Bhuma Niketan Temple
Haridwar, Uttarakhand · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Bhuma Niketan is a temple-cum-ashram set on Sapt Sarovar Marg in the Motichur–Bhupatwala belt of Haridwar, the quieter northern stretch of the city that runs toward the Sapt Sarovar bathing site and Saptrishi Ashram. It was founded by Swami Bhumananda Teerth, and the institution follows the Advaita (non-dualist) philosophical tradition associated with Adi Shankaracharya. Alongside its shrines, the establishment runs a charitable trust engaged in social-welfare work, making it a living dharmic institution rather than merely a monument — a place of daily worship, study and service.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ashram and dharamshala bhojanalayas around Sapt Sarovar and Bhupatwala - simple satvik thalis for pilgrims; purely vegetarian, though timings and availability vary, so check on the day.
- ✦Mohan Ji Puri Wale (Upper Road, toward Har Ki Pauri) - a long-standing pure-vegetarian institution known for puri-sabzi and kachori; a short auto ride south.
- ✦Hoshiyar Puri (Bara Bazaar, near Har Ki Pauri) - historic pure-vegetarian eatery famed for its puri-aloo; worth combining with a Har Ki Pauri visit.
- ✦Mathura Wale / local pure-veg dhabas along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road - dependable vegetarian meals; Haridwar is a wholly vegetarian city, but confirm a specific outlet's hours before relying on it.
About
Bhuma Niketan is a temple-cum-ashram set on Sapt Sarovar Marg in the Motichur–Bhupatwala belt of Haridwar, the quieter northern stretch of the city that runs toward the Sapt Sarovar bathing site and Saptrishi Ashram.
- It was founded by Swami Bhumananda Teerth, and the institution follows the Advaita (non-dualist) philosophical tradition associated with Adi Shankaracharya.
- Alongside its shrines, the establishment runs a charitable trust engaged in social-welfare work, making it a living dharmic institution rather than merely a monument — a place of daily worship, study and service.
- What sets Bhuma Niketan apart from Haridwar's better-known riverside temples is its sculptural storytelling.
- The complex is dedicated principally to Lord Shiva, with figures of Lord Vishnu and other deities woven throughout, and the images are unusually expressive and life-size.
- The most arresting is a large sculpture of Mahadev (Shiva) carrying the lifeless body of Sati — a rendering of one of the most poignant episodes in Shaivite mythology, when a grief-stricken Shiva bears his consort's remains across the cosmos.
- Near the entrance stand finely detailed figurines of Shiva and Parvati together, and the grounds are dotted with colourful fountains that soften the devotional intensity into something almost garden-like.
- Inside, the ashram unfolds as a walk-through gallery of Hindu sacred geography and epic narrative.
- Tableaux depict stories of Rama and Krishna, while cave-like passages recreate revered pilgrimage sites — evocations of the Vaishno Devi shrine, the Char Dham circuit and Mount Kailash — so that visitors who may never make those long journeys can still pay symbolic homage.
- This didactic, immersive layout makes it especially engaging for families and first-time pilgrims, and it offers a calmer, less crowded alternative to the crush of Har Ki Pauri a few kilometres south.
- For all visitors regardless of faith, ordinary temple etiquette applies: remove footwear before entering shrine areas, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep voices low during worship, and ask before photographing inside sanctum spaces.
- As part of Haridwar — a Saptapuri pilgrimage city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by long custom — the entire surrounding neighbourhood is purely vegetarian, so travellers seeking satvik food will find the area, and the ashram's ethos, wholly aligned with a meat-free, alcohol-free way of eating.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Sapt Sarovar Marg, Motichur, Bhupatwala, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, 249410
How to Reach: On Sapt Sarovar Marg in the Motichur-Bhupatwala area of northern Haridwar, roughly 5-6 km from Har Ki Pauri and under 1 km from Motichur railway halt. From Haridwar Junction railway station an auto-rickshaw or shared vikram (tempo) costs about ₹60-120 and takes 15-20 minutes; from Har Ki Pauri hire an auto or e-rickshaw toward Bhupatwala/Sapt Sarovar. There is no metro in Haridwar; autos, e-rickshaws and shared vikrams are the standard local transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bhuma Niketan Temple in Haridwar known for?
Bhuma Niketan is a temple-cum-ashram on Sapt Sarovar Marg founded by Swami Bhumananda Teerth. It is best known for its expressive, life-size sculptures - especially a striking statue of Lord Shiva (Mahadev) carrying the body of Sati - along with finely carved figures of Shiva and Parvati, colourful fountains, and cave-like walk-through recreations of sacred sites such as Vaishno Devi, the Char Dham and Mount Kailash.
Is there an entry fee for Bhuma Niketan?
No, entry is free. As an active temple and ashram maintained by a charitable trust, it is open to visitors of all faiths with no admission ticket. Any donation you offer is entirely voluntary.
What are the timings of Bhuma Niketan Temple?
It is reported to be open roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, sometimes with a midday break. Ashram temple hours can change with the season and with festival schedules, so it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
How do I reach Bhuma Niketan from Har Ki Pauri?
The temple is in the Motichur-Bhupatwala area on Sapt Sarovar Marg, about 5-6 km north of Har Ki Pauri. Hire an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw toward Bhupatwala or Sapt Sarovar - the ride takes around 15-20 minutes. Shared vikrams (tempos) also run along the Haridwar-Rishikesh road. There is no metro in Haridwar.
Is Bhuma Niketan suitable for families and children?
Yes. Its immersive, story-driven layout - epic tableaux of Rama and Krishna, model recreations of famous pilgrimage sites, and cheerful fountains - makes it particularly engaging for children and first-time pilgrims. It is also calmer and less crowded than the ghats at Har Ki Pauri, so it suits a relaxed family visit.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Bhuma Niketan?
The whole area is vegetarian - Haridwar is a holy city that is vegetarian and alcohol-free by custom. Simple ashram and dharamshala bhojanalayas near Sapt Sarovar serve satvik thalis, while a short auto ride south toward Har Ki Pauri brings you to long-standing pure-vegetarian institutions such as Mohan Ji Puri Wale and Hoshiyar Puri. Check individual outlet timings on the day, as many keep traditional hours.