Haridwar Temples: Explore The Rich History And Cultural Significance Of These Holy Sites

Image of Haridwar near holy river and crowd doing pooja - explore the Haridwar Temples

Haridwar, the holy town in Uttarakhand, is famous for its spirituality and amazing temples. The Haridwar temples most notably Mansa Devi, and Chandi Devi temples, are deities of immense value in Hinduism and offer an environment conducive to worship and meditation. Each of these temples is a work of art in itself, even the interiors have been carefully crafted to appeal to spiritual seekers. Haridwar is the place of pilgrimage for many aspiring to begin Char Dham Yatra, hence making it one of the key places in the pilgrimage circuit of India.

10 Popular Haridwar Temples To Visit

Discover the spiritual charm of Haridwar temples, where divine vibes, stunning architecture, and age-old traditions promise an unforgettable experience.

1. Mansa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Temple is one of the most famous Haridwar temples

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Mansa Devi Temple, one of the famous temples in Haridwar, is located on the Bilwa Parvat hill. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees and hence the temple is a must-visit place for tourists. Tourists may trek up to the temple or take a cable car for a breathtaking view of the city and the Ganges River. The peaceful ambiance of the temple, coupled with the picturesque hills surrounding it make it an ideal place to meditate.

Location: Bilwa Parvat, Haridwar
Major Attractions: Goddess Mansa Devi, Cable car rides, Scenic views
How To Reach: Accessible via trekking trails or cable cars from Haridwar city.

2. Chanda Devi Temple

One of the top Haridwar Temples is Chanda Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi

Photo: Ashish3724 / Wikimedia Commons

Another prominent temple situated on the Neel Parvat is the Chandi Devi Temple. This temple is addressed to Goddess Chandi who is believed to be the source of divine energy. The temple can be reached via arduous climb or by means of a cable car offering panoramic views of nature around. People who pray here do so to wish for more power or riches. The place is overrun by crowds during the nine-day long Navratri festival in honor of the goddess.

Location: Neel Parvat, Haridwar
Major Attractions: Goddess Chandi, Trekking, Cable car rides
How To Reach: Reachable by trek or cable car from the base of the hill.

3. Kankhal Temple

Kankhal Temple, one of the revered Haridwar temples, is visited by huge crowds

Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons

Kankhal Temple which is also known as Kankhal Devi Temple is situated in the Kankhal region of Haridwar, and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. This temple is popular due to its peculiar designs and architecture as well as the religious importance it possesses. The temple hosts special rituals and aarti ceremonies, especially during Hindu festivals like Shivaratri, drawing large crowds of devotees.

Location: Kankhal, Haridwar
Major Attractions: Goddess Kali, Spiritual ambiance, Festival celebrations
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Haridwar city.

4. Bharat Mata Mandir

Visit Bharat Mata Mandir, a top-tier and revered Haridwar Temple

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Bharat Mata Mandir is a temple unlike any other, as it worships Mother India. It is a multi-storied shrine that highlights the different cultures, practices and religions embraced by India. The ambience of the temple is span and respect towards the motherland. A visit allows one to walk through beautifully crafted halls devoted to Indian culture and its principles. On each floor, Bharat Mata Mandir showcases statues, murals, and artifacts of famous Indian leaders, freedom fighters, saints, and cultural icons.

Location: Haridwar
Major Attractions: Representation of Indian culture, Historical figures, Multi-story architecture
How To Reach: Located within Haridwar city, easily reachable by local transport.

5. Daksheswara Mahadev Temple

 Daksheswara Mahadev Temple with beautiful architecture, a must-see Haridwar Temple

Photo: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons

Daksheswara Mahadev Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and has relevant stories related to him in Hindu religion. As believed, Daksha Prajapati was performing a yagna at this site which is associated with the myths related to lord Shiva and Sati. Consequently, this temple receives a large number of devotees and visitors, particularly during the festival of Shivratri. It boasts beautiful structures, fine detailing, and a peaceful environment. An insight into its role in Shiva and Sati legends, the temple is known to be of the lineage of King Daksha Prajapati, father to Goddess Sati.

