The holy bank of goddess Ganga, Har ki Pauri Ghat, Haridwar

 

Har Ki Pauri Ghat

Each state of India has its spiritual beliefs, sanctum, and traditions. In my previous blog, I tried to hook you with a holy shrine, "Mata Vaishno Devi," in Jammu & Kashmir, India. Today, I will connect your soul to another religious place, "Har ki Pauri Ghat" in Haridwar. 

Haridwar is the city of Uttrakhand, India, on the bank of the River Ganga. It is one of the most pristine spiritual locations. devotees reach this sacred place for redemption and serenity.

"Haridwar" also has the religious definition "the gateway to Lord Vishnu," and "Har ki Pauri" represents "the feet of lord Vishnu."

It symbolises that Lord Vishnu's footprint is on the upper wall of "Har ki Pauri Ghat," and the holy Ganga river frequently touches it.

The sacred Ganga is the most worshipping River in India. A magnificent ritual performed in "Har ki Pauri ghat" is "Maha Ganga Aarti."

The gloriousness of "Har ki Pauri Ghat" and "River Ganga" forced me to experience their fascinating view. Indeed, that beautiful view of performing rites on the River Ganga is still in my sight, purifying my soul.

I chose to travel to Haridwar in April. It was a summer month in India. The temperature reaches 40-45 degrees easily. So, I recommend staying hydrated and don't forget to carry water.

I entered the Haridwar at noon. The sun was at its peak, and the temperature was high. But the gorgeous mountains, greenery, and transparent water coursed between the uncountable tiny pebbles cherished my day. The essence of holiness was in the atmosphere of Haridwar.

Around 2 pm, I was in my Ashram. The Ashrams in Haridwar are available at affordable prices. I was very impressed by their maintenance, hygiene, and infrastructure.

"Maha Ganga Aarti" happens twice a day: once in the morning around 5.00 to 6.30 am and then at 6.00-7.00 pm. It may vary slightly in the winter.

I had enough time to attend the ritual. I enthusiastically ran to visit the water side of Goddess Ganga. My sight was adhered to see an expansive stream of Goddess Ganga constantly running at high velocity. I forward my step and touch the water. That intriguing essence of purity bowed my head in respect. Then, I entered her high streams.

River Ganga

The water was frigid. I forgot about the sunny day. The water of Goddess Ganga covered my thighs. There are many safety chains and rods on the banks of the river. Devotees can hold these chains and plunge into the holy river for redemption.

I plunge into the water. I remember that I completely lost myself for a few moments. I behaved like a tremendous devotee of the Goddess Ganga and a human with a pure soul. I spent my hours in the shadow and fragrance of Goddess Ganga.

The experience might be a little scary if someone does not know swimming, but it becomes memorable to experience a spiritual place that cleanses your core. I enjoyed wholly the motherhood of River Ganga. I felt like she encircled me with her hands. I played with her droplets. I immersed myself numerous times. I sat in calmness. The day was very soothing.

I came to Ashram at 5.30 pm and prepared for the "Har ki Pauri Ghat" for the "Maha Ganga Aarti."

I reached on "Har ki Pauri Ghat" around 6.30 pm. The Maha Aarti had already begun. I witnessed the immense crowd that gathered to attend the Aarti. It was huge. The chanting of Sanskrit Mantras and the vibrations they generated were like a powerful, positive energy entering my ears, purifying me inside-out.

The resonance of bells, the devotion towards goddess Ganga, and the splendid environment were beyond words.

My eyes were moist. The energy I was feeling at those moments was undefined.

Those multiple fire lamps, their luminance, and the actions of priests enlightened the whole surrounding. The night was illuminated by the natural colours of faith, flowers and fire.

Many big screens are also available on "Har ki Pauri Ghat" so that nobody can be left to experience those magical moments.

I was glad to experience the rich heritage of faith. The magnificence of the Indian river Ganga and the wealthy culture of devotion towards her was admirable. I respect the Goddess Ganga's indispensable role in living beings. The divine energy I felt was forcing me to stay there forever.

