haridwar and vaishno devi temple

The Haridwar Ashrama is situated on the Sapta Sarovar Road in Haridwar townand is right on the banks of Ganges. The Ashrama was started by Swami Kalyanananda Teertha of Andhra Pradesh state in the 1960s. He once dreamt of Lord Venkateswara telling him that he should, after death, pass his Ashrama to Sri Swamiji, who would take care of your creation. This dream was repeated several times and he made inquiries with his disciples and then started to correspond with Sri Swamiji. He regularly wrote to Mysore Ashrama requesting Sri Swamiji to visit his "Bhadra Kali Peetha" in Haridwar.

It was only in 1993 that Sri Swamiji visited the Ashrama and spoke to Swami Kalyanananda Teertha. The Ashrama was then called as "Bhadra Kali Peetham". Swami Kalyananananda Teertha offered it to Sri Swamiji that Datta Peetham should take over and maintain the Ashrama after His Samadhi. This year, Swami Kalyanananda Teertha left his Mortal coil and as was his wish Pujya Swamiji visited the Haridwar Ashrama in the same year of his passing away.

Also Datta Peetham had built a ghat (approach steps) on the Ganges river to facilitate the pilgrims visiting Haridwar for a holy dip in this year's Purna Kumbha Mela. Pujya Sri Swamiji saw this and appreciated this timely facility done by devotees.

The climate was cool and the lush green surroundings added spiritual aura to the environs.
On 16th November, Monday, Pujya Swamiji traveled from Delhi to Haridwar in Shatabdi express. The six hour journey by train was memorable with many people in the train approaching Sri Swamiji to bless them.
At 3 P.M. Pujya Swamiji performed the inauguration of the Datta Anagha Ghat and bathed in the Ganges river along with the devotees and poured Ganga water on them. This was a once in a life time opportunity for many of the devotees.

At 7 P.M., Pujya Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in the Bhadra Kali Temple.
In the evening Sri Swamiji performed Sri Chakra Puja in the dimly lit tiny cubicle of the Bhadra Kali temple sanctum. After the Puja was over, it was a rare sight to watch Pujya Swamiji, sitting in the sanctum, give Teertham (holy water) to all the devotees. We all were doubly blessed. After the Puja, Sri Swamiji offered Purnahuti to the Rudra Homam (performed in conjunction with the last Monday of the Kartika month). In a brief speech, Sri Swamiji remembered Swami Kalyanananda Teertha and explained to the assembled devotees and Sadhus (there were many Sadhus from Haridwar present there), the manner in which the Haridwar Ashrama was started. Pujya Swamiji watched from His room steps, devotees and Sadhus having food. The evening food was served by Smt.Ratna Varma in the memory of her father, Late Sri P.N.Wanchoo of Kashmir, an ardent devotee of His Holiness. The night sleep was peaceful with the faint sound of river Ganges sounding like a lullaby of a mother putting children to sleep.
On 17th, Tuesday, after the morning chanting of Aditya Hridaya Stotram, Sri Swamiji left for Rishikesh Ashrama Rishikesh is situated about 30 minutes away from Haridwar and there are many serves as entrance to the Himalayas and other holy shrines and places in the region. Our Ashrama is situated on Haridwar Road and is opposite river Ganges Sri Swamiji was warmly received by the care taker, priest and devotees of Rishikesh. After Arati to Datta in the temple there, Sri Swamiji sat under a sprawling Chandan tree. Devotees offered flowers to the Guru Pada (Holy feet of Sadguru). Sri Swamiji blessed everyone and visited the newly started Gangour Hotel started by a devotee in Rishikesh. On the journey back, Sri Swamiji spoke to the taxi driver driving Swamiji's car. He was a Moslem, Abdul Sattar. Sri Swamiji warmly inquired about his family and his well being. He was so moved by the warmth and compassion of Sri Swamiji's inquiry that he asked Swamiji "If he would be permitted to be a devotee". Swamiji smiled and said, "you already are".
After returning to Haridwar, Sri Swamiji suddenly decided to take a dip in the Ganges again, for the second time. Sri Swamiji was all alone in the river for about one hour and then permitted us to take some photos and video. The azure blue water of the Ganges was so blending with the orange ochre robes of Sri Swamiji. It was a feast for the eyes. After the 'Snaan' (holy bath) Sri Swamiji announced that a Homa will be performed and ordered to build a Homa Kundam. Even without changing the wet clothes, Sri Swamiji performed a Homa. Sitting on the first step of the Ghat, Sri Swamiji chanted mantras and offered ghee in to the fire. After the Homa, Sri Swamiji poured Ganga water on the "Deva Samputa", the idols of Datta Peetham that is carried with Sri Swamiji on all tours. At 6 PM, Sri Swamiji left Haridwar Ashrama for the train station and left for Delhi on Shatabdi express. This visit to Haridwar and Rishikesh was truly memorable with unique and exhilarating experiences. On 18th evening Sri Swamiji arrived in Mysore Ashrama

