18 Majestic Temples In Haridwar To Visit In 2024 For Inner Peace And Wisdom

28 Oct 2021

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Experience the calmness and tranquillity in the temples in Haridwar which stand tall as pillars of faith in this holy city. The fact that these temples in Haridwar are located either on the banks of the holy river Gange or top of hills means that you feel like you are not only close to God when you visit them, but also to nature. Be it the smell of the burning incense. the colours of the temple flowers, or the sound of the temple bells, these locations will make sure to engage all your senses while giving your spirit the feeling of peacefulness that it deserves. Even if you are not a devotee or a follower of Hinduism, these sights will come across as a sheer celebration of culture and history.

18 Revered Temples In Haridwar

Take a look at the most popular temples and holy shrines in the city of Hardiwar that draw pilgrims and travelers to it in large numbers every year. Make sure you add all of these to your list before you book your trip to Haridwar.

Mansa Devi Temple – Pay Reverence To Goddess Shakti’s Avtaar
Chandi Devi Temple – Visit During Navratri Or Kumbh Mela
Har Ki Pauri Ganga Temple – The Breathtaking ‘Steps Of Shiva’
Daksh Mahadev Temple – A Prominent Lord Shiva’s Temple
Bharat Mata Temple – A Must-Visit For The Patriots
Maya Devi Temple – Where All Prayers Are Answered
Neeleshwar Temple – Admired For Location
Jain Temple – Favvorite Amongst Locals And Tourists
Saptrishi Ashram – Pray In Tranquility
Vaishno Devi Temple – Abode Of Three Goddesses
Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple – Admired For Peace
Mahamrityunjaya Temple – For Inner Journey
Bilvkeshwar Mahadev Temple – One That Holds Mythological Significance
Pawan Dham Temple – Architecture Worth Witnessing
Doodhadhari Barfani Temple – A Marble Marvel
Anjana Devi Temple – Where Lord Hanuman’s Mother Resides
Sati Kund Temple – Tribute To A Devotional Wife
Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir – An Awe-Striking Temple

1. Mansa Devi Temple – Pay Reverence To Goddess Shakti’s Avtaar

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Located at the top of Bilwa Parvat, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi. This is famous out of all the temples in Haridwar for being the abode of the Goddess, who is supposed to be an avatar of Goddess Shakti. According to legend, she was born out of the mind of Lord Shiva. The term ‘Mansa’ is supposed to be in reference to the belief that any devotee who prays to her with honest devotion and sincerity gets their wish fulfilled. The literal translation of Mansa is ‘wish’.In fact, one of the most famous rituals at the Mansa Devi Haridwar is tying threads on the branches of the temple tree.

In fact, once that blessing is received, devotees go back to Mansa Devi Haridwar and untangle the thread from the tree. Location wise, it offers an amazing view of the river Ganges. Since this temple is considered such a holy and auspicious place, it is not easily navigatable. It is reachable either by trekking or by using the ropeway called ‘Mansa Devi Udankhadola’. It is also one of the three Siddh Peeths. The other two are Chandi Devi Haridwar and Maya Devi Haridwar.

When to go: During the Summer
Location: Bilwa Parvat

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2. Chandi Devi Temple – Visit During Navratri Or Kumbh Mela

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Like Mansa Devi Haridwar, Chandi Devi temple is the second Siddh Peeth out of the three. It is dedicated to Goddess Chanda Devi. Since it is one of the most ancient temples in India, it is very revered in Hinduism. Devotees specifically go there during the Kumbh Mela, Navratri, and the festival of Chandi Chaudas. Location wise, Chandi Devi Haridwar is very near to a temple that pays tribute to the mother of Hanuman, Anjana, and devotees usually plan to visit both together.

Since the location is four kilometres away from Har ki Pauri, you can either trek to the exact location or use the ropeway called ‘Chandi Devi Udankhadola’.The morning aarti, according to Haridwar temple timings, takes place at 5.30 am is what most devotees aim to attend, and it is very well-revered by them. According to mythology, Chandi Devi is an avatar of Goddess Parvati, who took this form to defeat Shumba and Nishumba.

