Pashupati Mahadev Mandir in Haridwar
The holy city of Haridwar is dotted all over with holy spots, temples, and iconic ancient shrines. The name of the city itself is made up of the combination of 2 names Hari meaning Lord Vishnu and Dwar meaning gateway. No matter what time of the year you visit Haridwar, a temple tour is a must. The temples in Haridwar hold a lot of spiritual value. Gracing some of the best locations in Haridwar are its incredible temples. One such sacred temple in Haridwar is the Pashupati Mahadev Mandir.
About Pashupati Mahadev Mandir Haridwar
The Pashupati Mahadev Temple of Haridwar is about 200 years old and is located at the Shravan Nath Math in Moti Bazar. The temple was built in 1876 by Raja Rajendra Vikram Singh. Just as the stone of Shivling in Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple is considered to be the sacred Paras Patthar. Similarly, the stone Shivling of Haridwar is also a Paras Patthar. After Nepal, the other temple dedicated to the lord of animals, Pashupatinath is located in Haridwar. Even though it is located in Haridwar its importance is similar to that of Nepal’s temple. Devotees who have visited the temple are said to have reported feeling incredibly peaceful and serene here.
History
The origin of Pashupatinath can be traced back first to the Mohenjo Daro excavations. A seal containing the 3 faced idol of Lord Shiva, surrounded by various animals and birds gained a lot of attention. It is said that this 3 faced idol of Lord Shiva was worshipped by the ancient people and early settlers of India. The temple of Pashupatinath in Haridwar was built 200 years earlier. Sant Baba in Haridwar Srinath was the guru of the king of Nepal then. He is said to have suggested the king get the temple built. He had suggested the king recreate the sculpture of the deity in Nepal. So on the request of the sage, the temple was built and ever since then it became a powerful place of Shiva worship in Haridwar.
Architecture
Unlike the beautiful wooden structure of the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal, the Pashupatinath Mandir of Haridwar is a simple and humble-looking structure. Located in the heart of Haridwar, the temple is blessed with lush green trees and blessed with the natural beauty of the immediate surroundings. The presiding deity is made in the form of a large 3 faced Lord Shiva. It looks majestically authoritative to look at and offering puja to the lord is considered to be a wonderful experience.
Temple Timing
The temple timings here are from 4 am in the morning to 12 noon and then from 3 pm to 9 pm. Devotees must know about the temple timings before visiting in order to plan their trip accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Pashupati Mahadev Temple is from March to June and then from September to February. During these months, the temperature remains pleasant and favourable to go out to the temple, explore, offer the prayers and spend some time in peace. This is also a great time to go out and explore the twin holy city of Rishikesh and indulge in various activities.
Avoid travelling to the hills during the monsoon season. This is the time when the region remains susceptible to heavy flooding situations and random landslides as well. It would be safer to first learn about the right and the safest time to visit Haridwar before going there.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir in Haridwar is 26 kms away in Jolly grant airport, Dehradun.
If you choose to go to Haridwar by train then the nearest railway station is located at Haridwar itself. The temple is located just 1 km away from the Pashupati Mahadev Mandir of Haridwar.
Roadways have become a very popular option to reach Haridwar. Being a very popular holy place of worship, Haridwar is easily visited by a private car, bus or a cab/taxi service. Luxury and local buses are also available to increase connectivity between nearby towns to Haridwar. NH 58 connects Haridwar to the rest of India seamlessly.
Travel Tips
- If you are planning a trip to Haridwar then bear in mind that it is a very holy and religious place. You need to show respect to the authenticity and pure vibe of the place. Make sure to wear appropriate clothes that cover your knees and shoulders.
- If you are looking for some souvenir to buy in Haridwar, then some of the best options are edibles like pickles, Achaar etc, and other interesting things to buy in Haridwar are stone Shaligrams, old ancient coins, Rudraksh Mala, and brass puja items etc.
- Har Ki Pauri is very famous for its spiritual and religious significance. It is one of the most popular Ghats in Haridwar Rishikesh combined. Its relevance owes to the fact that it was the exact place where the Ashvamedha Yajna had taken place by Lord Brahma.