Sri Swamiji performing Sri Chakra Puja in the Bhadra Kali temple in Haridwar Ashrama

Pujya Swamiji in front of the board mentioning about the dedication of the
Ghat (approach steps) to the Ganges on the auspicious Purna Kumbha Mela 1998

Sri Swamiji offers worship to mother Ganga

Devotees bathe in the Ganges with Sadgurudeva

The Datta temple in Rishikesh

 

Haridwar Tour Package

Location : In the north Indian state of Uttaranchal.
Major Tourist Attraction : Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi, Kavand Mela, Chandi Devi, Sapt Rishi, Maya Devi, Daksha Mahadev Temple
Best Hangouts : Har ki Pauri, Sapt Rishi, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Beauty Point
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Mayapuri, Kankhal, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Mussoorie, Dehradun.

About Haridwar
Haridwar located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal represents the point where the Ganga reaches the plains. Haridwar is an ageless pilgrimage destination, held in reverence for centuries. Several temples and ashrams are found in this town and a visit to Haridwar is like stepping into a comletely different world.

Once known as Gangadwara, Haridwar (and Rishikesh) represents the gateway to the Himalayan pilgrimage shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Besides this, Kumbh fair is organised at the interval of every 12 years in this city in which about 1 crore pilgrims from all over the world participate.

Tourist Attractions in Haridwar
Har Ki Pauri
Har Ki Pauri is one of the most sacred ghats in India. It is said that this ghat was built by Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. Also known as Brahmakund, the Ghat is magnificently illuminated in the evening during a Maha Aarti performed on this ghat. It is an event which is a must, not be missed by any visitor.

Mansa Devi
Located on top of a hill called the Bilwa Parvat, the Manas Devi Temple is worth visiting. The temple can be reached by the rope way or one can take the normal trekking route to the top. The top of the hill gives you an excellent view of Haridwar.

Chandi Devi
On the top of a hill called the Neel Parvat which is on the other side of the river Ganga, the Chandi Devi temple was constructed by the King of Kashmir, Suchat Singh, in 1929 AD. Chandi Devi is a 3 km trek from the Chandi Ghat.

Sapt Rishi
At one place Ganga divides herself into seven small streams. This place is known as the Sapt Rishi and provides a very pleasing sight.

Maya Devi
Maya Devi Temple is one of the Shaktipeeths in India. This ancient temple of Maya Devi is also the Adhisthatri deity of Haridwar. It is said that when Lord Shiva was carrying his wife Sati, who had burnt her self to keep the honour of her husband, then the heart and navel of Sati had fallen at this place.

Daksha Mahadev Temple
At a distance of 4 kms from Haridwar is a town called Kankhal. It is said that the king of this place King Daksha Prajapati performed a yagya. His daughter, Sati was married to Lord Shiva. But Daksha was not happy with this marriage and did not invite Shiva-Sati in the Yagya.

But Sati came and was insulted by her father. She could not take the insult and burnt herself in the yagya kund. On knowing this Shiva's followers killed Daksha. But later Mahadeo (Shiva) brought Daksha to life. The Daksha temple is a mark to this legend. This place is one of the five sacred places in Haridwar.