When to go: During one of the festivals.
Location: Neel Parvat

3. Har Ki Pauri Ganga Temple – The Breathtaking ‘Steps Of Shiva’

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‘Har ki Pauri’ literally translated to the ‘Steps of Shiva’. It is the name of one of the ghats on the bank of the holy river Ganga, and that’s why the temple to pray to her is located there. Out of all the Haridwar temples, the biggest attraction to devotees here is taking a dip or ‘dupki’ in the holy river, which is said to wash off all sins of the devotee and thus give them a second chance of achieving Moksha.

The other thing that is extremely famous here is the Ganga Aarti, which takes place in the evening. It usually takes place around 7.30 pm, and multiple priests gather together with balls of fire, diyas, temple bells, and chants to pay tribute to the holy river. Even though there are a lot of temples in Haridwar, people from all over the world come to witness this ritual, especially during the Kumbh Mela.

When to Visit: During the Kumbh Mela
Location: Bank of River Ganges.

4. Daksh Mahadev Temple – A Prominent Lord Shiva’s Temple

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This is one of the other divine temples in Haridwar and is built in tribute to Lord Shiva, who is also called Mahadev. Out of all Haridwar temples, this is the one that devotees of Lord Shiva make a pilgrimage to during Mahashivratri, and thus the temple is very festive and lit up during the festival. Though this is technically considered as one of the famous temples in Haridwar, it is actually located four kilometres away at Kankhal. Queen Dhankaur is said to have built it in 1810, but it was actually rebuilt in 1962.

This is one of the famous temples in Haridwar as it has beautiful architecture and is a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. This place also has a great mythological significance, as it is mentioned in the Mahabharata as the place where King Daksha performed Ashwamedha Yagya.

When to Visit: During Mahashivratri
Location: Kankhal

Suggested Read: 6 Best Resorts Near Rishikesh And Haridwar

5. Bharat Mata Temple – A Must-Visit For The Patriots

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Founded by Swami Satyamitranand Giri in 1983, the Bharat Mata Temple is one of the famous temples in Haridwar because it is actually a shrine to Mother India. Unlike other temples in Haridwar like Mansa Devi Haridwar, it is visited not by devotees but by patriots. In fact, this Haridwar temple was inaugurated by the former Prime Minister of India, Smt. Indira Gandhi. Bharat Mata or the concept of Mother India is considered a sacred way of devoting oneself to the motherland. In fact, even soldiers from the Indian army say ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ or ‘Victory to Mother India’.

This temple actually has eight floors, with the first being the shrine to the Goddess, and the rest being devoted to heroes of India, Celebrated women of India, religions of India, History of India, Goddess Shakti, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

When to Visit: Any time of the year.
Location: Bhoopatwala

6. Maya Devi Temple – Where All Prayers Are Answered

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The Maya Devi temple is one of the most divine temples in Haridwar as along with Chandi Devi Haridwar and Mansa Devi Haridwar, it forms the Siddh Peetha, and is, therefore, one of the other locations where it is said that all wishes come true. Believed to be another avatar of Shakti, Goddess Maya Devi is said to have three heads and four arms. Inside the shrine are three icons- Goddess Kali, Goddess Kamakhya, and Goddess Maya.

Unlike the other two Temples in Haridwar that form the Siddh Peetha, this one is actually easily accessible. Instead of trekking or ropeway, one can easily reach it by bus or other local transport. Navratri and Kumbh Mela are the festivals where special rituals take place here, and therefore that’s when this temple is visited the most.

When to Visit: Navratri or Kumbh Mela
Location: East of Har ki Pauri.

7. Neeleshwar Temple – Admired For Location

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This is one of the temples in Haridwar that has the best view around it, even though it is almost ancient and small in size. ‘Neel’ is said to have been the name of the devotee of Lord Shiva that got this temple built, and therefore the name is a tribute to him even though it is Lord Shiva who is worshipped here. One of the most famous things about this temple is the tiny stream of Ganga that flows next to it, which is called ‘Neel Dhara’. According to the ritual practised here, people first take a dip in this stream and then visit the shrine.

