One of the holiest ghats of Haridwar, Har-ki-Pauri is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The ghat is the spot where the River Ganges, after winding its way through the mountains, touches the plains for the first time. Countless people bathe in the waters of the river to wash off all their sins, as per Hindu beliefs. There are several temples next to the ghat and one can always hear the soothing chant of mantras and temple bells. The main attraction is the evening Ganga arti (a fire ritual). One can see the ghat swarmed with priests carrying three-tiered lamps of fire, and devotees immersed in a spiritual fervour, while the sound of mantras and gongs reverberates through the surroundings. During the arti, the devotees float lamps in the river, creating a beautiful scene.

It is said that king Vikramaditya’s brother, Bhartrihari, had meditated on the banks of the holy river Ganga for several years. After his death, the great king built this ghat in his memory. It was known as Hari-ki-Pauri after Bhatrihari. Lord Vishnu’s footprint is said to be etched on one of the stones here and it is believed that Lord Shiva came here during the Vedic period.

Situated on top of the Neel Parwat, the Chandi Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi.  The main statue was established by Adi Shakaracharya in the 8th century AD, while the temple was constructed by Suchat Singh, the king of Kashmir, in 1929 AD. From Chandighat, one needs to trek 3 km to reach the temple, or take a trolley on the ropeway. 
Legend has it that once demon kings Shumbh and Nishumbh had taken over Lord Indra’s ancient kingdom and had thrown the gods out of the heavens. Chandika Devi, a goddess who was created with the cells from Goddess Parvati’s body, was desired by king Shumbh. When she refused his advances, the kings sent their army chiefs Chanda and Munda to kill Goddess Chandika. However, Chanda and Munda were killed by Kalika Devi, who was born out of Goddess Chandika’s anger. Chandika Devi went on to kill the two demon kings as well. Tired after this long battle, the goddess is said to have rested on Neel Parwat and the Chandi Devi Temple was built in her honour.

With a firm belief in ancient practices as its backbone, Patanjali Yogpeeth aims to free people across the world from diseases as well as medicines. They are encouraged instead to rely on the wisdom of sages and saints including Maharishi Patanjali, Charak and Sushrut. At the institute, practical and functional training in Astang Yog, Raj Yog, Dhyan Yog, Hath Yog, Ashan and Pranayam, among others, is encouraged. The aim is to achieve peace, good health and extreme happiness. There are regular yoga classes organised in the institute as well as outside for all and they are also broadcasted on television. The institute conducts courses in yoga and promotes research on this ancient practice. It also has the aim of spreading awareness – books, international conferences and the like are the tools used for the purpose. There are departments of ophthalmology, ENT, dental and surgery, along with a section for physiotherapy and acupressure in the institute. It is well-equipped with latest machines and equipment. Accommodation is also available for tourists who want to stay over. It also has a modern library, with several manuscripts and literature on yoga, Ayurveda and botany, along with an internet surfing centre. Swami Ramdev ji Maharaj and Acharya Balkrishna ji Maharaj founded the Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust) on February 4, 2005. 

Offering beautiful views of the city of Haridwar, Mansa Devi Temple is situated on the Bilwa Parwat. It has two impressive statues of Goddess Mansa Devi – one with three mouths and five arms and the other with eight arms. Goddess Mansa is believed to be a form of Goddess Shakti, who came from the mind of sage Kashyap. This temple is among the 51 shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Sati fell) in the country. There are two other  shaktipeethas in Haridwar: Chandi Devi and Maya Devi temples.

One can go via the ropeway in a trolley to this temple or simply trek up the hill. It is said that the goddess grants all wishes that are made by tying a thread on the branches of a holy tree in the temple. One must also come back to untie the thread once the wish has been fulfilled.