After the "Maha Ganga Aarti," every devotee can offer some sweets or Prasad to Goddess Ganga. I bought an "Aarti thali" that contained a tiny lamp, some marigolds, roses and jasmine flowers, and a sweet. The thali was of a leaf, beautifully crafted in a hollow spherical.

I also put a tilak on my forehead- a Trident. After downstairs, I reached to Goddess Ganga and touched her through my fingers. With all my honesty and devotion, I offered my prasad to her streams.

After holding those mesmerising moments, I explored the market. This place has an enormous market. There are infinite items a devotee or a tourist can buy for the souvenir. Haridwar's huge market carries traditional clothes, shawls, classic jewellery, traditional toys, decorated items, raw food items, spiritual statues, utensils, soft toys, fashionable products, and the list is endless. The quality of food in restaurants is impressive. Most restaurants offer "Satvik food(food without onion and garlic)." Devotees can plan the trip without any burden of food items.

This trip changed many things in my life. The beliefs and spirituality I met during this journey are memorable. I learned God made everything for some purpose. Everything in nature is serving its best in every possible way.

It is acceptable that history influences the present, and Haridwar is a religious place with an incredible religious past. Goddess Ganga here purifies the soil, atmosphere and every species.

In Sanatan holy scriptures, rivers resemble mothers because they conserve lives. So, Indians pronounce the River Ganga as "Maa Ganga." Goddess Ganga has a boon to remain a "purest river." It is a spiritual belief that Lord Mahadev and Goddess Parvati gave that boon to Goddess Ganga. It is also scientifically proven that the Ganga water contains higher levels of dissolved oxygen, which assists water quality.

There is another extraordinary spiritual story linked to the presence of Maa Ganga. It is unimaginable.

In Satyug, the king of Demons, Asur Raj Bali, was doing the hundred Ashwamedha Yagya to rule the three worlds- Heaven, Earth and the Netherworld.

King Bali was very forgiving, ingenious and spiritual, and a prominent devotee of Lord Vishnu. He was near to complete his hundredth Yagya. Then Lord Vishnu took the "Vaman" Avtar. Lord Vaman was a Brahmin child who had a short body.

Lord Vaman went to King Bali and asked him for some alms. Bali was very courteous. He said, whatever you desire, you can bring that. Lord Vaman asks for the space that came under his three steps. Bali happily pledged to grant to him.

Lord Vaman smiled and enlarged himself. He covered the whole Earth in his first step. He lifted his second foot to cover heaven and made a hole with his giant toe. Soon, the stream of pure water began flowing from heaven. That was Goddess Ganga.

Vaman Avatar

It is mentioned in the Sanatan holy Scripture, "Shrimad Bhagavatam MahaPuran," that Goddess Ganga is the river of heaven. She came to Earth after that incident.

The pace and volume of Goddess Ganga were dangerously high, which could threaten the Earth. She appeared to be more destructive than a tsunami.

Lord Brahma came to save the Earth. He carried the Goddess Ganga in his water pot. Goddess Ganga knew her massive purpose of penetrating Earth. She requested Lord Brahma for a path. Then, Lord Mahadev caught Goddess Ganga on his hair. For the welfare of lives on Earth, he released a small portion of his matted hair, and after that, a small stream of Goddess Ganga began flowing from his hair.

Surprisingly, the beginning of Goddess Ganga is the Gangotri glacier, the Himalayas, and the "Kailash Parvat" of the Himalayas, also known as the home of Lord Shiva.

Believe it or not, it is up to you. The tales of spiritual India are infinite. The more you are interested to know, the more you will dive into the ocean of the spiritual world. It is India.

I always say experience by yourself before any conclusion. Some happenings are beyond words because you can only feel them. Righteousness is a divine lesson from God Himself. If you want to witness it, pack your luggage and add Haridwar to your next trip.