When to Visit: During Mahashivratri
Location: Near Har ki Pauri

8. Jain Temple – Favvorite Amongst Locals And Tourists

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Even though it is considered the holy city of Hindus, the temples in Haridwar include a Jain temple, whose beautiful architecture and peaceful and calm atmosphere attract crowds of devotees and tourists alike. The two floors of this temple have two different idols. The ground floor has an idol made of white marble of Tirthankar Shri Adinath Bhagwan, and the first floor has one of Shri Chintamani Parshwanath. Two tiny temples are bordering the main one, dedicated to Shri Ghantakaran Mahavir and Shri Adinath Bhagwan. This temple not only contributes to the external beauty of Haridwar but also is a testimony to the great tolerance and acceptance of God in every form shown by the locals.

When to Visit: During Mahavir Jayanti
Location: Laltarowpul

9. Saptrishi Ashram – Pray In Tranquility

Image Credit: Adityamadhav83 for Wikimedia Commons

It is considered to be one of the most prominent ashrams in Haridwar and was founded by the well-known Guru Goswami Dutt in the year 1943. The ambience in this ashram is believed to be quite peaceful, as it has welcomed the seven famous sages, namely Vashishta, Gautam, Kashyapa, Vishwamitra, Jamadagi, Bharadwaja, and Atri. There are also some of the most intriguing mythological facts associated with this place.

When to Visit: anytime except January
Location: Bhoopatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249410

10. Vaishno Devi Temple – Abode Of Three Goddesses

Image Credit: Ashishbhatnagar72 for Wikimedia Commons

This temple has been inspired by the one located in Kashmir. It is considered to be one of the most interesting temples, as there are caves as well as tunnels inside it. This temple has been founded to pay tribute to the three Goddesses – Saraswati, Kaali, and Lakshmi. This temple is admired by all kinds of travelers due to its architecture as well as location.

When to Visit: October to March
Location: Jagdish Nagar, Jwalapur, Uttarakhand 249407

11. Gaurishankar Mahadev Temple – Admired For Peace

Image Credit: Achyuta T. Madabushi for Wikimedia Commons

This Haridwar mandir is considered to be one of the most peaceful temples in the holy city. The temple is located near the famous Chandi Devi Mandir. The temple has been established to pay reverence to Lord Shiva and a huge number of devotees can be seen here, especially on Mondays.

When to Visit: NA
Location: Haridwar Rd, Pathari Forest Range, Uttarakhand 249408

12. Mahamrityunjaya Temple – For Inner Journey

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This particular Haridwar mandir is known for the regular chants of Maha Mrityunjay Mantra, which is also called the Lord Shiva Moksha Mantra. According to the Hindu philosophy, people chant this mantra in order to take an internal journey and experience self realization happening due to the powerful vibrations of this chant.

When to Visit: NA
Location: Jagjeetpur Jamalpur Kalan, Haridwar, Uttarakhand-249404

13. Bilvkeshwar Mahadev Temple – One That Holds Mythological Significance

Image Credit: Prabal for Wikimedia Commons

This temple in Haridwar has been established to pay tribute to the majestic Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The location of this temple is quite tranquil and it is believed that it is here that the Goddess Parvati came and dedicatedly worshipped to Lord Shiva and asked him to marry her when he finally made the appearance.

When to Visit: anytime of the year
Location: Bypass Road, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401

14. Pawan Dham Temple – Architecture Worth Witnessing

Image Credit: Deshkhanna for Pixabay

This temple is essentially known for its architectural brilliance, which is quite unique. The idols featured here are beautifully jeweled. Moreover, it is known to be one of the most frequented pilgrimage locations in the city of Haridwar. The visitors can also indulge themselves in a number activities here, including trekking, yoga, and shopping.

