Journey into the spiritual world

Journey into the spiritual world

 

I had embarked on a family trip to Haridwar during Diwali, this year and it was an ideal time for us to indulge in spiritualism and revive our early memories of Dev Bhoomi. It was time for us to unwind from the daily chores of life. We had halted at Hotel Bhaskar overlooking the Railway station and in the vicinity of Garibdasi Dharamshala. The ancient city of Haridwar retains its old-world charm in the midst of its bustling crowd.

Har Ki Pauri

 

Ganga Mata shrine and the Clock Tower at Har Ki Pauri

 

Har Ki Pauri is the calling card of Haridwar that has the highly revered Ganga Mata shrine on the banks of river Ganges. On the first day, we made our way to Har Ki Pauri in the early hours of morning to offer our puja in the age-old Ganga Mandir. 

 

The main shrine of Goddess Ganga Mata

 

Before reaching Har Ki Pauri, we passed through the crowded Moti Bazaar where shops are lined with puja offerings and there are scores of restaurants for pilgrims. We reached Har Ki Pauri and first sighted Maha Kali temple. There is also Sringeri temple and Badrinath and Kedarnath temples lying adjacent to it. We crossed the bridge to reach the ancient shrine of Ganga Mata and offered our puja.

 

Pilgrims bathing at Har Ki Pauri ghat

 

The ghats offer good views of the shrine of Ganga Mata, Shiva temple and the clock tower. Besides, at the entrance pilgrims also visit the main shrine of Ganga Mata dating back to ancient times. 

 

Once our puja was over, we moved into Moti Bazaar to gorge on lip-smacking kachoris with bedmi aloo at Mathura Walon ki Pracheen Dukan.

 

I had an opportunity to get a glance of the glittering Ram Mandir at Jodhamal Road. There is Makarvahini Ganga Dwar at Birla Bridge that attracts many pilgrims.

The Haveli Hari Ganga

 

Haveli Hari Ganga

 

The one and only luxury heritage hotel in Haridwar, the Haveli Hari Ganga lies on Ram Ghat in Moti Bazaar and was the property of Maharaja of Pilibhit that has been transformed into a hotel. 

 

The hotel set-up provides traditional hospitality of Garhwal and is itself a world of meditation. Moreover, it represents a blend of heritage and modernity with its old-world mantra paintings. The restaurant of the hotel serves authentic Garhwal delights.