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Sapta Puri · Uttarakhand

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri is a sacred ghat on the Ganga in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, marking the point where the river leaves the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains, Haridwar is one of the seven moksha-granting cities (Sapta Puri) of Hindu tradition.

Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Significance of Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Haridwar is regarded in Hindu tradition as one of the seven moksha-granting cities and as 'the gateway of Hari (Vishnu)', the point where the Ganga leaves the Himalayan foothills and enters the plains. A stone at Har Ki Pauri ghat is believed to bear Lord Vishnu's footprint, drawing thousands of devotees daily for darshan and worship.

विष्णु चालीसा
चालीसा · हर की पौड़ी पूजन में पाठ

It is believed that after the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), as Garuda flew off carrying the pot of amrita (nectar of immortality), a few drops spilled at four places, Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik, which is why the Kumbh Mela rotates among these same four sites every 12 years. Har Ki Pauri's Brahmakund, tied to this legend, is regarded as the most sacred bathing spot here.

Visiting Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri's most famous feature is its evening Ganga Aarti, held daily at sunset, lamp-laden trays, the sound of bells, and collective devotional singing make for a truly grand sight. Devotees bathe in the Ganga here, seeking release from sin and spiritual merit.

Haridwar is one of the four Kumbh Mela sites, alongside Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik, a full Kumbh is held here every 12 years and an Ardh Kumbh every 6 years, drawing crores of pilgrims for a holy dip. Even on ordinary days, Har Ki Pauri remains busy with devotees year-round.

How to Reach Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 36 km away)
Nearest Railway Station
Haridwar railway station, just about 3 km from Har Ki Pauri
By Road
Well-connected roads run to Haridwar from Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh.
Get Directions

About Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri is a sacred ghat on the Ganga, situated in Haridwar, one of the seven moksha-granting cities. This page covers its mythological significance, the legend of the Samudra Manthan and Brahmakund, and general information about visiting and darshan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Har Ki Pauri located?

It is located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on the banks of the Ganga, at the point where the river leaves the Himalayas and enters the plains.

What is the significance of Brahmakund?

It is believed that a drop of amrita spilled here from Garuda's pot after the Samudra Manthan, which is why it is regarded as the most sacred bathing spot at Har Ki Pauri.

When is the Kumbh Mela held in Haridwar?

A full Kumbh Mela is held in Haridwar every 12 years and an Ardh Kumbh every 6 years, it is one of the four Kumbh sites, alongside Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.

What time is the Ganga Aarti held?

The evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri is held daily at sunset.

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Best Time to Visit

October to March is best, avoiding North India's peak summer heat. The evening Ganga Aarti is held daily, and the Kumbh Mela (every 12 years) and Ardh Kumbh Mela (every 6 years) bring extraordinary crowds.

Quick Facts

Sacred RiverMother Ganga
LocationHaridwar, Uttarakhand
GroupOne of the Sapta Moksha Puri
Main KundBrahmakund
Major EventKumbh Mela and Ardh Kumbh Mela