ABOUT HARIDWAR

Haridwar, The city is also called as dev bhoomi, is the second largest city of state Uttrakhand. It is the city famous for holy river ganges and shivalik ranges. In the ancient Hindu texts, Haridwar has always been a major pilgrimage place for the Hindus.

Holy river Ganga is starting from Gaumukh, Gangotri and flows towards Haridwar in Uttarakhand. So, haridwar is situated on the banks of the Ganges. Holy river ganga is worshipped by hindus as the Goddess. Haridwar so is regarded as dev bhoomi (the land of hindu lords), famous pilgrimage in uttarakhand that serves as a gateway to several places of worship in uttarakhand. The other famous pilgrimages in uttarakhand are Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamnotri,  and Kedarnath.

Kumbh Mela is an important event celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. It is believed that Hindus, who take a holy bath in ganga at the kumbha mela, wash away their sins and attain salvation. Recognizing the fact that people from different parts of India come on this pilgrimage Haridwar. The word ‘Haridwar’ means ‘Gateway of The Lord Hari’ (Gateway of Lord Vishnu). Another name for haridwar are Mayapuri, Gangadwar, and Mokshadwar.

According to the ancient hindu texts, Haridwar  is the city where drops of Amrit (holy water) were spilled while being carried by the Garuda(a celestial bird in hindu mythology). And the spot where this holy water was spilled is known as Brahma Kund, Har ki pauri. Har ki pauri is the main ghat of Haridwar where people take bath. It is believed that there is a rock stone containing the footprints of Lord Vishnu, so is the name Hari-ki-Pauri (means footprints of Lord Vishnu).

As mentioned in ancient hindu scripture texts, after the King  Bhagiratha meditated on Lord Shiva, it is said that the the river Ganges was brought down from heaven for the salvation of thousands of people cursed by Sage Kapila. The same tradition is continued by Hindus till date. After the soul has departed from the body, the ashes of the body are brought to haridwar by family members to drown in holy ganges. Haridwar. It is still believed that this tradition is carried out in the hope of their salvation. Haridwar is also said to have called as Mokshadwar.

The city Haridwar is also associated with sages. Also the land of meditation. Ancient Sage, Kapila is said to have an ashram, so Haridwar as named as Kapilasthana. The serenity of the Ganges makes this place perfect for meditation. Pilgrims reach from different parts of our country to worship Maa Ganga. Priests perform Ganga Aarti in the morning and evening by lightening fire Jyoti while receipting ganga aarti prayer song.

The Shivalik ranges are another beauty of the city, a breathtaking experience of the natural beauty of the Ganges and mountain ranges. A view of sunrise is seen in Haridwar in the morning, as if the rays of the sun are trying to touch the foot of the Ganges.