HARIDWAR
The Gate Way Of Heaven

HAR-KI-PAIRI

This is the most sacred of the bathing ghats, with a small but Impressive temple at the head of stairs, considered to be the most auspicious spot for bathing, when this holy thirtha kshetra plays host to the world's largest religious fair-Kumbha Mela held once in every twelve years. And also to Ardha Kumbha Mela, conducted once in six years. This temple enshrines the same sacred slab consecrated by the imprints of Lord Maha Vishnu. Legends says, according to sthalagna - the local guide that Lord Vishnu visited this place to advise Dakshaprajapati, the son of Brahma ruling the country from here then to carry on the activities of creation uninterrupted. On his disappearance, the spot where He set his feet bore the imprints OF His feet, and they have been worshipped since then with utmost ardor. And Mother Ganga adores His holy feet day and night by touching the walls of this shrine; for, it was from Lord Sri Maha Vishnu's foot she was born. The grateful theists and temple authorities have been offering elaborate regular prayers to this Ganga Mai every evening with ardor that has neither parallels nor similarities did exist elsewhere in the past. Though it is a regular ritual, lacs of persons witness this rare spectacle and enjoy the sights of little lamps with flowers floating fast moving on 'use crystal clear waters of Ganga. To enabling the huge crowds witnessing this soul-lifting ritual; this sacred ghat was augmented in size and shape by flights of stairs by government which to some extent is helping the bathers during the propitious moments regular or festival. So this place is fittingly called Hari-Ki-Pairi, and Mme town, Hardwar henceforth.

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