Despite having passed through Haridwar numerous times, I was only able to attend the Ganga Aarati today. Puranic legend holds that Haridwar, along with Ujjain, Nashik, and Prayag, is one of four locations where drops of Amrit, the elixir of immortality, were accidentally spilt from a kumbha (pitcher) while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda during the Samudra Manthana, or ocean churning. This Ghat was built in honour of King Vikramaditya's (1st century BCE) brother Bharthari.
Haridwar is one of India's seven sacred cities, also known as the "Gateway to the Gods." Haridwar is also the starting point for pilgrimages to the Char Dhams, which include Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. To put Nepali context, Samvatsara, despite being named after the legendary king Vikramaditya, is a Sanskrit term for 'year.' The Bikram Sambat serves as the foundation for the Nepali calendar. The calendar is about 56 years and eight months ahead of the Gregorian calendar. Also at the most recent Khumbh Mela here in Haridwar, the current Hindu Samrat Raja Gyanendra Shah of Nepal participated in Royal Snan alongside saints and thousands of devotees.
The Mansa Devi Temple and the Ganga Aarati at Har Ki Pauri are the most well-known attractions in Haridwar. A type of Ganga worship is Ganga aarti. Every day between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., a large crowd gathers here for Ganga aarti (daily). Thanks to #holytoursaustralia and their tour leader Hanif Ka for making it possible to participate in the ritual so closely.
We will stop on the way back at the Mansa Devi temple, which is known for being the holy abode of Mansa Devi, a form of Shakti who is said to have emerged from Lord Shiva's mind. Mansa is a Sanskrit word that means "wish," and it is believed that the goddess grants all true devotees' wishes.I am convinced in the concept that if one devotes themselves sincerely to what arises in their minds or what they allow in their mind space in total awareness, they can manifest it!!!
We also took advantage of the opportunity to pay Deharadun a visit for our favourite food at Kalsang Tibetan Restaurant, Kalsang & his team has managed to expand his operation across many cities in North India, and during our meeting, he mentioned that he will be opening soon in Pokhara, Nepal. Best wishes for your expansion, Kalsang La!
Lastly before retiring, #holytoursaustralia took us to Mohan Puriwala, where we ate dinner, has been satisfying customers' taste buds for generations, having started out in a very small way on the ghats of Haridwar many many generations ago, where they catered to passing pilgrims.
Team #tutormateaus how about yoga retreat at Haridwar this C’mas? Stay tuned for updates from Gangotri & Yamunotri. I'll leave you until then in the capable hands of Murali Venkatraman Rao, a great storyteller: https://youtu.be/ONPSU8NCmKk
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