About Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Haridwar (Gate of God / Gate of Hari), one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri), is where the Ganga descends from the Himalayas to the plains. Har Ki Pauri (Steps of Shiva) is the most sacred ghat, where a footprint of Vishnu is believed to be embedded in the stone. Every evening, hundreds of priests perform the Ganga Aarti simultaneously on the ghat — an unforgettable spectacle of fire, flowers and chanting with the river illuminated by floating diyas. Haridwar is also the gateway to the Char Dham yatra and hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years (and Ardh Kumbh every 6 years).

Referenced in the Skanda Purana and Vishnu Purana. The Kumbh Mela at Haridwar is one of the world's largest religious gatherings. The 2021 Haridwar Kumbh Mela drew 9.1 million pilgrims in a single day. The city also has Daksha Mahadev Temple, associated with the mythological Daksha Yagna that led to Sati's death.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Junction is 1 km from Har Ki Pauri. Walking or e-rickshaw. Vehicles restricted near the ghat during aarti.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

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