The great sacrifice of Daksa Prajapati took place near here, where Sati burned herself alive. Nearby, at Sapta Sarovara, the Ganges splits into seven streams to please the seven Rishis doing austerities there. Lord Nityananda came here about 500 years ago.

Haridwar is one of the four places where Kumbha-mela is held every 12 years. The other places are Allahabad (Prayag), Nasik, and Unain. It is said that some nectar fell at this place when the nectar pitcher was being carried by jayanta (son of Lord Indra). Over 2 million people come to the Kumbha-mela here. The bathing takes place at Hari-ki-Pauri Ghat. The name Har-ki-Pauri means the feet of Hari (Lord Vishnu). This ghat is also called Brahma Kund because it is said that Raja Shveta performed austerities here and received blessings from Brahma.

Every night at about 6 pm there is an arati to the sacred Ganges. The arati consists of offering some large lamps to the Ganges.

Puri is called Sri Purusottama Dham or Martya Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth. The Jagannatha Temple here is one of the major temples in India. The worship of Lord Jagannatha is so ancient that there is no idea how long He has been worshiped.

The name Jagannatha literally means Lord of the Universe. It is said that the present temple was begun by King Chora Ganga Deva and finished by his descendant, Anangabhima Deva, in the 12th century.

The main temple structure is 65m (214 feet) high and is built on elevated ground which makes it look even larger and add to the imposing impression you get as you first come within sight of the temple. The temple complex comprises an area of 10 acres. This temple is said to have the largest kitchen in the world and feeds thousands of devotees every day. There is a wheel on top of the Jagannatha Temple made of an alloy of eight different metals known as asta-dhatu. It is known as the Nila Chakra (blue wheel). It is 11 feet 8 inches high and has a circumference of about 36 feet.

In front of the main gate is an 11m pillar, called Aruna Stambha, which used to be in front of the Sun Temple in Konark. It was brought to Puri The figure on top of the pillar is Aruna, the charioteer of the sun god.

The main Deities in the temple are Lord Jagannatha, His brother, Baladeva, and His sister, Lady Subhadra. Lord Jagannatha is another name for Lord Krishna.