When to Visit: May to September (summers); December to January (winters)
Location: Sapta Sarover Rd, Bhagirathi Nagar, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411

15. Doodhadhari Barfani Temple – A Marble Marvel

Image Credit: Rajesh S Balouria for Pexels

This Haridwar mandir is known for its awe-striking architecture, as it has been built using white marble, adding a serene element to the whole temple. This temple is a part of the well-known Doodhadhari Barfani Baba Ashram and is embellished with the images and idols of Lord Rama, Lord Hanuman, and Goddess Sita.

When to Visit: September to April
Location: Ambala-Dehradun-Haridwar Road, Motichur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249411

16. Anjana Devi Temple – Where Lord Hanuman’s Mother Resides

Image Credit: Navinsingh133 for Wikipedia

As the name suggests, this temple has been built to show reverence to the Goddess Anjana, who was the mother of Lord Hanuman. Located on the hilltop, reaching this temple can be one of the best experiences you can have here owing to the mesmerising views you’ll come across on the way.

When to Visit: NA
Location: Pathari Forest Range, Uttarakhand

17. Sati Kund Temple – Tribute To A Devotional Wife

Image Credit: vedprakashthawait for Needpix

This Haridwar mandir is established in the Kankhal region of the holy city. This temple is believed to be located in the same site where Sati burnt herself for Lord Shiva. The temple attracts numerous visitors and is one of the most famous attractions in the city of Haridwar.

When to Visit: anytime except January
Location: Sarva Priya Vihar Colony, Jagjeetpur, Haridwar

18. Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir – An Awe-Striking Temple

Image Credit: Gounder for Pixabay

This temple has been built in devotion to the Goddess Kali who was known to be the Mother of Destruction. The temple is admired for its location and a lot of devotees visit this temple throughout the year. A visit to this temple is a must during your Haridwar trip.

When to Visit: NA
Location: Cheela Dam – Rishikesh Rd, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408

Further Read: Trekking In Uttarakhand: The 22 Greatest Treks That Will Leave You Mesmerized

Thus, these temples in Haridwar may have been constructed as markers of mythology and faith, but today they are places that can also be turned to for rich historical, cultural, and architectural experiences. Whether it is the stories that surround these revered temples or the rituals that you will perform on entering them during your trip to Haridwar, you are sure to take back memories that stay with you for.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Temples In Haridwar

Why is Haridwar called Haridwar?

Haridwar is made up of two words, ‘hari’ and ‘dwar’, which mean ‘God’ and ‘door’. Thus, it is supposed to be the gateway to God. Typically, this is where pilgrims who go to holy sites or ‘dhams’ in Hinduism start their journey. Thus, the temples in Haridwar are supposed to be an entrance to all that is holy.

Where does Ganga Aarti happen in Haridwar?

The sacred ritual of Ganga Aarti takes place at the bank of the sacred river, Ganga, at Har ki Pauri ghat. Bowls of fire, diyas, temple bells, and different religious chants are used by priests to perform this ritual, and tourists and devotees from all over the world come to witness it.

Can we carry alcohol to Haridwar?

As Haridwar is a holy city, selling and consuming alcohol is banned here. Rishikesh, near Haridwar, also has the same imposition of a ban as that is also considered sacred. Many Haridwar temples also specifically have this written.

Is Haridwar safe at night?

Yes, the roads in Haridwar are good throughout the year, and stay largely unaffected even during monsoon or heavy rains. So, no matter when you plan on travelling, you can use your personal vehicle to and from the city and even within it at any time of the day. Even otherwise, it is considered safe for families.

Why do people visit Haridwar?

Haridwar, being the holy city, is visited for many reasons. Some Hindu devotees visit it to start their pilgrimages in temples like Mansa Devi Haridwar or Har ki Pauri while others go to perform specific holy rituals like havans. A lot of families also record and track their lineage in the holy books of the priests in the temples in Haridwar. People also go to take a dip in the holy river Ganga, which is supposed to wash them off all their sins and give them a fresh task. Many tourists also go there seeking peace, and to explore the culture, traditions, and mythology surrounding the place.