy dip in River Ganga during the grand occasion of the Kumbh Mela. Every evening, the highly spiritual Ganga Aarti is held at 6:30 PM where hundreds of devotees light small lamps and let them afloat in the holy River with a small prayer in heart.

Any devotee or a tourist irrespective of caste, creed or religion must come and visit this place to experience the ultimate spirituality and the peacefulness that descends on the people witnessing the grand spectacle.

  • Kushawart (Kankhal)

The small town of Kankhal is located within Haridwar at a distance of 4 km from the city center. The site of Kankhal is mentioned in numerous ancient scripts and has a huge spiritual value. This is the place where it is believed that Goddess Sati immolated herself in protest of an insult to her consort Lord Shiva by her father Daksha.

Kushawart Temple Legend

The Daksheshwara Mahadev Temple is associated with the famous legend of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva. This story is the basis of the Sthala Puranam and creation of Goddess Parvati herself. As per the legend, Daksha Prajapati, son of Lord Brahma did not want his daughter Sati to marry Lord Shiva. However, Goddess Sati married Shiva as she had always desired to do so. As a result, Daksha did not invite Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva to the Yagna he was conducting at the site. Sati wanted to participate in the Yagna and wanted Lord Shiva to accompany him. However, he refused. But against his wishes, Sati went to the Yagna. Upon arrival, she was humiliated and insulted by her father for marrying Lord Shiva. Daksha insulted Lord Shiva by calling him names. Unable to bear the humiliation of her husband, Sati fell into the Yagna Kund and immolated herself. When the news reached Lord Shiva, he was infuriated and sent his army to destroy everything in the Yagna. A huge fight ensued as Lord Shiva danced his Tandav. Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu had to intervene and calm him down. Lord Vishnu released his Sudarshana Chakra cutting through the corpse of Sati. Her body parts fell all over the land and are now known as the Shakti Peethas in Hinduism.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM.

  • Neel Parvat or the Chandi Devi Temple

The famous temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi, a form of Goddess Parvati is situated atop the Neel Parvat. The Temple was built in 1929 by Suchat Singh, the King of Kashmir. The Temple is believed to be a Siddha Kshetra.

Goddess Chandi is worshiped primarily by the followers of the Shaktism sect of Hinduism. Even though there are no references to this particular form of Goddess Parvati in any Vedic texts, Puranas or Epics, the Devi Mahatmayam mentions the Goddess several times.

Neel Parvat Temple Legend

According to the temple legend, Lord Indra and other Gods of Heaven were overthrown by the demon kings Shumbha and Nishumbha. Lord Indra approached Goddess Parvati to return their kingdom and get rid of the demons to balance the power on Earth. As a result, Goddess Parvati took the form of Chandi, a beautiful woman who attracted the attention of Shumbha. He sent his chiefs Chanda and Munda to bring her to him. However, they were killed by Chandi. Enraged, he along with Nishumbha tried to kill Chandi but were slain by the Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess rested atop the hill and eventually a temple commemorating the event was built for her.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 8 AM and closes at 6 PM. The shrine remains closed between 12 PM to 3 PM.

How to reach the Chandi Devi Temple

There are two ways to reach the shrine. The older route involves trekking a distance of about 3 km to the shrine. The newer route involves boarding the cable-car at the mountain base.

  • Maya Devi Temple

The eleventh-century ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Maya, a form of Goddess Shakti is worshiped here with great reverence here.  The importance of the shrine can be gauged by the fact that the city of Haridwar itself was called Mayapuri in ancient times. The deity worshiped here is in the form of a three-headed Goddess with four arms.

Significance of the shrine

It is contested but believed by locals that the shrine is one of the Shakti Peethas of Goddess Sati. It is a belief that her navel and heart fell at the site.

The site is also revered as a Siddha Kshetra along with the Mansa Devi Temple and the Chandi Devi Temple.

Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 9 PM. The Temple remains closed between 12 PM to 3 PM.

How to reach the Temple

The Temple is located just 1.5 km from the Bus Stand and the Railway Station. One can hire a taxi from there till the temple.

Festivals celebrated at Haridwar

  • Kumbh Mela – As per the legend, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, the Garuda spilled four drops of holy Amrit which he obtained by the churning of the milk on Earth. He was carrying the Amrit in a Kumbh (Pot). The drops fell in Haridwar, Allahabad, Nasik and Ujjain. In Haridwar, the Mela is held on the banks of River Ganga at Har Ki Pauri. The Mela is celebrated once every 12 years. The Mela has been officially and internationally accepted as the largest religious gathering in the world. Millions of pilgrims from all over the world attend the festivities and take a dip in the holy River Ganga.
  • Ardh Kumbh Mela – The Ardh Kumbh Mela is held once every six years. This Mela is held between two full Kumbh Melas at Prayag (Allahabad) and Haridwar.
  • Kanwar Mela – The Kanwar Yatra is also called as the Kavad Yatra. This is an annual pilgrimage or Yatra undertaken by thousands of devotees especially in the month of Shravan (July-August). The devotees of Lord Shiva who participate in the Yatra are called Kanwariyas. They travel barefooted to cities like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri to collect the water of River Ganga. This water is then poured over Lord Shiva at their respective homes and other temples. This yatra is extremely popular among the devotees especially from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.

How to reach Haridwar

  • By Air – The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport situated at Dehradun which is 37 km from Haridwar. The airport operates flights to and fro from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Chennai and Lucknow. Apart from that, one can also reach the Indira Gandhi International Airport at Delhi which is well connected to all major cities in India.
  • By Train – Several trains from around the country connect the station Hardwar Junction. The city is well connected to places like Delhi, Dehradun, Bikaner, Patna, Howrah, Lucknow, Jaipur, Allahabad, and Mumbai.
  • By Road – The Haridwar bus station is located near the railway station. The state transport operates regular buses from Delhi, Rishikesh and Dehradun. Numerous private taxi operators provide connectivity to Haridwar from all towns and cities nearby.

Where to stay

The city is well developed and appropriate infrastructure for pilgrims as well as tourists has been constructed. Some of the budget options for a clean stay are Hotel Haridwar Residency, Hotel Gayathri Classic, and Hotel Bhagwati Nivas. Five-star options for stay are Country Inn Suites and Hotel Hari Heritage. It is advised to book accommodation in advance as the rush is always high.

Where to eat

The pilgrims and tourists can opt for a wide range of cuisine in hotels dispersed throughout the city. The food is mainly vegetarian.  The cuisine ranges from South Indian (Hotel Dosa Plates, Madras Restaurant, and Kwality Mysore Restaurant), North Indian (Hotel Hoshiyarpuriwala), Continental, Punjabi, Chinese (Chotiwalas Asli), and Bengali (Dada Boudir Hotel).

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