Location: Kankhal, Haridwar
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva, Mythological significance, Festivals
How To Reach: Accessible by road from Haridwar city

6. Sapt Rishi Ashram

 Sapt Rishi Ashram, a peaceful place among Haridwar Temples

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Sapt Rishi Ashram is a spiritual retreat situated beside the River Ganga. It is said to be the very place where seven sages are known to have carried out their meditation. The ashram provides a tranquil atmosphere ideal for meditation and prayer- the beauty of nature also complements its calmness. It is believed that Sapt Sarovar is so named because the Ganga was split into seven streams in order not to disturb the sages residing there.

Location: Haridwar
Major Attractions: Spiritual meditation, Peaceful environment, Scenic beauty
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Haridwar.

7. Rajaji National Park Temple

 Inside the premises of Rajaji park, this is a must-visit on the list of Haridwar Temples

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Nestled in Rajaji National Park, this temple is one of the temples of Lord Shiva offering an experience wherein one can enjoy nature along with spirituality. It draws in people who love nature and come to worship so that they can enjoy their faith and the surroundings. The temple is the focal point of many eco-tourism activities in the Rajaji National Park improving the experience of the region. This temple is among the lesser known temples in Haridwar.

Location: Rajaji National Park, Haridwar
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva, Nature, Wildlife
How To Reach: Accessible via park entrance; requires prior arrangements for visitors

8. Neelkantheshwar Temple

Visit the Neelkantheshwar Temple, the most ancient temple in Haridwar

Photo: Bhaskergaur / Wikimedia Commons

Neelkantheshwar Temple lies slightly distanced from the urban conglomerate and it is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The structure is set at the river Ganga and boasts of an ambience that is quite calm, almost tranquil. It is a very good place for people in pursuit of silence and nature. The beauty of the surrounding landscape also attracts many keen photographers as well as those who appreciate nature.

Location: Near Haridwar
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva, Scenic views, Peaceful ambiance
How To Reach: Reachable by road; local transportation available.

9. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a one of the most visited temples in India

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Shiva is worshiped in this temple, which is a sacred place that Hindus regard as one of the best pilgrimage destinations. Because of this, almost every corner of the country sees an influx of pilgrims, especially during the major religious occasions. Many devotees visit the temple to perform certain poojas, offer prayers, and receive blessings on specific auspicious days. Most of the visitors feel a sense of spirituality due to the energetic vibe and culture that surrounds the festivals.

Location: Haridwar
Major Attractions: Lord Shiva, Architectural beauty, Festivals
How To Reach: Located in the heart of Haridwar, easily accessible by foot or local transport

10. Shanti Kunj Ashram

This ashram in Haridwar promises peace and utmost spiritual vibes

Photo: David Bartus / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Shantikunj is a religious and cultural institution started by Gayatri Pariwar. It promotes peace, spirituality, and service to humanity. There is a temple on the premise for chanting the Gayatri mantra, as well as other facilities that operate for holistic activities. Here people can practice many different spiritual activities like yoga, listening to spiritual talks, and the like to enhance community bonding and wellbeing. Quite often in the service of such centers are ceremonial grounds embellished with thick foliage and a calm environment which allows time off to be spent in contemplation.

Location: Haridwar
Major Attractions: Spiritual teachings, Community service, Meditation
How To Reach: Easily accessible by road from Haridwar city

The temples in Haridwar are among the most important pilgrimage sites due to the spirituality, exquisiteness, and diversity they offer. Be it the magnificence of the Mansa Devi Temple or the calm Sapt Rishi Ashram, there is a story that every temple brings along that is sacred and age-old. With Trip XL, experience the divine charm of Haridwar and let the pilgrimage be well arranged with no hassle. Reserve your temple tour bookings now.

Cover Photo: Rahul Mishra / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time would be the month of October to the month of March, this is because the weather is not too hot and is very conducive for sightseeing and carrying out spiritual activities.
Some of the most renowned temples include Mansa Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Kankhal Temple, each offering unique spiritual experiences and stunning views.
Yes, guiding tours are offered which helps in improving the trampling by giving out staff as to how the places are with regards to the religion and the temples; their history, how they look and their significance.
Apart from visiting the temples, tourists can also indulge in performing rituals, taking a holy dip in the Ganga, eating the local food, and also shopping for knick-knacks and handicrafts in the local markets.
Mansa Devi Temple, located in Haridwar, India, is unique for its scenic hilltop setting, sacred role in Hindu mythology, and the revered goddess Mansa Devi, who grants wishes.

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