Haridwar from ancient times ,is believed as one of the central sites of India in terms spirituality and devotion for Hindu deities also known as the gateway of salvation (moksha).
Haridwar city as the name suggests is the abode of Shri ( lord Vishnu). Situated on the foothills of Shivaliks in Uttrakhand, Haridwar city is nurtured by the holiness of river Ganga and holds an essential part in Hindus.
It is believed that Samudra Manthan leads to the appearance of Amrit which when carried by Garuda, the drops fell at four places Ujjain, Prayagraj, Nashik and Haridwar.
The spot at the Haridwar where Amrit fell is located at Har ki Pauri and that sacred spot came to be known as Brahama Kund.
Haridwar also serve as an gateway to Chardham of Uttrakhand circuit that comprises of Yamunotri in Uttarkashi, Gangotri in Uttarkashi, Kedarnath dham in Rudraprayag and Badrinath in Chamoli district where pilgrims make their visits in lap of Himalayas to have the blessings of their deities.
Although Haridwar as a whole is a sacred place with many temples within, but there are main five tirths (holy places) with in Haridwar that are most visited shrines.
Har ki Pauri
Har ki Pauri means Steps of God lies on the banks of river Ganga. It is believed that lord Vishnu stepped in Brahama Kund. Also it is the spot where river Ganga completes her journey from mountains and further ahead to plains.
Every evening at Brahma kund the Ma Ganga is worshiped during aarti
carries the wishes of thousands of people.
After every 12 years Kumbha Mela held in Haridwar where large number of people from far away places gathers to take sacred bath in Ganga river to make wish for their Moksha.
Kushavarta Ghat
At Kushavarta Ghat the rites for the Funeral (Shraddha Ceremony) offered by people for the peace of their ancestral souls.
Kushavarta Ghat is located at 500 m of distance from Har ki Pauri.
Mansa Devi Mandir(Billav temple)
Billav temple is dedicated to goddess Mansa Devi in the form of Shakti. As the name suggests it is believed that goddess mansa Devi fulfills the wishes of people . Mansa Devi Dham is one of the 53 Shakti peeths.
Mansa Devi can be reached by foot and also by cable car. It is at the strech of 3 km from Haridwar that remains open through out the year.
Chandi Devi Mandir
Located at the top of Neel parvat, Chandi Mata mandir faces Mansa Devi Mandir. Chandi mandir is also among seedha peetha. It is about 4 km distance from Haridwar .One can take ropeway near Gauri Shankar temple on Nazibabad road. The temple is opened through out the year.
Maya Devi temple
Maya Devi temple is 2 km from Haridwar. Like Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi it is also called Shakti peeth where goddess Sati Heart and Naval fell.
Thus this also hold an important part in Panchtirth of Haridwar.