Bathing Ghats in Haridwar

Kumbh Mela is the largest religious fair in the world which attracts millions of devotees from across the globe. This time the Kumbh Mela is being celebrated in Haridwar, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of India. Hindus believe that a dip in the holy waters of river Ganga in Haridwar during the Kumbh Mela purifies one's soul and helps one attain Moksha( enlightenment).

The bathing ghats in Haridwar are

Har Ki Pauri

It is the most famous ghat on the banks of the sacred river Ganga. The terms 'Har' means 'Lord Shiva', 'Ki', means 'of', and 'Paudi', means 'steps'. According to the legend Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu visited the Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri ghat during the Vedic age. The ghat is also known as Brahmakund Ghat and was built by King Vikramaditya in the 1st century BC in memory of his brother Bhartrihari.

Ganga aarti ceremony is performed here every morning and evening which is very uplifting. The priests holding huge fire bowls in their hands, the gongs in the temples ringing loudly creating melodious sound and devotees chanting with great devotion are a part of the aarti. After the aarti the devotees float earthen diyas decorated with flowers in the holy water, which is a sight to behold.

According to Indian astrologers the waters of river Ganga at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar transforms into nectar during Kumbh Mela. Bathing at this ghat during the Mela purifies one's being.

Asthi Prawah Ghat

Located in the south direction of the main Ganga temple is the Asthi Prawah Ghat. It is the place where ashes of the dead are immersed in the holy water of Ganga. Hindus believe that Goddess Ganga showers her blessings in the form of Moksha on the departed souls.

Subhash Ghat

Located near Har Ki Pauri ghat, Subhash ghat is named after the freedom fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It also houses a statue of him. There is also a dispensary here which is run by The Sewa Samati, a voluntary organization.

Gau Ghat

Located in the south of Subash ghat is the Gau( gau means cow) ghat where people come for atonement for the sin of cow slaughter. In Hindu religion cow is worshiped and is considered as the fulfiller of desires. The killing of cow is considered as a sin in Hindu religion.