Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

Har Ki Pauri, famous as Brahm Kund, is considered the most sacred and popular site of Haridwar. It is the place from where the river Ganges enters into the plains after exiting the mountains. Har Ki Pauri was built by Vikramaditya, the famous king, in remembrance of his brother, Brithari, who used to meditate here on the banks of the Ganges river. According to one of the various legends associated with this place, lords Shiva and Vishnu appeared here during the Vedic period. The other legend says that Lord Brahma, also known as the god of creation, performed a ritual of sacrifice called yagna at this spot. There are footprints on the ghats, which are said to be of Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that taking a dip into the water of Har Ki Pauri washes off all the sins of an individual. Devotees in large numbers come to this place to perform rituals, such as mundan (shaving off the head) and upanayan (the initiation ritual), to name a few. In the span of every 12 years, the Kumbh Mela is held at the destination that is witnessed by several thousands of devotees.