History, Importance, Timings, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Parad Shivlinga, Shri Pardeshwar Mahadev Temple, Harihar Ashram, Kankhal, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India
Parad Shivlinga, the unique Shivlinga is placed in Shri Paradeshwar Mahadev temple in Harihar Ashram, Kankhal, Haridwar. The meaning of Parad is mercury and this shivlinga is made of up from 151 kg of mercury thus it becomes popular as Parad Shivlinga and hold very high religious importance in Haridwar. Being one of the top attraction of Haridwar, everyday thousands of devotee visits Parad Shivlinga throughout the year. It is located in Kankhal, at just 4 km from Har ki Pauri and 3 km from Haridwar junction.
Along with the Paradeshwar Mahadev, there is another temple of Lord Shiva called Maha Mrutunjaya Mandir located in Harihar Ashram premise. Another key attraction here is very old Rudraksha tree where devotee worshipped and request for good health as it is believed that Rudraksh has healing powers that can cure many disease. Replica of all the 12 Jyotirlinga is placed in circumnavigation of Rudraksh tree where devotee perform the Pradakshina with pure devotion towards the Lord Shiva.
Harihar Ashram is not only favorite place of general people but lots of high profile people including politician, actors, business men etc. visits here around the year to fulfill their spiritual needs. Shri Ramnath Kovind, the presidet of India has visited here in 2019, Shri Amit Shah and Shri Mohan Bhagvat had also visit here in 2018.
The Shivling was offered first prayer during the Kumbh Mela in 1986 at Haridwar. The Parad Shivlinga was installed with boon of Mahamandaleshwar Shri 1008 Swami Lokeshanand Giri Maharaj and first worshipped by Shri Giani Zail Singh, the president of India on 3rd March, 1986 on Maha Shivratri and Maha Kumbh Mela.
As per lot of holy text of Sanatan Dharma like Shiv Puran, Brahm Puran, etc. importance of worshipping the Parad Shivlinga is mentioned in detailed. Devotee can get equal Punya fal like worshipping 12 Jyotirlinga just by darshan of Parad Shivlinga. Devotee can get blessing from Lord Shiva and fulfill all his desire. Thus, sometime Parad Shivlinga is also referred as Mahalingam or Rasalingam. Parad Shivling, made up from pure Mercury is considered as auspicious and mysterious metal due to its peculiar and unique properties. It is also believed as unique tantric product also. It is used for Sadhna and if one concentrates on it and uses it for worshipping; nearly all of his wishes are supposed to be fulfilled. It is also said that demon king Ravan has attain lots of Vidhya and Shakti by worshipping the Parad Shivlinga. It is believed that individual who looks forward to success in the material world and thereafter through salvation moksa should worship Parad shivling, as this worship offers both to individual.
There are lots of Ashram of different sects are located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand but Ashram of 13 Akhadas are believed to be most important. Harihar Ashram of Panch Dashanan Juna Akhada, located in Kankhal, Haridwar is believed to be very pious and highly important. Harihar Ashram, one of the oldest Ashram is located at the bank of the holy river Ganges. Harihar Ashram is the “Acharya Gaddhi” of Shri Panchdasnam Juna Akhara, the biggest spiritual. Sri Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, is a guru of thousands devotee and an inspiration for millions of people across the world. Swami Avdheshanand has initiated more than a hundred thousand sannyasins, transformed lives with his social activities, and leads the Juna Akhara. Harihar Ashram in Kankhal (Hardwar) is the main Ashram and seat of Acharya.
Best time to visit Daksha Mahadev Mandir is during the October to March, especially during holy month of Sravan and on Mahashivratri. Summer is quite hot here and it will be tough to walk during summer so devotee should avoid to visit during April and May.
As Haridwar is one of the most popular pilgrimage centre for Sanatan Dharm and entry gate to Char Dham Yatra of Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath and Kedarnath, millions of devotee across the world visits here throughout the year. Especially during festivals, Char Dham Yatra period and vacation, you can see tremendous flow of devotee at all the place of Haridwar and mainly at Har ki Pauri during the evening Ganga Aarti. As, millions of pilgrims reach here, to facilitate them lots of Ashram, Dharmshala, Hotels and guest house established to accommodate. Lots of restaurant and shopping market are well developed. Especially winter collection and ritual related items are available in lots of variety and at affordable price. Also you can find lots of travel agency and guide service here in Haridwar. For any assistance, pilgrims can connect us on 9979242505.
How to Reach Paras Shivlinga, Shri Paradeshwar Mahadev Temple, Harihar Ashram, Kankhal, Haridwar, The Gate way of Supreme Lord, Uttarakhand, India
Parad Shivlinga is one the most popular and must visit pilgrimage site of Haridwar where thousands of devotee and tourist reaches around the year during their Haridwar tour. It is located just 3 km from Har ki Pauri, 5 km from railway station so devotee can easily reach via auto or private vehicle. Haridwar is one of the Sapt Puri – Seven holy pilgrimage of Sanatan Dharma which grants pilgrims with Moksha. Haridwar is very well connected with all the major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Haridwar has major railway junction which is well connected with all major cities across India. Also you can easily reach Haridwar via road network of national and state highway. Nearest airport from Haridwar is Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun, the capital of state of Uttarakhand at just 37 km from Haridwar. You can get flights to almost all cities of India from here. For local transport, Haridwar has a good public and private transport facility to reach any part of city easily. You can get taxi, auto rickshaw and now lots of e rickshaw also available to reach each temple of city. Haridwar is located at around 54 km from Dehradun, 30 km from Rishikesh – the Yoga capital of world, 90 km from Mussoorie, 240 km from Delhi, 190 km from UttarKashi and 203 km from Guptkashi.
