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Har Ki Pauri

Haridwar, India

The Hindu god Vishnu is said to have walked at this Hindu pilgrimage site. 

A river winds along paved banks lined with pilgrims. View all photos
Har Ki Pauri panorama DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
A river winds along paved banks lined with pilgrims.
Har Ki Pauri panorama DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
Women look out on the Ganges DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
Lord Shiva statue DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
Offerings of flowers for the Ganges known as puja DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
Hindu pilgrims in orange gather at the Ganges River in India.
Pilgrims at Har Ki Pauri DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)
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Haridwar is a Hindu pilgrimage city in northern India. The focal point for pilgrims to Haridwar is known as Har Ki Pauri. The name means “God’s steps” since it is believed that Lord Vishnu walked here.

It’s here that the Ganges River comes down from the foothills of the Himalayas and enters the plains of eastern India. At this auspicious location, Hindu pilgrims come to bathe in the river and give offerings. Ceremonies and festivals often take place here as well.

Every evening the Ganga Aarti ceremony can be seen at sunset where a fire offering is made to the river goddess,  the Goddess Ganga or Maa Ganga. Various Hindu festivals often take place here, the largest of which is the Kumbh Mela. Every 12 years thousands of pilgrims descend on Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela and crowd into Har Ki Pauri. The next Haridwar Kumbh Mela will take place in 2033.

Know Before You Go

This can be a very crowded area. The exact address and latitude and longitude given here is for the Shiv Statue within Har Ki Pauri.

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DavidK
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Published
September 1, 2023
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