Getting There
Air : Domestic airlines operate flights between Delhi and Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. These flights are available only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Rail : Haridwar is connected to almost all part of Uttaranchal by rail links.
Road : Haridwar is well connected by road. From Delhi you can reach Haridwar by bus, car, or taxi through Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzzaffarnagar. It takes nearly 6 hours by bus or car.

Accommodation
Haridwar has numerous accommodations located in & around the town. We offers you best accommodation in the Haridwar. The accommodations available here ranges between luxury and budget. The hotels offers good length of facilities and services which are ideal for both short and long journeys. Pick the one which is most ideal for you.

Vaishno Devi Tourism

The Holy Shrine of Vashno Devi

Vaishno Devi - Heaven For Spiritual Redemption

Vaishno Devi is one of the holiest Hindu Pilgrimage site which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The temple is located around 12 km away from Katra in the Udhampur district. The temple is situated at an altitude of 1615 m on the Trikuta Hills of Shivalik Range. Pilgrims, especially Hindus from all over the world visit Vaishno Devi making it the second most visited shrine in India after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. There are three rock cut statues in the 100 feet long cave. The middle one represents Goddess Lakshmi, right statue represents Goddess Kali and left one represents Goddess Saraswati. All kind of people, whether they are rich or poor, young or old, sick or healthy take the challenging trek from Katra to get to this holy place. Just join any group that is climbing to the cave and feel the devotion run down your body with every breath you take. The groups sing religious songs praising the goddess non stop till they reach the top. It is just an amazing experience to see so many people devoted to their devotion to the Goddess. There are many tea stalls and Dhabas along the way where you can stop for a while and take rest. While resting or even while walking, just look around for the resplendent scenic beauty that surrounds you.

Legend Associated To The Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi is considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Kali. The main reason of birth of Vaishno Devi was the destruction of Demon Mahishasura. The divine girl was born to a man called Ratnakar who named her Vaishnavi. She was brighter than all other children of her age, in fact, at a young age itself, she acquired more knowledge than many famous scholars. She renounced all worldly ties and went into deep jungles for meditating. She used to worship Lord Vishnu and on directions of Lord Rama, she built an ashram for meditating. Soon, a man called Bhairon Nath came to know about her and when he saw her, he was smitten by her beauty and grace. He started to pester her to marry him. Vaishnavi decided to run away to jungles to evade him. After long time of this hide and seek, she confronted him on the entrance of a cave and beheaded him. Bhairon Nath after death realized his mistake and prayed for forgiveness. He was forgiven by the Goddess and was blessed that every devotee who comes to worship her will also have to visit the temple of Bhairon Nath without which their pilgrimage will be incomplete. Vaishnavi then left her human body and become a rock statue and went into meditation.

Yatra Information

Vashno Devi Yatra

One Can visit Vaishno Devi at any time of the year, but the trip is extremely tough in winters due to the excessive snowfall. The shrine is around 48 km away from Jammu airport and Jammu Tawi railhead. Both are well connected to all parts of the country. You can hire a taxi or a take a bus to the Katra Bus stand. This is where the yatra starts. Before commencing your trip to the shrine, obtain a yatra slip from the Yatra registration counter in Tourism center at the Katra bus stand. The slip is mandatory for carrying on with the trip. You can also acquire other necessary items like caps, shoes and sticks from the counter. The climb is fairly steep and tiring, though there are regular resting areas where you can have some refreshments as well. But people who find it tough to move up hill, can take a ride on a pony or a palanquin. Make sure you hire them from an authorized person. On reaching the Bhavan, you will get a batch number on showing your yatra slip at the registration office. Keep The number with you as the number tells you your position in the queue for Darshan. Deposit all your offerings at the entrance of the cave and do not forget to collect the prasad on your exit.
It is said that one can only visit the sacred cave of Vaishno Devi only when the Goddess herself wants them to and beckons them. If you are reading this, probably this is your call for making the holiest trip of your life. Come prepared to lose your old self and find the new you who will be more wise and chaste.