Haridwar is situated on the
right side of the bank of the holy Ga
nga, and is the point where the river spreads over the
northern plains. Associated with both Lord Shiva and Lord
Vishnu, Haridwar is among the seven sacred cities of India.
It is also one of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela,
held in its magnitude every twelve years. Essentially
a religious centre which holds promise of salvation for
devotees, Haridwar is also a centre of herbal medicine,
and traditional studies at Gurukul Kangri. There are many
places of scenic beauty on the outskirts of the town.
I
t is said that when the Gods left their footprints
on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left
an indelible mark on the spiritual ethos of every Hindu
– more so, the devout, who would later follow their holy
paths all across this blessed land. Haridwar stands as
the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttrakhand. Mentioned
as Mayapuri, Gangadwar, Mokshadwar in the ancient scriptures
and epics, Haridwar has always remained as a major Shaktipeeth
for the devotees. Of such significance is Haridwar in
the thought of India’s traditional Hindus that it has
earned its sobriquet of honour, `the gateway to the Gods’.
Legend has it that the holy Ganga,
the holiest of all rivers, which flows through this sacred
city has actually been sanctified by the powerful Trinity
of Hindu mythology and the centre of the pantheon – Lord
Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.
Down the ages, this special importan
ce of Haridwar as
the ever-refreshing mystic venue for the purification
of the mind, body and soul gained more impetus…and today,
manifests into great events that take place here, i.e.
the memorable Kumbh Mela which happens once every 12 years
and the Ardh Kumbh Mela, which comes once every six years.
Yet, beyond the mystic aura and mythology, Haridwar casts
another magic spell on the visitor. Being one of the oldest
living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient
Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time
stretching from the period of Buddha to the more recent
British advent. Haridwar has not only remained the abode
of the weary in body, mind and spirit, but also served
as a centre for attraction for many, for learning the
arts, science and culture.
Ha
ridwar’s longstanding position as a great source
for Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies as well as
its unique Gurukul school of traditional education, the
scenic beauty and lush greenery…all give the city a unique
flavour and charm; a must among the sojourn centres in
a discoverer’s itinerary of Western U.P. – A destination
of all seasons.
Haridwar is one of the first towns
where Ganga emerges from the mountains to touch the plains.
And that’s why the water is crystal clear and cool. Lush
green forests and small ponds adorns the scenic beauty
of this holy land. The Rajaji National Park is just 10
kms from Haridwar. It’s an ideal destination for wildlife
and adventure lovers.
In the evening the ghats look breathtakingly
beautiful, as thousands of diyas and marigold flowers
float and illuminate the Holy waters.
- Area : 12.302 sq. km.
- Population : 3,48,142 (1991 census)
- Altitude : 294.70 meters above
sea level.
- Season : Round the year.
- Clothing : Summer - Cottons; Winter
- Woollens
- Language : Hindi & English
- Local Transport : Taxis, Tongas,
Tempos, Buses, Cycle-Rikshaws, Auto-Rickshaws
- STD Code : 0133
